It is our firm belief that no qualified student should hesitate to apply to Wabash College simply because he believes he cannot afford the cost of attendance. Through the generosity of alumni and friends, our endowment allows us to offer one of the most generous merit-based scholarship and need-based financial aid programs in the nation. Merit-based scholarships are available for qualified students.

Frequently Asked Questions about Financial Aid at Wabash

Q. Must I be accepted for admission at Wabash before I can apply for aid?
A. No. You may file the FAFSA and PROFILE application after January 1. However, you must be admitted to Wabash before any financial aid can be awarded.

Q. I will have brothers and sisters in college as well. Will the financial aid package take into account that fact?
A. Yes. The expected family contribution is adjusted for families with more than one child attending post-secondary school simultaneously.

Q. Should I file the FAFSA even though I am sure I will not qualify for need-based assistance?
A. Yes. Should your financial situation change drastically, the FAFSA is necessary to qualify for aid. Also, all students are eligible for Federal Stafford Loans if they file the FAFSA - regardless of parental income and financial need.

Q. What should I do if my family's financial situation changes?
A. It is not necessary to file another FAFSA or PROFILE application. Send an email or call to explain the changes in your situation. Contact our office if you need any assistance.

Q. My parents can't afford the amount of money the FAFSA and PROFILE say they can. What should I do?
A. If you feel you have not been given adequate consideration, you should contact the financial aid office. When determining your financial aid package, we make every effort to offer you the maximum amount of assistance you are eligible to receive from the resources available. In determining your aid eligibility, we are governed by federal and state regulations which may limit the types and amounts of assistance you are qualified to receive.

Q. After I am notified of my financial aid packages, when will I receive the money?
A. Funds will be credited to the student's bill in the beginning of each semester or refunded to the student if there is a credit balance in order to pay living expenses.

Q. Even though I am dependent, my parents will not provide any money for my education. What will I do?
A. This is a difficult situation. The federal and state governments expect parents to assist their children when it comes to financing college. Contact the financial aid office to find out about alternative loans or financing programs.

Q. Why do I have to complete the CSS/PROFILE and the FAFSA?
A. Though these applications are similar in terms of the information requested, the CSS/PROFILE gives our office a broader picture of your current financial situation. The more information we have, the more accurate your financial aid award. We award federal and state need-based assistance from the information received on the FAFSA. Wabash need-based funds are awarded from the CSS/PROFILE information.

Q. What is IDOC? Why do I have to submit this information?
A. IDOC is the Institutional Documentation Service (IDOC), administered by the College Board to collect families' federal tax returns and other documents on behalf Wabash College. The College Board will notify students selected when they must submit the required documents. IDOC is used to verify the information you submitted through the financial aid process. The documents you submit allow us to more accurately award financial aid.