Financial Aid

Financial aid at Wheaton is a partnership that draws on the combined resources of the student and their family, federal and state governments, and the college itself. Wheaton believes that the primary responsibility for paying for college lies, to the extent possible, with families themselves. Eligibility for all need-based aid from the college is determined by a combination of financial need and academic promise, with financial need the predominant factor.

Wheaton also offers merit-based scholarships and awards to recognize outstanding academic achievement at the high-school level and continued achievement in college. If a financial aid applicant is the recipient of one of the college’s merit scholarships/awards, this funding will reduce their eligibility for need-based aid.

Institutional financial aid and merit support is limited to a maximum of eight semesters. Students who require additional semesters to complete their degree are not eligible for need-based or merit funding after their eighth semester. Institutional financial aid and merit funding may only be used while enrolled at Wheaton or on a Wheaton-affiliated program.

Determining Eligibility

Wheaton determines the amount that a family can realistically be expected to contribute toward total college expenses by reviewing the family’s overall financial circumstances as presented on the financial aid application. This needs analysis takes into account such factors as family income and assets, mandatory expenses (federal, state and local taxes and Social Security payments, for example), extraordinary expenses, family size and the number of siblings attending undergraduate college. In addition to examining the family’s current circumstances, the needs analysis attempts to assess the family’s ability to finance college costs. Thus, families may meet their responsibility to the educational partnership through a combination of resources: savings, current income and, often, some long-term financing.

Wheaton also expects the student to pay a portion of their own expenses, from summer earnings, savings or other assets as well as from wages earned during the academic year. We typically expect students to contribute at least $1,600 each academic year.

Together, the amount of the parents’ responsibility and the student’s resources make up the expected family contribution. The difference between the total cost of education (tuition, fees, room, board, books and supplies, and personal and travel expenses) and the expected family contribution is the student’s eligibility for need-based aid.

Sources of Aid

Each year, Wheaton funds as many financially eligible students as possible. Eligible students who complete the aid application on time may receive a “package” of resources. A financial aid package typically includes a combination of grant assistance from Wheaton, student loans and/or work-study awards (subsidized student employment). The level of grant funding will depend on a student’s need level, academic promise and availability of funds. In years when the demand for institutional grant assistance exceeds available funds, we may not be able to fully fund every eligible aid recipient. In such cases, the student and family must work together to secure adequate funding. In all cases, families are encouraged to seek other sources of financial assistance.

Federal Aid Programs

Federal Pell Grant

This is a federal grant awarded to students with high financial need. Pell Grants need not be repaid. Wheaton requires all students applying for financial assistance to apply for Pell funds via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year.

Federal SEOG Grant. The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is awarded to students who demonstrate an exceptional need for assistance. Wheaton determines the size of the student’s award based on the amount of FSEOG funds available to the college each year. Ranging from $500 to $3,000, these grants need not be repaid.

Federal Direct Subsidized Student Loan

This is a federally subsidized student loan, administered by Wheaton and funded by the Department of the Treasury. No interest is charged and no payments are required until six months after the student leaves school. The minimum monthly payment is $50 and the maximum repayment period is 10 years. Repayment may be deferred if the student goes on to full-time graduate school. Repayment of principal and interest begins six months after the student leaves school, graduates or drops below half-time attendance. Maximum eligibility for freshmen is $3,500, sophomores, $4,500, and juniors and seniors, $5,500.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

Students who are not eligible for the Subsidized Loan program may still be eligible for a loan without the federal interest subsidy. Although repayment of principal may be deferred during enrollment, interest does accrue. Repayment requires a minimum monthly payment of at least $50 and extends for up to 10 years. Students who wish to apply for the Unsubsidized Loan must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Federal Direct PLUS Loan

The Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) enables parents to borrow for higher education expenses through the Federal Treasury. Loan fees are subtracted from the borrowed amount prior to disbursement. Repayment of principal and interest begins after disbursement and continues for a maximum of 10 years. Parents can prepay all or part of the amount borrowed at any time without penalty. Eligibility for the Direct PLUS loan is determined by the total cost of attendance less any other aid received. The Department requires that a credit check be performed to determine approval. For information regarding the terms and conditions of the Federal Direct PLUS loan please visit the Department of Education’s Federal PLUS Loan information page at studentaid.ed.gov. Parents who wish to apply for this loan must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Federal Work-Study

