Destination: Wheaton
Guidebook for enrolling and financial aid
You’ve been invited to join a vibrant community of people whose ideas make Wheaton a great place to live and learn.
We know that selecting the right college is a major decision, so we’ve come up with a great way to help:
Welcome
to Wheaton
Day
Friday, April 18, 2025
When you join us for this special program, you will meet future classmates, and you will:
• Learn about academic programs from the faculty who teach them
• Get a glimpse into life and career design—career services reimagined
• Hear about campus life from current students
• Learn about clubs, organizations, academic programs and more
• Have your questions answered about financial aid and financing options
Watch your email for an invite to register in early March.
Fill out the Enrollment Agreement Form and submit your deposit by
Log in to the applicant portal (admission.wheatoncollege.edu/status) for enrollment instructions or visit wheatoncollege.edu/admitted May 1
Home Away From Home
Part of what makes Wheaton such a special place is the fact that you are joining a community where nearly all students live on campus in either a residence hall or house, and have the opportunity to opt-into or apply for more immersive residential experiences. It makes for strong relationships, great conversations and feeling like you are part of something important (which you are).
The campus features 19 traditional residence halls, including the new, super energy-efficient Pine Hall. Each hall has its own look and feel and is staffed by Resident Advisors (RAs), student leaders who organize residential engagements, provide support, and create opportunities for residents to be a part of a great community.
Every weekend, and most weeknights, there’s something happening around campus: speakers, discussions, movies, open mic nights, concerts, dances and more—plus 26 NCAA Division III and intercollegiate athletic teams to play or root for. You will find even more in Boston, Providence or New York City—just a short bus or train ride away.
Room details
In late spring, you will receive information by email inviting you to fill out an online housing application. Based on information you provide in the housing application (due in late June), you will be matched to a room and roommate. We expect that you will receive an assignment by the first week of August. Many roommates choose to connect by email, social media, or online during the summer. Regardless of how you meet, you’ll connect on Move-In Day in late August.
Meal plan
First-year students are enrolled in the carte blanche (all-you-can-eat) meal plan, which includes vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other allergen-free options. With this plan, you can enjoy unlimited meals in Chase Dining Hall and select from meal options at other campus dining locations. A complete description of the meal plan can be found at wheatoncollege.campusdish.com
Theme houses
After the first year at Wheaton, you might choose to become more involved in your residential experience by living in a theme house. Themes change from year to year. Some recent themes: femmes of color, the arts, international experiences, environmental sustainability, feminism, farming, first-generation identities, political science, food insecurity, interfaith understanding, media and film, STEM inclusion, the outdoors, LGBTQ+, Hispanic and Latino culture, advocacy against interpersonal violence, and tackling social justice issues regarding men of color from urban backgrounds.
To Do: Get a room assignment
Look for an email with instructions on how to create your official student account this spring. Log into the portal and complete the housing application.
To Do: Get to know your class
Follow the Wheaton Class of 2029 official Instagram account, @wheatonma2029. Say hi. Introduce yourself. Start a conversation. Get excited.
You’re Part Of Our Community
You are a distinct and talented individual. So when you come to Wheaton, we want you to continue being that person. Luckily, we have more than 100 student organizations and club sports—plenty of opportunities to try something different and excel at being yourself.
Wheaton traditions
It was a Wheaton student who had the idea of bringing a Hindu tradition to campus in the form of Holi, the Festival of Colors. On the last day of classes each spring, students gather on Chapel Field to mark the end of the academic year with color, fun and a little chaos. Another Wheaton tradition: The Head of the Peacock Regatta, held on Spring Weekend. Students build boats using everything from bottles to old bathtubs and race to the other side of Peacock Pond and back (or just try to stay afloat). It’s wet and wild and very, very Wheaton. Some traditions are official, like the Honors Thesis Parade and the Senior Hoop Roll (which you’ll learn more about later). Others are unwritten: things you should do before you leave Wheaton, like sledding in the Dimple or studying in the library’s Cole Room.
All of these things and more make Wheaton the special place it is—a place that now includes you. Welcome.
