Want to get an idea of how much need-based aid you may receive? Use our Net Price Calculator or take a look at our average awards by income page.

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. 1 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 and FAFSA are open for applications starting Oct. 1. If you qualify for a SAT fee waiver, your CSS Profile fee will also be waived.

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:

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.

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.

Diagram of how to apply for financial aid

"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

The financial aid application process for international students is the same as the process for U.S. citizens and permanent residents except that there is no need to complete the FAFSA. Only the CSS Profile is required.

International students seeking financial aid are encouraged to apply Regular Decision. Though Early Decision applications will be accepted and reviewed, international applicants seeking financial aid are often deferred from Early Decision to Regular Decision.

If you have questions about whether applying Early Decision is right for you, please send an email to international@whitman.edu.

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.