This is a campus employment program in which the federal government pays a portion of the student’s wage. It is intended to assist with personal expenses (such as travel, books and supplies) during the academic year. Although it is the student’s responsibility to find a position, Student Financial Services maintains an online job directory of positions available on campus as well as community service opportunities. Wheaton is a participant in the federal literacy program, in which federal work study students are employed as reading tutors for preschool and elementary school students. The college holds a job fair early in the fall semester during which students can meet potential campus employers. Wheaton students typically work between six and eight hours per week; wages are paid to the student via direct deposit every other week.

Special Considerations

Federal and state programs are subject to annual appropriations approval. Programs or funding levels may be subject to change based on federal or state budgetary constraints.

State Aid Programs

State Scholarships/Grants

Massachusetts has reciprocal state scholarship agreements with: Pennsylvania and Vermont. State scholarships awarded to students from these states can receive their scholarships while at Wheaton.

State Scholarships not packaged as part of an initial financial aid award will reduce need based institutional grant aid dollar for dollar. In addition, Wheaton will not replace anticipated state scholarship awards with institutional funds for students who fail to complete the application process.

Students should check with their state scholarship office for specific eligibility information and application deadlines. To maximize the chances of being eligible for state assistance, we recommend that families complete the FAFSA application by the appropriate state deadline.

Gilbert Grants

The Gilbert Grant Program is made up of funds allotted to Wheaton by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Awarded to high-need residents of the state, Gilbert Grants usually range from $500 to $2,500.

Special Considerations

Federal and state programs are subject to annual approval. Programs or funding levels may be subject to change based on federal or state budgetary constraints.

Student Employment

The Office of Student Financial Services (SFS) coordinates the on-campus student employment program, which encompasses both Federal Work-Study and Wheaton Work (for students who do not qualify for Federal Work-Study). In order to work on campus, students must demonstrate that they are eligible to work in the United States. In addition, student employees must complete required payroll and work authorization forms. Students are not eligible to work or be paid until all required paperwork has been completed. The SFS staff is available to help students with these forms.

Priority for campus jobs is given to students who have been awarded Federal Work-Study funding as a part of their need-based aid package. The college does not guarantee the availability of on-campus employment for all students. The college may limit the hours or earnings of students to comply with federal regulations and to make employment more widely available to the student population. For more information on student employment policies and procedures, visit wheatoncollege.edu/SEO.

Wheaton Merit Scholarships and Awards

There are no separate applications required for merit consideration at Wheaton. Students are selected from the pool of first-time freshman applicants at the time of admission to the college. If a financial aid applicant is a merit recipient, it will reduce his/her eligibility for need-based financial aid.

Balfour Scholars

Established in 1983 with a gift from the Lloyd G. and Mildred Balfour Foundation, the Balfour Scholar award enables Wheaton to recognize entering freshmen who have demonstrated outstanding academic ability, unusual talents and potential for leadership. Each Balfour Scholar receives a scholarship in addition to a one-time $3,000 stipend to support community service, internships or research opportunities in the summer of either their sophomore or junior year at Wheaton.

Trustee Scholars

Trustee Scholars are recognized for their superior academic achievement and demonstrated extracurricular commitment. As a Trustee Scholar, each student receives a scholarship in addition to a one-time $3,000 stipend to support community service, internships or research opportunities in the summer of either their sophomore or junior year at Wheaton.

Regional Scholars

The Regional Scholars program recognizes students who demonstrate strong academic performance and bring geographic diversity to the college. . Regional Scholars each receive a scholarship and a one-time $3,000 stipend to support community service, internships or research opportunities in the summer of either their sophomore or junior year at Wheaton.

Centennial and Dean’s Awards 

These awards are given to students who demonstrated academic promise and participated in extra-curricular activities and community service during high school.

