Financial aid and academic scholarships
Academic and Merit Scholarships
Wheaton offers three academic scholarships, the Balfour, Trustee and Community Scholarships, to recognize students with outstanding secondary school achievement and leadership qualities. Citizens of all countries are eligible for funding ranging in value from U.S. $30,000 to U.S. $50,000 over the course of four years at Wheaton.
Scholarship recipients are among the top students in their schools and have completed academic programs. The Balfour Scholarship, worth $12,500 for each of the student's four years at Wheaton, is awarded to the strongest students who display the highest levels of achievement and intellectual curiosity. The Trustee Scholarship provides $10,000 toward the cost of tuition for four years to students who have achieved excellent results in secondary school. The Community Scholarship recognizes very strong students who have complemented their classroom success with special accomplishments outside the academic realm. Community Scholars receive a $7,500 scholarship each year.
In addition, the college awards numerous International Student Scholarships each year, ranging in value from U.S. $5,000 to U.S. $20,000, to increase Wheaton's international diversity. Recipients usually possess a special talent or an unusual background that will enhance the College community.
The Admission Committee selects scholarship recipients from the general applicant pool; no additional application is necessary.
Financial aid for non-U.S. citizens
Although need-based financial aid for non-U.S. citizens is extremely limited, Wheaton offers several sizable awards each year to first-year applicants. Competition for these awards is keen, as over 300 candidates compete for them each year. International financial aid recipients typically are among the top students in their secondary schools, have excellent English proficiency, strong writing skills and demonstrate intellectual curiosity and leadership ability. Non-U.S. citizens wishing to be considered for financial aid must submit the International Student Financial Aid Form. Financial aid decisions are made based upon financial need, as well as the application for admission, secondary school transcripts, letters of recommendation and essays. Please note that transfer students who are not citizens of the United States are not eligible to receive Wheaton financial aid. Wheaton is not need blind in the admission process for non-U.S. citizens, and as such, only offers admission to students the college is able to fund.
Financial aid for U.S. citizens and U.S. Permanent residents
Wheaton offers need-based financial aid to U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents based on a combination of financial need and academic performance. U.S. citizens and permanent residents who wish to be considered for financial aid must file the PROFILE and FAFSA forms by the deadline of the admission decision plan they have chosen.
United World College students: Financial Aid and Scholarships
Wheaton is committed to enrolling at least five first year students annually who are graduates of United World Colleges. Each admitted, financially-eligible, UWC applicant is awarded a scholarship of up to U.S. $20,000 annually toward the cost of attendance through the Davis UWC Scholars Program, of which Wheaton is a member.
Each year the college supplements between five and ten of the $20,000 Davis Scholarships with financial aid based upon candidates' financial need, IB performance, letters of recommendation, writing skills, and extracurricular involvement. Non-U.S. citizen UWC candidates may apply for Early Decision admission and financial aid. Wheaton attempts to enroll students from as many UWC campuses and as many different countries as possible.
Costs
The cost of attending Wheaton (in U.S. dollars) for the 2008-2009 academic year is as follows:
Tuition $38,585
Room and Board 9,150
Student activities Fee 275
Total $48,010
Expenses such as books and supplies, required health insurance and transportation are additional. There is also a one-time general fee of $50 charged to all new students. For a complete breakdown of costs, click here.