The Wheaton Edge On The Competition
Our Life and Career Design Institute will help you make the most of the myriad resources and opportunities waiting for you. Working with our career navigators, you will discover your own path and learn to forge connections, develop professional skills and build a network for life.
The Life and Career Design Institute offers a holistic approach to life and career navigation. Through one-on-one sessions and workshops starting in your first year, you will learn to apply design thinking principles to attain meaningful experiences at Wheaton, in your future career and in your daily life.
In addition, you can count on having guaranteed access to funding for an unpaid experience (internship, field research, volunteer work or otherwise). This guaranteed funding may come in the form of an award or scholarship stipend to be used during the summer of either your sophomore or junior year.
A few Life and Career Design services:
• Identify and develop your values, skills and interests
• Explore industries and experience day-to-day job functions to inform your future
• Learn résumé and cover letter writing, interviews and jobsearch skills
• Develop your networking skills with alumni and other professionals
• Attend career-related and scholarly conferences on and off campus
The World Is About To Get Bigger
Interested in studying, volunteering or interning abroad? Wheaton tuition, including financial aid, can be applied to 100+ programs in 45+ countries around the world.
If you are ready to study abroad now, you may want to consider the WheaGo Global First Semester Study Abroad Program. Choose one of five exciting options: international business and management in Sydney, Australia; communications and international relations in Barcelona, Spain; art, design and fashion in Paris, France; culture, sustainability and the sciences in Lugano, Switzerland, or liberal arts and sciences in Athens, Greece. Interested? Find out more at wheatoncollege.edu/wheago
The Center for Global Education will help you find a program that matches your career interests and goals. You will find myriad semester and year-long options from Australia, Asia and Africa to Europe and South America. The college also offers short-term study abroad experiences led by Wheaton faculty that explore special topics, such as a study and field research trip to Iceland on climate change, tropical biology in Costa Rica and Belize or theater in London.
Whether or not you choose to travel, you will be part of a global campus with students from 35 countries and 43 U.S. states and territories. Our community members’ diverse backgrounds and perspectives make Wheaton a fascinating place to live and learn and set students up for success in a global world.
International student FAQ
International Students Welcome!
Receiving your Form I-20
Wheaton’s Center for Global Education will prepare the Form I-20 for all students requiring a student visa and send them out in late spring. The staff is aware of deadlines for visa interviews and applications and will ensure that you receive your I-20 in a timely manner. Your I-20 will be sent to your mailing address, as indicated on your Common Application. If your address has changed, please notify the Admission Office.
Additional documentation
The following items are required before your I-20 can be prepared:
• A scanned copy of the photo/information page of your passport
• A bank statement and/or Certification of Finances form showing full financial support for all four years at Wheaton—if you did not apply for financial aid
If you did not submit these items with your application, please email PDFs of them right away to the Admission Office at admission@wheatoncollege.edu
Arrival at Wheaton
Move-in day for international students will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 19. If you are planning an early arrival in the United States, please note that Wheaton residence halls will not be available to you until move-in day. We would be happy to recommend nearby accommodations, should you need them prior to this date.
Orientation
The Center for Global Education will host an International Early Arrival program for international students, starting on Wednesday, Aug. 20. You will receive more information about this program during the summer. The main orientation program for all incoming domestic and international students will begin on Friday, Aug. 22.
For more information
Need to change your email address or mailing address or submit documentation? Contact the Admission Office at admission@wheatoncollege.edu Have more questions? See a full list of campus contacts on page 24.
Financial aid FAQ
We recognize that cost plays a major role in the college selection process, and we want to provide helpful information as you plan for a Wheaton education. Below are some of the most commonly asked questions, and answers, about financial aid.
How is eligibility for financial aid determined?
The need-based financial aid program at Wheaton assumes that the family has primary responsibility for paying college expenses; financial aid then supplements the family contribution. Wheaton’s program also considers a student’s academic history and potential when awarding funds.