All of these scholarship awards are renewable annually providing students maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.

They may be used only during terms of enrollment at Wheaton or on Wheaton-affiliated programs. They may not be used for non-affiliated programs (abroad or domestic). For a current list of Wheaton-affiliated programs abroad, contact the Center for Global Education. For a current list of Wheaton-affiliated programs in the United States, contact the Academic Advising Office.

Private Outside Scholarships

Outside sources of funding can significantly reduce a student’s debt burden and work commitment over the years. For those reasons, we encourage students to investigate as many alternative funding sources as possible. If Wheaton has not been able to meet the full amount of a student’s need-based financial aid eligibility, outside scholarships may be used first to replace any unmet eligibility. If the scholarship amount exceeds the amount of unmet eligibility, we will reduce the “self-help” portion of the package (work-study and/ or student loan). Only when all self-help has been eliminated will we have to reduce the grant portion of the package.

Students and families should research private scholarships through as many means as possible. The best sources are within the student’s local community and high school. Students may use the Web to research a myriad of scholarship possibilities.

Applying for Aid

Once a student is admitted to the college, aid is awarded based on a combined assessment of financial eligibility and the overall strength of the candidate. We urge all prospective students concerned about meeting college costs to apply for financial assistance when applying for admission. We also encourage students and their families to investigate all forms of financial aid that may be available outside the college (for example, community-based scholarships).

Students applying for institutional financial assistance must complete both the CSS PROFILE and the FAFSA. The Wheaton CSS code number is 3963 and the Wheaton FAFSA code number is 002227. For more information, please call the Office of Student Financial Services at 508-286-8232. Please note that need-based financial aid is available to U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents; a limited amount of need-based financial aid is awarded annually to non-U.S. citizens.

Required Documents for Financial Aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for federal and state funding and is required of all financial aid applicants. Students and their parents should complete and submit the form to the Department of Education’s processor by the deadline associated with the admission plan they have chosen (e.g., early decision, early action, etc.). Students and families use prior year income and tax information, enabling families to complete the FAFSA using information that is readily available and accurate, eliminating the need to estimate tax data. The FAFSA is available at fafsa.ed.gov., and Wheaton’s federal code number for the FAFSA is 002227.

CSS/PROFILE application

Wheaton uses the information from PROFILE to determine eligibility for institutional and campus-based federal funding. The PROFILE is available only online at www.collegeboard.org, and processing takes only 48 hours. A small fee is charged for processing; some students may qualify for a fee waiver. Wheaton’s institutional code number for PROFILE is 3963. If students are only interested in receiving federal loan funds, the CSS Profile is not required. After the first year, returning students do not have to complete the Profile; instead, they complete the Wheaton Returning Student Supplemental Financial Aid Application at no fee.

Student and parent tax returns

Wheaton also requires students and their parent(s) to submit copies of their federal income tax returns to Student Financial Services. Applicants should include all pages, schedules and W-2 forms. Students and parents who have not and will not be filing a federal tax return may be asked to submit verification of non-tax filing status, and describe all sources of income for the year.

Noncustodial parent’s statement

If a student’s biological parents are separated, divorced or never married, the parent with whom the student does not live (the noncustodial parent) must complete a Noncustodial Parent’s Statement. When the student completes the CSS PROFILE online, they will be given instructions to forward to their noncustodial parent for the online Noncustodial Parent’s Statement. If the noncustodial parent cannot access the online form, please contact SFS.

Business/Farm Supplement

Student or parent(s) who own a business or farm must submit a Business/Farm Supplement to Wheaton. Applicants who complete the CSS Profile and indicate ownership of a business or self-employment will receive a link to this form. Applicants return this form directly to Wheaton. If the business files a corporate or partnership tax return, Wheaton requires a copy of the business tax return along with the Business/Farm Supplement.

Deadlines for Applying for Need-Based Financial Aid

It is critical that applicants complete their applications on time. We cannot ensure that funding will be available for late applicants. Late applicants may be placed on a financial aid waitlist.

