The priority deadline for continuing students is April 15, 2012. A student's file must be complete (FAFSA, Wheaton aid application, and any requested verification documents). Applications received after this date will be processed but applicants may not have full consideration for Wheaton grant funds. Applications that are complete by April 15, 2012 will start to be processed in mid-May.
Note for continuing students who have state funding: Certain state funding is subject to availability. We encourage families who wish consideration for state funding to apply earlier than the April 15 priority deadline.
In making every effort to distribute our financial aid funds as equitably as possible, Wheaton reconsiders the needs of the whole student body annually and distributes the available aid on that basis. For this reason, please keep in mind that you must reapply each year in order to continue receiving financial aid. If your financial situation changes from year to year, you may also see your financial aid increase or decrease based on those changes.
Changes for 2012-2013: Please read the changes for the IRS Data Retrieval and Verification Process (PDF) implemented by the Department of Education for 2012-2013.
Current students are responsible to provide the following each year.
Once you've been awarded Financial Aid, follow the Accepting Awards Instructions to view your account and accept your financial aid package.
Policy on Awards for Delayed Tax Information (3/7/12)
In consideration that there are some situations beyond a family’s control which may prevent a timely tax filing or being able to obtain tax data from the IRS, a family may appeal to have their financial aid award processed without having the IRS tax information requirement satisfied. For details, please read our Policy on Award Processing - Delayed Tax Information. (PDF)
Right of Appeal
If you receive a financial aid award and feel that the determination of financial need is not sufficient, you may be able to appeal the decision. To initiate such a process, contact your financial aid counselor to discuss your situation. Your counselor will determine whether options for additional aid consideration are available. You may be asked to provide supporting documentation. Appeals regarding the determination of financial need must contain new or additional facts not considered at the time need was determined. For details, please read Appeal Explanation (PDF).