Using a uniform and equitable formula, we first calculate a family’s ability to contribute toward college expenses. We then compare this amount to the total cost of attendance. If the calculated family resources are less than the total cost, you have demonstrated eligibility for need-based assistance. Based on the demonstrated need of the entire pool of admitted applicants, Wheaton distributes institutional grants and campus-based federal and state aid funds. These resources are finite; demand and demonstrated need across the pool prevents the college from meeting 100 percent of the calculated need of all students.
Wheaton also offers merit-based awards at the time of admission. If you are the recipient of an award, it is included in calculating your remaining eligibility for need-based funds.
What’s included in the “cost of attendance”?
The cost of attendance is an estimate of all expenses you are likely to incur over the academic year. It includes tuition, housing, meal plan and mandatory fees for which you are billed by the college. For financial aid purposes, it also includes an estimate for books, supplies, and personal and miscellaneous expenses.
Why does a financial aid package differ from one college to another?
Wheaton uses Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) data and the Federal Methodology (FM) to determine eligibility for federal, state and institutional need-based aid. If you believe that your aid differs because of errors in your aid application or a significant change in family circumstances, please send the Office of Student Financial Services (SFS) updated information to assess the impact on your aid offer.
Our family’s financial situation has changed. What should we do?
First, try to determine the financial implications of the new situation. Is it temporary/voluntary? Is the impact one-time or sustained? Once you determine the overall effect on your family’s income, write or send an email to Student Financial Services (SFS). We will request supporting documentation and ask you to complete a Request for Review form. We will review your new information and determine if there is eligibility for additional financial assistance for the academic year. Financial aid increases are contingent on the availability of funds.
Will my financial aid package stay the same every year?
Recipients of need-based financial aid must reapply each year, providing updated family financial information. To the extent that your family’s financial situation does not change, your aid will be consistent from year to year. This means that your Wheaton grant and scholarship funding would be renewed at the same amount from one year to the next. For financial planning purposes, families should expect an increase in comprehensive fees each year in the range of 3–4 percent. This is not covered by Wheaton’s institutional need-based grant program. Federal Direct Loan limits do increase from the first year to sophomore and sophomore to junior years, enabling students to cover some of the increase in comprehensive fees through the Federal Direct Loan program limits. Wheaton scholarships and awards do not change from one year to the next; renewal is contingent upon the student remaining in good academic and social standing.
The greatest change in a student’s aid eligibility occurs when the number of people in the student’s household or the overall level of family income changes. If you anticipate that your family income will change (either to the positive or to the negative) during your enrollment at Wheaton, we would be glad to forecast the impact of that change on your eligibility for need-based aid. Contact SFS to set up an appointment to speak with a counselor.
How do we calculate how much we will have to pay, based on my financial
aid package?
Using your financial aid package and the Wheaton Payment Worksheet available at wheatoncollege. edu/go/sfs-forms and on page 21, you can calculate your billed charges minus financial aid. Do not deduct Federal Work-Study from billed charges, as students are paid for their hours worked on a bi-weekly basis. If you would like to use an educational loan to cover a portion or all of your family contribution, you should begin the application process in June. At that time, we will provide detailed instructions regarding financing options and procedures.
When are payments due?
In mid-June you will receive an email from SFS to notify you that your fall semester charges and pending aid are available online through the Nelnet portal (Campus Commerce). This statement will itemize tuition, fees, housing and meal plan charges, and health insurance charges for the fall semester. It will also note any credits (reductions to what you owe) for anticipated financial aid or other payments—for example, your enrollment deposit. The Wheaton Payment Worksheet will allow you to calculate the final amount due, deducting any forms of aid that have been awarded but are not yet credited to your account. See the financial aid timetable at right for deadlines.
How will receiving private scholarships impact my financial aid?
Outside sources of funding can significantly reduce your 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 your eligibility, outside scholarships may be used to replace any unmet eligibility. If the scholarships exceed the amount of unmet eligibility, we will reduce the amount of loan funding and employment funding (self-help) in your aid package. Only after all self-help has been eliminated will we reduce Wheaton grant funding.