Financial Aid in Continuing Years

Financial aid is awarded for one year at a time; students must reapply to be considered in subsequent years. As during the first year, eligibility for aid is based both on the family’s financial circumstances and the student’s academic performance. Although the college strives to minimize fluctuations in a student’s award from year to year, some changes will be inevitable. A sibling’s graduation from college or an increase in a parent’s salary, for example, would decrease the student’s need, and, correspondingly, his or her financial aid package. Likewise, the loss of a parent’s job or a sibling entering college has the potential to increase the overall aid award.

Academic Standing and Satisfactory Progress

Continued receipt of federal financial aid depends on your meeting the following academic progress standards. Some of Wheaton’s satisfactory academic progress standards are the same as the academic standing standards that the college applies to all students; others may be more stringent in order to comply with federal regulations governing student eligibility for funding. The Office of Student Financial Services reviews student records for satisfactory academic progress at the end of each academic year. Students must meet the following standards for progress to be met.

Quantitative standard

Wheaton does not have an explicit maximum time frame in which all students must complete their degree program. The college does monitor earned credits, and reclassifies students who fall more than two courses behind their grade level to the next class year. Students who fall more than two courses behind may also be subject to other institutional actions, such as suspension or dismissal. Course deficiencies are reviewed by the Committee on Academic Standing after grades are posted each term.

The Office of Student Financial Services utilizes the federal maximum time frame of 150 percent of program length as the enrollment maximum for students to maintain eligibility for federal funding. For the four-year bachelor’s degree this is equal to six years of full-time enrollment. The maximum time frame for part time students is also equivalent to 150 percent of the time to completion based on their enrollment level.

Full-Time = 4 Academic Years or 6 Academic Years (max)

Three-Quarter Time = 5.5 Academic Years or 8 Academic Years (max)

Half-Time = 8 Academic Years or 12 Academic Years (max)

First-year students who do not earn at least 67 percent of attempted credits are placed on probation for federal aid. Students who have not earned 67 percent of attempted credits by the end of their second year are ineligible for further federal financial aid until they have earned enough credits to bring them up to the 67 percent requirement.

Qualitative standard

Wheaton’s satisfactory academic progress policy requires that students must meet the 2.0 cumulative GPA required for graduation by the end of their second year. Until that time, a minimum GPA of 1.67 must be maintained. If the student’s GPA does not meet these standards, he or she will lose eligibility for financial aid funding.

Study Away

Wheaton-affiliated programs abroad

Students participating in Wheaton-affiliated programs abroad pay tuition, and may pay room and/or board charges directly to Wheaton, and may use their financial aid and merit awards to fund these programs. The only portion of a student’s award that is not available for use in a Wheaton-affiliated program abroad is the work award; Wheaton does not replace these funds unless a student has eligibility for an increased federal Direct Loan. Wheaton’s Center for Global Education has significantly expanded the number of Wheaton’s program affiliations; qualified Wheaton students may now enroll in a Wheaton program abroad in many countries around the world. Additional program affiliations are considered each year in response to student and faculty interest. Program affiliations are also periodically reviewed and may be discontinued. To obtain a current list of Wheaton-affiliated programs abroad, contact the Center for Global Education directly or visit wheatoncollege.edu/global.

Wheaton-affiliated programs in the United States (domestic)

Wheaton maintains affiliations with a very limited number of specialty programs located in the United States. Students participating in Wheaton-affiliated programs in the United States may use their financial aid and merit awards to fund these programs. The only portion of a student’s award that is not available for use in a domestic Wheaton-affiliated program is the work award; Wheaton does not replace these funds unless a student has eligibility for an increased federal Direct Loan. A current list of Wheaton-affiliated programs in the United States may be obtained from the Academic Advising Center.

Non-affiliated programs abroad

Students may petition for approval to attend non-affiliated programs abroad. If the student’s program is approved, they may apply for need-based financial aid based on the program cost (not to exceed Wheaton’s cost). Institutional need-based grant aid for non-affiliated programs is limited. In years when the demand for financial support for non-affiliated programs exceeds available dollars, the college may reduce awards, or may limit support to one semester. Merit scholarships and awards may not be used on non-affiliated programs abroad.

