To be considered for financial aid from the federal government, your state, or Wheaton College, you need to apply every year you plan to enroll. Below, you’ll find separate timelines for first-time Wheaton applicants and returning students. Adhering to the deadlines that apply to your specific situation is important to ensure you receive the most accurate financial aid package based on your need.
Financial aid timeline: First-time applicants
Spring
- Begin researching
- Review and compare for Wheaton College and other target schools
October 1
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available to complete for the following school year
November 15
- Priority FAFSA deadline for Early Action I and II applicants
- Illinois Residents Only: Recommended FAFSA deadline to be considered for the Illinois Monetary Award Program
December
- Financial aid award notifications are sent to Early Action I and II applicants
January 15
- Priority FAFSA deadline for Regular Admissions I applicants
February 15
- Priority FAFSA deadline for Regular Admission II applicants
March 15 (and forward)
- Financial aid award notifications are sent to Regular Admissions I applicants
April 15 (and forward)
- Financial aid award notifications are sent to Regular Admissions II applicants
May 1
- Deposit deadline for prospective students to confirm a spot in the new class
July 1
- Financial aid award acceptance deadline for amounts to be applied to fall invoice (Use Wheaton Portal)
Late July
- Fall invoices are posted on Wheaton Portal
July
- Federal Direct Stafford Loan Recipients Only: Complete your loan entrance counseling and master promissory note
August
- Fall invoice payment due (first day of classes)
October 1
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available to complete for the following school year
December 1
- Illinois Residents Only: Recommended FAFSA deadline to be considered for the Illinois Monetary Award Program
March 1
- Priority FAFSA deadline for continuing students
Early June (and forward)
- Financial aid notifications are sent to continuing students
July 1
- Financial aid award acceptance deadline for amounts to be applied to fall invoice (Use Wheaton Portal)
Late July
- Fall invoices are posted on Wheaton Portal
July
- First-time* Federal Direct Stafford Loan Recipients Only: Complete your loan entrance counseling and master promissory note
- *If you are a Stafford Loan recipient and already completed loan entrance counseling and a master promissory note in a previous year, you may skip this step
August
- Fall invoice payment due (first day of classes)