Financial aid timetable
May 1, 2025
June 2025
Mid-June 2025
July 2025
August 1, 2025
October 1, 2025
$400 non-refundable enrollment deposit due to Admission (ED I & II deposits typically have earlier due dates)
Review financing options and payment plans
Fall semester billing statements available to view online via the Nelnet portal
Complete application(s) and promissory note(s) for parent loans; students complete promissory notes and federal loan entrance counseling online per emailed Wheaton instruction
Fall semester payment due
FAFSA renewal applications for 2026–27 available to students
Early December 2025 Spring semester charges and pending aid available to view online via the Nelnet portal
January 5, 2026
April 1, 2026
June 2026
Spring semester payment due
FAFSA renewal applications for 2026–2027 due
SFS determines and releases financial aid packages for returning students
Financial Services information 2025–2026
Comprehensive fee (fall and spring semesters)
Board (meal plan)
Student activity fee
Additional fees
Health insurance*
Optional Nelnet payment plan enrollment fee per semester
$4,000
$45
*Estimated, subject to change; may be waived
Schedule of payments
Tuition, housing, meal plan, activities fee, health insurance, and technology fee are typically posted in June and December. Other fees will be billed as incurred through the monthly billing process. Students receive instructions in June to register to access their accounts online, and to add authorized users to their account. The college does not mail printed statements to enrolled students.
Wheaton College Student Health Insurance
According to state law, all students must be covered by a health plan that is comprehensive and comparable to the plan offered through the college. To ensure that all students have adequate health coverage, Wheaton initially charges all students for the Wheaton College Student Health Insurance Plan. To waive enrollment in this plan, and to have the initial charges reversed, complete the Student Health Insurance Plan Waiver, available at: wheatoncollege.edu/go/health-insurance after June 1. The deadline to complete this waiver is September 1 for students enrolled in the fall semester and February 1 for students enrolled in the spring semester only.
For international students: Any student with health insurance provided outside the United States will be required to enroll in the Wheaton Student Health Insurance Plan. This policy complies with Massachusetts state insurance regulations and ensures timely and quality health care while attending Wheaton.
Health and Immunization Records
New students must submit records from a recent physical exam and an immunization record by July 15. If the required information is not received by the due date, your course registration may be at risk. Full details of the requirements are at: wheatoncollege.edu/go/health-forms.
Alternative Financing Options
Wheaton offers a variety of financing options in addition to traditional financial aid programs. These options give families the opportunity to spread out payment of Wheaton’s comprehensive fee anywhere from 12 months to 25 years. Educational financing terms are in many cases better and more flexible than options that may be available privately to individual families. We urge any family examining how to pay for Wheaton to give these programs serious consideration. Many families have found that a combination of payment and loan plans work especially well for them.
Interest-Free Monthly Payment Plan
Offered in partnership with Nelnet, the monthly payment option is an alternative to large annual or semester payments and helps limit borrowing. This option is available each semester and includes: convenient, interest-free, monthly payments; 24-hour automated account information through Family InfoLine; and personal account service Monday through Saturday. To enroll or inquire further, call 800-609-8056, or visit mycollegepaymentplan.com/ wheaton.
Supplemental loan programs
Most educational loan programs allow for early prepayment of principal without penalty and require the borrower or co-borrower to have U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.
Federal Direct PLUS Loan
The Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) program enables creditworthy parents to borrow through the Federal Treasury. The interest rate is currently fixed at 9.08 percent and is reset annually on July 1. Repayment of principal and interest begins after disbursement or may be deferred and continues for a maximum of 10 years. Eligibility for the PLUS loan takes into consideration the total cost of attendance less any other aid received.
The Federal PLUS is the most flexible of these parent financing options. A brief credit check is performed to confirm a favorable credit history. If the loan is denied due to unfavorable credit history, the student may qualify for additional funds from the Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan program. Parents who wish to apply for the Federal PLUS must complete a FAFSA for the student.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
Students who are not eligible for the Subsidized Direct Loan program are eligible to borrow a direct loan without the federal interest subsidy. Although repayment of principal is deferred during enrollment, interest will accrue. The student borrower has the option of making interest payments while in college or having the accrued interest capitalized (added to the principal borrowed prior to the start of repayment). First-year students may borrow up to $5,500 for the year, sophomores up to $6,500, and juniors and seniors up to $7,500 per year. The interest rate is currently fixed at 6.53 percent and is reset annually on July 1. Students who wish to apply for the Unsubsidized Direct Loan must complete a FAFSA.