Non-affiliated programs in the United States (domestic)

Although remaining eligible for federal and state aid, students attending approved, but non-affiliated programs in the United States are not eligible for institutional funding (need-based grant or merit scholarship/award) or work awards. This includes the 12X and American University (Washington Semester) programs.

Exceptions to this policy are for the programs at the National Theater Institute, the Mystic Maritime Program, and the Dual Degree program with Dartmouth.

Eligible terms

Wheaton funding (merit and need-based) is available only for programs during the fall and spring semesters. Students interested in participating in short-term programs (summer or winter) may contact Student Financial Services to determine whether they have any remaining federal or state eligibility for use on these programs.

Annual review

Study away policies are reviewed yearly and are subject to change.

Beyond Financial Aid

Though not all students qualify for financial aid, Wheaton offers a variety of programs to every family working to finance a college education. Alone or in tandem with other financing options, these programs can help aided families meet their contribution as well as assist all families with financing college costs. Programs may change from year to year; the staff in Student Financial Services will provide you with current program information.

Costs and Payments

A college education is likely to be one of the most significant investments you and your family will ever make. Wheaton’s comprehensive fee for the 2019-2020 academic year is $68,664. This includes tuition, room and board, and student activity fee.

Financial aid awarded by the college including institutional merit and scholarship awards are disbursed to a student’s account at the end of the add/drop period for each semester. Disbursements, which are run daily, apply loans, grants, and scholarship funds to a student’s account. All required documentation must be received in order for funds to disburse. Students can check to ensure that all required financial documents are received through their Inside Wheaton account.

If you are a Pell recipient who expects to have a credit balance on your student account, you may request an early refund of your Pell fund for textbook purchases.

Wheaton offers a number of options for paying the balance due, from low-cost educational loans to budget payment plans.

Please bear in mind that these options are not mutually exclusive: many families have found that a combination of payment and loan plans works especially well for them. Nelnet,, our budget payment plan company, offers a free tool called BorrowSmart: the online calculator that can be used by families considering a customized payment plan/loan option.

Tuition and Fees

Annual fees for 2019-2020

The tuition fee for both resident and nonresident students is $54,118. The student activities fee is $450 for all students. The residence fee is $7,612 for room. Board charges are $6,484. All students are also charged a $200 technology fee.

International Student Fee

All students who are not US Citizens, Dual Citizens or Permanent Residents are charged a one-time fee of $175 to assist the college with document processing and international programming.

Summer Session tuition and fees

Tuition for Summer Session is charged by course credit. A limited number of scholarships are available for summer courses; federal and private student loans may be available to students enrolled in two or more courses. Contact Student Financial Services for more information.

Auditing a Summer Session course may be allowed for a fee of $350, enabling participation in class but will not result in the awarding of credit.

Special tuition programs, such as the college’s SACHEM affiliation or the discounts offered to Norton residents for courses during the fall and spring semesters, do not apply to the Summer Session offerings.

Special Fees and Expenses

Special fees are set each year and are subject to change.

Music performance fees

Music performance fees are $500 per semester for non majors taking performance courses for academic credit. Non-credit lessons are $335 per semester for 30-minute lessons; $500 per semester for 45-minute lessons; and $670 per semester for 60-minute lessons.

Transcript fee

The transcript fee is $6 for an electronic transcript and $8.50 for a paper transcript. 

Student parking

The student parking fee is $180 per year.

Health services fees

There are no charges for visits to the professional staff of the Norton Medical Center during clinic hours. There are small charges, however, for medicines dispensed by the health center, for laboratory work and for some clinical services.

Student health insurance

All college students in Massachusetts are required to be covered by health insurance and to indicate that they have coverage equivalent to or in excess of that provided by the Wheaton College Student Health Insurance Plan.

