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.
The FAFSA and New Changes This Year
Students who wish to apply for financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Please note that the federal government has overhauled the FAFSA this year in an effort to make the application simpler. As a result, the Department of Education expects the 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 February 1 instead of the November deadline in prior years.
The Wheaton Early Estimate Award
Given this change, Wheaton College will have a simple application form that will allow us to provide you with a reasonably strong, detailed estimate of what we expect your financial aid award might look like, based on the federal government’s new formula. If you apply for Early Decision or Early Action, and complete this form (found in your Wheaton admission portal), you might be able to learn of your admission decision and and your estimated financial award before the late December holiday break. Check back here soon for more details.
Prefered Priority Deadline for FAFSA Completion
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New First-time students: February 1
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New Transfer Students for Fall 2024: May 1
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Returning Students: April 1