Private Educational Loans
Wheaton researches the educational loan market and collects information on a variety of loan programs. Visit wheatoncollege.edu/go/private-loans for information on private educational loan programs available to Wheaton students. The list is not exhaustive; you may find loan programs with favorable terms offered to residents of your state or through other loan providers. Wheaton will certify loan eligibility for any loan program or lender you select.
More information
The staff in Student Financial Services are here to help you. Please contact them with any questions you may have. Telephone: 508-286-8232; email: sfs@wheatoncollege.edu
Award And Scholarship FAQ
If you received an award or scholarship, as noted in your admission letter, you probably have questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
How was I selected to receive an award/scholarship?
In choosing students to receive awards and scholarships, the Admission Committee considers a number of factors, including the individual’s potential to impact the Wheaton community. Some of the qualities considered include co-curricular accomplishments, community impact, leadership, intellectual inquiry, academic prowess, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and global experiences, among others. While many of our applicants present compelling qualities, our limited scholarships and awards are extended based on the strength of each candidate within the context of our applicant pool.
Will I receive my award/scholarship each year?
Yes. Fifty percent of your annual award or scholarship will be applied each fall or spring semester that you are a full-time student at Wheaton, up to a maximum of eight semesters. If you complete your degree requirements in fewer than eight semesters, you will forfeit any remaining scholarship eligibility. You must remain in good academic and social standing to continue receiving the award or scholarship.
How does this fit into my financial aid package?
Your award or scholarship both acknowledges your talents as an applicant and is intended to help make attending Wheaton possible. Students with financial need greater than the amount of the award or scholarship may be considered for additional needbased resources.
Can my award/scholarship be applied to a study abroad program?
Awards and scholarships at Wheaton may be used for study abroad programs that are affiliated with the college (i.e. where fees are paid directly to Wheaton). Contact Wheaton’s Center for Global Education or visit globaled.wheatoncollege.edu for a current list. If you choose to attend a non-affiliated domestic or study abroad program, you will forfeit your award or scholarship for that period.
How can I use my stipend, if I received one?
Wheaton’s top merit scholarships come with a $3,000 to $4,000 stipend to be used in the summer following sophomore or junior year. The staff of the Life and Career Design Institute will work with you to obtain an unpaid and non-credit-bearing, out-of-class experience (and use your stipend as payment), or you can create a position of your own that would otherwise not have been a paid opportunity. This experience may be an internship, research project, student-faculty collaboration, professional development opportunity or community service endeavor. If you have not applied for your one-time stipend by spring of your junior year, your stipend will revert back to the college’s stipend fund.
Payment Worksheet for 2025–2026
Anticipated charges
(Add the amounts in each column to determine total anticipated charges before aid.)
Health insurance† (see below)
Total anticipated charges (before aid)
* Housing and meal plan may be removed if you are not living on campus and not choosing the meal plan.
† Health Insurance coverage is required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Students can waive the Wheaton health plan option if they have comparable health insurance, such as through a parent. Only include this cost (estimated $4,200 for the year, and only charged in the fall semester), if you plan on using the Wheaton health plan option. Otherwise, leave blank if using your own insurance.
Anticipated credits
(Use the information from your Financial Aid package and other aid sources to populate this section and add the amounts in each column to determine total anticipated credits.)
Wheaton scholarships and grants
Federal or state scholarships and grants (e.g. Pell Grant)
Outside scholarships and grants
Loans (federal and private)
Total anticipated credits (aid)
Anticipated balance due to college
Anticipated charges minus Anticipated credits
Important note: If you opt to use a payment plan, they are processed on a semester basis. Educational loans are processed on a full academic year basis, so please plan to request the amount you need for the full academic year (fall plus spring semesters) on any loan application(s). This document is intended to assist in financial planning only. Additional fees may apply (e.g. art supplies for certain courses, program fees, parking fees, etc.).
