Family FAQs
From the moment they arrive on campus, your student will explore new subjects, meet new people and begin the transformation into becoming a college student. Being at college doesn't mean they no longer need their families. But they do need different things from you than they have before, and your influence remains strong. It's important for you to stay connected and involved. We hope this list of FAQs will help answer your questions and help you identify the resources your student needs to succeed.
Financial Aid
Work-study is financial aid that your student earns by working on campus. It allows your student to earn a paycheck while attending Whitman, which can help pay part of their costs or cover personal expenses. Most offices on campus hire work-study students and provide jobs that are flexible around class schedules and academic needs while providing valuable work experience and building your student’s resume.
Please see our Human Resources information regarding Student Employment.
Our data actually shows that students who work also do well academically. Having a work-study position helps your student work on time management and study skills, while also increasing their responsibility. Our campus employers are extremely flexible around hours worked to accommodate academic needs.
Your student can go to their Whitman portal and log in. Once logged in, they can select Financial Aid and then loans. They can accept the loans online and the Financial Aid office will process them.
In order to remain eligible for need-based financial aid, parents or guardians of continuing students must submit a CSS Profile and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by April 15 annually. These forms may be completed online at css.collegeboard.org (Profile) and fafsa.gov (FAFSA). Whitman’s CSS Profile code is 4951, and our FAFSA code is 003803. In addition to the CSS Profile and the FAFSA, the Financial Aid Office may ask for a copy of the parents’ tax return if a parent owns a business or is self-employed.
Students must maintain good academic standing (cumulative GPA of 2.0 and a minimum of 24 credits in the two immediately preceding semesters) to remain eligible for aid. Students receiving talent-based scholarships for debate, music, art or theater may have additional participation requirements.
An allowance for books and supplies has been included in the total financial aid package, but students will still need to buy their books.
The cost depends on the classes your student takes. Your student could pay very little or as much as $370 per class. Your student can save money by purchasing used books that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The bookstore provides rentals on as many high-end textbooks as possible.
If a student withdraws during the semester, the refund policy applies to tuition and fee charges and special course fees. A student who moves from a residence hall after the semester begins, or fails to move into a room reserved for second semester, will be refunded room charges based on checkout date. Board charges will be prorated on a weekly basis as of the date of withdrawal, except for a min-imum charge of $100 per semester. If a student receives federal funds, the refund will be adjusted based on that fee schedule. See the full refund policy in the college catalog.
Residence Life and Housing
While living at Whitman, your student's mailing address is:
Student Name
Whitman College
280 Boyer Ave.
Walla Walla, WA 99362
It is not necessary to add a room number or building name.
Our residence hall staff works hard to help students connect with each other and the greater Whitman community. RAs and RDs plan a variety of events throughout the year to get students together and having fun.