Wheaton College aims to display the diversity of Christ’s kingdom in our student body, which is why we welcome students with a global perspective and varied backgrounds.
The Wheaton student body consists of students from all 50 states and more than 50 countries, including over 200 missionary and third-culture kids – and we’d love for that number to grow.
Before you begin the application process, please take a moment to review the resources available to MKs and TCKs at Wheaton.
Passport to Wheaton Orientation Program
We are committed to help missionary and third-culture students during their transition to college life in the U.S. Incoming freshman students are invited to a special MK/TCK and international students' program during Orientation week called Passport to Wheaton, which provides a chance to meet classmates from overseas.
Campus Resources for MK/TCKs
International Student Programs (ISP)
The mission of the International Student Programs Office (ISP) is to meet the unique needs of international F-1 visa, missionary, and third-culture undergraduate students through services and initiatives that develop whole individuals and vibrant communities engaged in and contributing to the mission of Wheaton College. Whether you are re-entering the U.S. educational system and culture, or joining for the first time, the ISP is here to support you! Learn more about the several ways to get involved here.
Cross-cultural Ministries and Clubs
After Orientation, there are many clubs or ministries that you may choose to join which have a cross-cultural flavor. During the school year the Office of Ministry and Evangelism oversees specific ministries where you can engage in weekly ministries such as outreach to refugees or friendship evangelism with Muslims and Hindus. Clubs on campus that focus on the rich diversity found in the body of Christ include Gospel Choir, Unidad Cristiana, and Koinonia.
Wheaton’s chapter of Mu Kappa provides fellowship for MKs and TCKs, creating space for them to find connection with peers who have enjoyed similar cross-cultural experiences. Our caring residence life staff, supportive faculty, and the Mu Kappa advisor are always available for encouragement and mentoring.
Spring Break and Study Abroad
During spring break, ministries send students all around the world on BreakAway. In the summer, students engage in Student Ministry Partners, Global Urban Perspectives, and Youth Hostel Ministry. In addition, there are student-led global initiatives that focus on opportunities in particular regions, such as Honduras Project.
Financial Resources
Need-based Financial Aid
Most missionary families qualify for need-based financial assistance based on the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form.* All students are encouraged to fill out the FAFSA and the Wheaton College institutional financial aid application by the priority deadline of February 15th. Since the FAFSA is based on the previous year’s tax information, be sure that your family files your taxes early!
* Federal Financial Aid is only available to United States Citizens or eligible non-U.S. citizens. Learn more about eligibility.
George and Helen Bennett Fund for Missionary Service
Many students who spend a significant portion of their formative years living outside the United States have a desire to return to cross-cultural ministry upon graduating from Wheaton College. The Bennett Fund is a debt forgiveness opportunity for Wheaton Alumni called to overseas missions.
Christian Missionary Scholarship Foundation (CMSF)
The Christian Missionary Scholarship Foundation was established by Stanley and Harriet van Reken to provide financial assistance for missionary kids at six different Christian Colleges including Wheaton College. Qualified MKs can apply for assistance directly through CMSF.
Begin the Application Process
Ready to take the next step? Please note, freshmen candidates may apply to the College of Arts and Sciences or to the Conservatory of Music, but not to both.
Choose your application path:
Once you begin, we'll assign an Admissions Counselor to you to help you through every step of the process and answer your questions.