Wheaton administers over $68 million in funds through our academic scholarship, need-based financial aid, and alternative financing programs annually. In order to be considered for need-based funding, it is important to meet your financial aid application deadline. Late applicants will be reviewed on a funds-available basis.
These deadlines are required for consideration of need-based financial aid. Students who wish to be considered for academic scholarships only do not need to complete a financial aid application. Academic scholarships require no additional application; recipients are selected from the new student applicant pool by the Office of Admission. Please Note: Late credentials will be accepted and reviewed for funding as resources permit.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Students who wish to apply for financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Please note that the federal government overhauled the FAFSA last year in an effort to make the application simpler. As a result, the Department of Education expects the 2025-2026 FAFSA to be available no earlier than December (it has been available as of October 1 in recent years). If you apply to Wheaton College, we will inform you as soon as it is available. For this reason, our preferred priority deadline for completing the FAFSA this year for all new students (except transfer students) is January 15 instead of the November deadline in prior years.
The Wheaton Financial Aid Estimate
Given this change, Wheaton College has created a simple application form that will allow us to provide you with a tentative financial aid offer before we receive and review your FAFSA. If you apply for Early Decision or Early Action, and complete our Wheaton Financial Aid Estimate Form (you must apply for admission first before you can access this form) by December 1, you might be able to learn of your admission decision and your tentative financial award before the late December holiday break.
Preferred Priority Deadline for FAFSA Completion
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New First-time students: January 15
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New Transfer Students for Fall 2025: May 1
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Returning Students: April 1