The 2019-20 FAFSA is the only application required to renew your financial aid for another year. The following information will help you in the renewal process.
The priority deadline for continuing students to submit the FAFSA and any requested verification documentation is March 1, 2019. Applications received after this date will be processed but applicants may not have full consideration for Wheaton grant funds. Applications that are complete by March 1, 2019 will be processed beginning 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 March 1st priority deadline. We encourage Illinois residents to file their 2019-20 FAFSA by November 15, 2018 for maximum consideration for the Illinois MAP grant.
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.
Important: The federal government has stipulated how families are to provide tax information to financial aid offices. Please read the information and instructions carefully. Print all instructions(PDF)
Current students are responsible for providing the following each year:
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- All requested verification documents
Read full verification policy...
The student will be notified if verification documents are requested. Any documents submitted must include the student's full name and student ID number.
Deadline
Students must provide verification documentation prior to the last day of the student’s enrollment for Campus-based, Direct Loan, and institutional need-based aid. However, for maximum consideration of Campus-based and institutional need-based aid, verification documentation must be received prior to the annually established priority deadline date, which varies for new and continuing students. Verification documentation must be provided for Pell Grant applicants prior to 120 days after the last day of the student’s enrollment.
Important: Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and awards cannot be processed until all requested verification items have been received. If financial aid disburses after semester payment is due, students are subject to late fees and interest charges.
Once you've been awarded Financial Aid, follow the Accepting Award Instructions to view your account and accept your financial aid package.
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 student financial services advisor to discuss your situation. Your advisor 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 Procedure Explanation (PDF)
Accept your Award Online
Click here for help with accepting your award online.