(Information is available through the Office of Student Financial Services and Wheaton Health Services.) Students are automatically enrolled in the plan unless a waiver is requested and approved. In accordance with Massachusetts state law, students who are granted a waiver must be enrolled in a health insurance plan that satisfies state regulations. Families can find information describing the Wheaton College Student Health Insurance Plan, the process for requesting a waiver, and the state requirements for student health insurance on the Health Services website.

The plan offered by Wheaton provides twelve-month coverage for areas including preventive health care, accidents, illness, hospitalization, emotional disorders, alcoholism and sports injuries. Information on the health plan and health care providers can be obtained through the Office of Health Services or the Office of Student Financial Services.

The college requires international students, or U.S. students living abroad who do not have coverage by a domestic carrier, to enroll in the Wheaton College Student Health Insurance Plan.

Optional accident insurance plan

Wheaton also offers an optional accident insurance plan for any student who waives the Wheaton Student Health Plan. The purpose of the accident plan is to provide low-cost secondary insurance coverage, particularly for varsity athletes (under the accident sections of both policies, varsity athletes are covered 100 percent, subject to the policy limitations).

Fines

There are various fines administered by different offices of the college. These include library fines, fines for violation of the alcohol policy, fire safety violation fines and fines for damage to college property. Students who violate college policies will be subject to disciplinary action, which may also include a substantial fine. Questions should be directed to the Office of the Dean of Students or the office issuing the fine. Failure to pay fines may result in the withholding of grades or transcripts or prevent registration.

Tuition policy for degree students

Tuition charges for degree students are not based on credit hours for courses. Though the normal course load is four courses per semester, some students are approved by the Committee on Academic Standing to take additional courses, and extenuating circumstances may justify an occasional request for a reduced course load. Students living on campus are required to pay full tuition regardless of the number of courses they take in a given semester. Additional tuition charges may apply for enrollment above five courses in a single term. Please contact the Office of Student Financial Services for more information.

Students who are within two credits of completing the requirements for graduation and who do not live on campus may request a prorated tuition charge; if a student chooses to reside on campus, full tuition may be charged (unless there are special circumstances approved by the Offices of Residential Life and Academic Advising). Students should be aware that requesting a reduced course load could affect the financial aid they are receiving in the current or future semesters. We recommend that any financially aided student petitioning for a reduced course load meet with a Student Financial Services counselor to review the impact on their aid eligibility.

Tuition Special Programs for 2019–2020

All part-time non-degree (special) students are required to pay for all classes at the time of registration.

Fees may change

In the face of rising costs affecting all facets of higher education, tuition and fee increases have been necessary each year for the past decade. As such increases may continue to be necessary, parents and students are advised that the Board of Trustees may change the fee schedule from one academic year to the next, and make changes required by law during the academic year.

Payments

Schedule of payments

Students are billed electronically once per semester for their tuition, fees, room, and board expenses. The payment due date is August 1 for the fall semester and January 1 for the spring semester. Fall charges are billed in late June  and due August 1; spring charges are billed in early December and are due January 1. Subsequent bills reflect any past due balance plus any new activity on the student account. Monthly statements are posted on the Wheaton Student Account Center for all active students unless they had a zero balance in the previous month and no new billing activity. Miscellaneous charges are due on the first of the month following the billing statement. Payment may be made online through the Wheaton Student Account Center. Checks should be made payable to Wheaton College, include the student name and identification number, and be mailed as instructed.

To avoid late-payment fees, please allow sufficient time if mailing payment, particularly if you experience difficulty with the postal service in your area. Late-payment fees will be assessed at the rate of $100 per month.

Payment policy

Full payment and/or acceptable documentation that demonstrates the balance will be fully paid must be received prior to the published deadline. Payment may be made in U.S. dollars and checks must be drawn on U.S. banks.

Acceptable documentation includes enrollment in the Interest-Free Monthly Payment Option, a copy of an award letter for an outside scholarship, a copy of a billing authorization or sponsorship letter, or a certificate of eligibility for students with Veterans’ benefits.

Please note that loans based on the creditworthiness of the borrower may not be deducted without approval from the lender. A copy of an approval notice with disbursement dates will be accepted as documentation for this type of loan.

