Scholarships, Grants, and Other Types of Financial Aid

Academic Scholarships

Wheaton College academic scholarships are generally awarded based on merit, such as commitment to deepening your Christian faith, significant academic achievement, or excellence in a particular field like music. Many of these scholarships are made possible by generous gifts from Wheaton alumni and friends, as well as the college’s endowment.

Need-Based Aid

Grants are also forms of gift aid and do not need to be repaid. They differ from scholarships because they are calculated based on demonstrated financial need. To be considered for a grant, you must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. Federal and state grant eligibility is determined by Wheaton College’s cost of attendance and your expected family contribution. 

After your federal and state grant eligibility is determined, you may also qualify for a Wheaton Grant. We award grants on a first-come, first-served basis, and students must reapply each semester.

Loans

Loans are forms of financial aid that must be paid back with interest. Students and families typically use loans to pay any expenses that are not covered by scholarships or grants. There are several kinds of loans you can consider, including:

• federal subsidized loans (only accrue interest at the start of the repayment period)
• federal unsubsidized loans (interest accrues as soon as the loan is distributed)
• loans from banks and other private institutions.

Other Aid Options

Wheaton offers various aid options beyond standard financial aid, including GI Bill benefits, ROTC scholarships, and the Bennett Fund for missionaries. Additional opportunities include federal loans, on-campus employment (federal work study), and a college payment plan to help students manage educational expenses.