Frequently Asked Questions about the Multicultural Scholarships
Are there any academic minimums to qualify for these Merit Scholarships?
There are academic minimums to qualify for Multicultural Scholarships. A successful scholarship recipient must meet at least one of the following academic criteria:
- Graduate in the upper 20% of the high school graduating class
- Earned a cumulative high school grade point average of at least 3.5 (4.0 scale)
- Had an ACT score of 25 or greater
- Had a revised SAT score of 1210 or greater
- Earned a college grade point average of 3.3 (4.0 scale) or greater if the student is transferring from another college.
The Multicultural Scholarships require completion of the Wheaton College Scholarship Application. When is the Scholarship Application deadline?
Because of changes made to the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) this year, we've moved up our scholarship timeline as well to help you receive your financial aid award package sooner! Scholarship Application deadlines follow general admissions deadlines for applicants to Wheaton College.
| Application Round | Admission Application Deadline | Scholarship Application Deadline | Scholarship Notification |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-Year Early Action I and II | November 15 | November 15 | January 1 |
| First-Year Regular Decision I and II | February 15 | February 15 | April 1 |
| Fall Transfers | March 1 | March 1 | April 1 |
I’m a student athlete, and I know that because Wheaton College is a member of NCAA Division III, it cannot provide athletic scholarships. Can I still apply for merit scholarships?
Absolutely! Multicultural scholarships are given to students who engage with issues of ethnic diversity in the United States or would contribute to building a healthy, diverse community at Wheaton College. As a NCAA Division III member institution, Wheaton College cannot award scholarships on the basis of athletic leadership. Applicants should focus their essays on leadership skills and qualities rather than athletic activities.
Are there other forms of merit scholarships available to me?
Yes there are! The Presidential Scholarships are academic merit awards that range from $10,000 to $16,000 per year. There are also Conservatory of Music Scholarships, ROTC Scholarships, and National Merit Finalist Scholarships available. See our list of Scholarships for 2019.
How many students earn a scholarship to come to Wheaton College?
Between one-third and one-half of the incoming class at Wheaton College earns a scholarship each year. More than 80% of students receive financial aid of some kind from Wheaton College, whether in scholarships, need-based grant aid, or loans.
How else can I receive financial aid to attend Wheaton?
Wheaton College provides more than $33 million in grant aid and scholarships and $10 million in loan support each year to undergraduate students. For those who qualify for any need-based aid, the average financial aid package is over $27,000 per year. To be considered for additional financial support, students are encourage to apply for financial aid through the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). You can learn more about the financial aid process at the Financial Aid website.
Apply for Multicultural Scholarships at Wheaton College