Late payment

Late payment fees will be assessed at the rate of $100per month. Students who reside in campus housing may not be permitted to move into their campus residences until their accounts are settled with the Student Financial Services Office.

Wheaton College policy states that any student with a balance due from a prior semester may not be permitted to register for classes. In addition, college policy requires the withholding of all credits, educational services, and issuance of transcripts and certifications of academic records from any person whose financial obligations to the college (including delinquent accounts, deferred balances and liability for damage) are overdue and/or unpaid. If any overdue obligation is referred either to the college collection department or to an outside agency or attorney for collection efforts and/or legal suit, the debt is increased to cover all reasonable costs of collection, including collection agency and attorney fees and court costs. Accounts referred for collection may also be reported to a national credit bureau. By registering for any class in the college, a student accepts and agrees to be bound by the foregoing college policy as applied to any pre-existing or future obligation to the college.

Late payments by bank or cashier’s check

The college reserves the right to require that a late payment be made in the form of bank or cashier’s check, payable to Wheaton College. This may be requested in cases where the student is seeking immediate clearance of a past due balance for such purposes as participation in registration, room lottery or release of an official transcript or diploma. A certified or bank check may also be requested if there is an account history of payments returned for insufficient funds.

Interest-Free Monthly Payment Option®

The Interest-Free Monthly Payment Plan helps families budget education expenses over the course of each term. The $45.00 enrollment fee includes toll-free education payment counseling and 24-hour, automated account access. Payment Plans are set up on a per-term basis and can be made over 6, 5 or 4 months.

Holds

Financial leave policy and registration hold

Any student with a past-due account balance will have a registration hold placed on their student record. This action will prevent the student from participating in the registration process for the following term until the past-due account is paid in full. If the balance is not paid by the end of the term, the student will be placed on financial leave of absence for the following term.

Diploma and official transcript holds

Any student who has a past-due account balance will have a financial hold placed on his or her official transcript and diploma. Once the balance is paid in full, the official record can be released.

Room lottery hold

Any student who has a past-due account balance will have a financial hold placed on his or her participation in the room selection process (lottery). Once the past-due balance is paid in full, the student can select from the remaining rooms.

Refund Policy

Students must notify the Office of Academic Advising  in writing that they are leaving Wheaton in order to be eligible for a refund. The date the written notice is received by the Office of Academic Advising  is used as the official date of withdrawal. The refund policy does not apply to students asked to leave the college involuntarily during an academic term. Students on involuntary leave or dismissal are eligible for a prorated board charge only, based on the last date of enrollment.

Eligible students who leave during their first semester at the college will have their charges prorated based on the number of weeks of attendance, until the tenth week. Students who complete at least ten weeks, but do not complete the full first semester, will not be eligible for a refund.

All other eligible students will have their charges refunded as follows:

Refund Policy 

Fall 2019 Term

Spring 2020 Term

Room and board per semester

There will be no refund of the room charge once classes begin each semester.  The board charge will be refunded on a pro-rata basis determined by the date the written notice is received by the Office of Academic Advising.

Summer Session refunds

Wheaton will refund 90 percent of tuition and fees (except for the registration fee) if the student withdraws from the course within the first two calendar days of the term; 50 percent refund on the third and fourth days; no refund after that.

Tuition Insurance

Because Wheaton’s refund policy provides only limited refunds for tuition, board and fees (and only for withdrawal for non-academic and non-disciplinary reasons), it is recommended that consideration be given to purchasing Tuition Insurance through GradGuard. Tuition Insurance minimizes the financial loss in the event that your son/daughter is unable to complete the academic term due to a medical or psychological issue. Opt in coverage will be presented to you in the fall term, and again in the spring term, when you log into your Student Account Center account.   Enrollment must be completed prior to the first day of each term.

Refunds of Overpayment

To request a refund, you must complete a Refund Request form, a printable copy of which is available at wheatoncollege.edu/Admin/ SFS/Forms and forward it to the Office of Student Financial Services. Please allow seven to 10 business days for a response.