Office of Student Financial Services
Phone: 508-286-8232 | FAX: 508-286-3787 | Email: sfs@wheatoncollege.edu
Looking ahead
Here’s a quick preview of upcoming events to help you get ready for college.
Enrollment Deadline
All new students: May 1, 2025
Welcome To Wheaton Day
April 18, 2025
Summer Orientation
Select one: June 23, 24 or 27
Housing Application
Due June 30, 2025
Health and Immunization Records
Due July 15, 2025
Early Arrival Programs
Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025
Fall Orientation and Move-In
Friday, Aug. 22, 2025
First Day of Classes
Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025
Here’s a helpful checklist to guide you toward your first day of class.
Your campus contacts
Have more questions? Need to talk to someone before your arrival at Wheaton? Feel free to contact these offices directly and remember to visit wheatoncollege.edu/admitted for the latest information for admitted students.
Admission
General questions or those related to submitting your final high school transcript
508-286-8251
admission@wheatoncollege.edu wheatoncollege.edu/admission
Athletics & Recreation
Questions about joining a varsity athletic, club and/or intramural team
508-286-3987
athletics@wheatoncollege.edu wheatoncollegelyons.com
Campus Mail Services
Questions about shipping items to Wheaton in advance of your arrival
508-286-3824
postoff@wheatoncollege.edu wheatoncollege.edu/office-campus-mail-services
Center for Global Education
Questions about I-20 student visa form, visa application (non-U.S. citizens only), and arrival and transportation to Wheaton for international student early arrival program
508-286-4950
globaled@wheatoncollege.edu wheatoncollege.edu/global-education
Counseling Center
Questions about workshops and individual counseling services available on campus
508-286-3905
counseling_center@wheatoncollege.edu wheatoncollege.edu/counseling-center
Filene Center for Academic Advising
Questions about course selection, summer reading, First-Year Experience selections, accessibility services, AP/IB/A-Level and other forms of advanced credit
508-286-8215
advising@wheatoncollege.edu wheatoncollege.edu/student-success
Life and Career Design Institute
Questions about life and career navigation, including internships, externships and networking lcdi@wheatoncollege.edu wheatoncollege.edu/life-and-career-design-institute/
Marshall Center for Intercultural Learning
Questions about the intercultural early arrival program
508-286-3532
marshallcenter@wheatoncollege.edu wheatoncollege.edu/intercultural
Registrar
Questions about transfer credit evaluation
508-286-8247
registrar@wheatoncollege.edu wheatoncollege.edu/registrar
Residential Life
Questions about the housing application and roommate assignments
508-286-8214
reslife@wheatoncollege.edu wheatoncollege.edu/residential-life
Student Activities, Involvement and Leadership (SAIL)
Questions about Summer Orientation or Fall Orientation - Welcome Weekend in August
508-286-8222
sail@wheatoncollege.edu wheatoncollege.edu/activities-organizations
Technology Support
Student Financial Services (SFS)
Questions about billing, payments, need-based financial aid, loans and on-campus employment
508-286-8232
sfs@wheatoncollege.edu wheatoncollege.edu/sfs
Student Health Services
Questions about required immunizations, health forms, health insurance and medical care available on campus
508-285-9500
health_services@wheatoncollege.edu wheatoncollege.edu/go/health-services
Questions about setting up and accessing your official student account should be emailed to support@wheatoncollege.edu
With your official student account, you can submit requests for technology assistance.
Information on software and recommendations for purchasing computer hardware.
Office of Admission
26 E. Main Street
Norton, Massachusetts 02766-2322
P: 508-286-8251
F: 508-286-8271
admission@wheatoncollege.edu wheatoncollege.edu
/WheatonCollege @wheaton WheatonCollege
Wheaton College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, disability, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status in its admission policy, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other college-administered programs. For more information, visit wheatoncollege.edu/policies/eqopp.