How to Apply for Financial Aid
Whitman's financial aid packages typically include both merit and need-based aid. To apply for need-based aid, submit a CSS Profile and a FAFSA by our application deadlines.
All students who apply to Whitman are considered for merit scholarships–no separate application is required. You'll be notified about both merit and need-based awards in your financial aid award package, which we'll send at the same time as your admission decision.
Financial Aid Forms and Deadlines
Our financial aid deadlines are the same as our deadlines for admission– Nov. 15 for Early Decision I, Jan. 10 for Early Decision II, and Jan. 15 for Regular Decision. For transfer students, the deadlines are Nov. 1 (spring transfer) and Mar. 1 (fall transfer). However, we encourage you to complete your CSS Profile and FAFSA as early as possible so that we'll have plenty of time to answer all of your questions and create the best possible package for you.
The CSS Profile is open for applications starting Oct 1. However, due to the FAFSA Simplification Act & FUTURES Act, the 2024-25 FAFSA will open later in December 2023 for this one year only. If your family adjusted gross income is less than $100,000 or you qualify for a SAT fee waiver, you can get your CSS Profile fee waived.
For international applicants: we no longer require the CSS profile, and instead ask that you fill out our internal Whitman International Student Financial Aid Application. There is no fee associated with this application.
Complete your FAFSA (school code 003803)
Complete your CSS Profile (school code 4951)
Need help completing the CSS Profile or FAFSA? Here are a few resources we recommend:
- College Board's CSS Profile Overview
- Federal Student Aid Tips for Filling out the FAFSA
- The Smart Student Guide to Financial Aid
We would also be happy to help you work through the financial aid process. Please call us at (509) 527-5178 or send us an email with your questions.
The Financial Aid Office has been a very useful resource in my life and the staff is very helpful. They have made my financial aid process a lot easier, and made my transition to Whitman a lot easier as well. They do a great job to make sure you are on top of all the information you need to get done and how to do it. They also give you a better understanding of what you are filling out as well why you have to do it.
Miguel Baza ’21
Financial Aid Application Process
We work to make the financial aid application process as simple as possible. This diagram shows the process for most first-year applicants. If you are an international student, an undocumented or DACA student, a transfer student or an independent student, read on below for details that apply to you.
The financial aid application process for international students has changed as of the 2020-2021 Application cycle. The CSS Profile is no longer required for international students. Instead, we ask that international students fill out the Whitman International Student Financial Aid Application (WISFAA) to be considered for need-based financial aid. International applicants seeking only merit aid do not need to fill out the WISFAA or any financial aid form.
International students seeking financial aid are encouraged to apply Regular Decision. Though we attempt to make final admission decisions for international students who apply Early Decision, it is possible that your application will be deferred to Regular Decision for consideration with the entire international applicant pool. If you have questions, please contact us at international@whitman.edu or call 509-527-5176.
The financial aid application process for undocumented students and DACA students is identical to the process for U.S. citizens and permanent residents except that there is no need to complete the FAFSA. Washington residents should complete the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) to determine whether they are eligible for Washington state aid.
Undocumented and DACA students must complete the CSS Profile (and WASFA, if applicable) by their admission application deadline (Nov. 15 for Early Decision I, Jan. 1 for Early Decision II, and Jan. 15 for Regular Decision) to be considered for financial aid.
We meet full need for all DACA and undocumented students who are admitted to Whitman using private grant aid from the college.
The financial aid application process for transfer applicants is identical to the process for first-year applicants except for the deadlines.
The admission and financial aid deadline for spring transfer students is Nov. 15. For fall transfer students, it's March 1.
Whitman uses the federal government's criteria to determine whether a student is independent.
The financial aid application process for independent students is identical to the process for first-year applicants except that there is no need to complete the CSS Profile. Only the FAFSA is required.