Washington and Lee University
How much does W&L cost?
The undergraduate cost of attendance for 2012-13 is $58,230. Please see "Cost of Attendance" for a comprehensive breakdown of tuition and other financial costs for the 2012-2013 academic year.
How can I afford W&L? Will W&L meet my full demonstrated need?
W&L is committed to meeting each student's full demonstrated need. When you apply for financial aid at W&L, a variety of factors are taken into account. A combination of grant and work-study will be used to meet your demonstrated need.
Are merit-based scholarships offered?
W&L's merit-based scholarships are offered through the Johnson Scholarship program which awards tuition, room and board. The Scholarship application deadline is December 1st, 2012.
Is financial aid assured in the future?
You must reapply for financial aid each year, but it is normally renewable for four years as long as the student maintains satisfactory progress towards a degree and the family's financial circumstances remain the same. The amount of financial aid the University can grant students, however, may change from year to year.
As an early decision applicant, when will I receive my financial aid package? Regular decision?
You will receive your financial aid package within a few days notice of admission to W&L. This applies to both early and regular admission decisions.
Will I receive more financial aid if I apply for admission in the early decision cycles or in the regular decision cycle?
If you apply on-time, your need-based grant will be the same for either the early or regular decision cycle. It is important to make sure your application for financial aid is completed and received by our office before the appropriate deadline.
How are my full demonstrated need and my family contribution determined?
W&L uses its own formula to determine an individual's eligibility for aid within standards set forth by the U.S. Department of Education. We take into account family size, income, taxes, living costs, number of siblings currently enrolled in college, assets, and other personal or financial circumstances that may be pertinent. The amount of family contribution determined is then subtracted from the cost of attendance for the academic year.
Can I estimate my family contribution?
W&L's formula may differ from other estimates, but we encourage you to look at the College Board's website at http://www.collegeboard.com. Follow the directions on the site, and their institutional formula may give you an idea of how much your family might be expected to contribute.
Is financial aid available for Canadians?
International students whose parent reside in the United States or Canada should complete the College Scholarship Service Profile and follow the same application instructions as United States citizens.
Is financial aid available for other non-United States citizens?
W&L provides both need and merit-based assistance to approximately 20 international students in each entering class. Awards range from several thousand dollars to the full annual cost of education. It should be understood, however, that admission to W&L does not guarantee financial assistance.
What is the income cutoff for financial aid eligibility?
There is no specific income cutoff for financial aid eligibility. Any student interested in applying for financial aid should do so as we examine all aspects of a family's ability to contribute to the cost of attendance in a given year.
What forms do I need, where do I get them, and when are they due?
Please visit Applying for Need-based Aid for details on the application process.
When should I apply for financial aid consideration?
Because there is no guarantee we will be able to offer aid after the deadline has passed, it is important to apply for financial aid at the same time you apply for admission to the University.
I'm having trouble getting my forms in on time for the deadline. May I still apply for financial aid?
W&L welcomes financial aid materials at any time, although the availability of money we have set aside for a given year decreases the longer you wait to submit materials after the deadline has passed. We encourage you strongly to submit financial aid information by the deadline to ensure you will receive the maximum amount of available aid.
What are W&L's financial aid application codes?
CSS Profile code: 5887
FAFSA code: 003768
What is a financial aid package?
A financial aid package is the combination of any grant or scholarship money given by the University, outside scholarships received, and any parent or student loans.
What types of aid are available?
Grant money is provided for some financial aid applicants. Students are expected to contribute to their financial aid package in the form of a work study position or Stafford Loans. The parental contribution can be met through the Parent PLUS loan.
How is my financial aid package divided among scholarships, loans, and work?
All financial aid awards made by W&L will be a combination of grants, student employment, and any merit scholarship money offered from the college. If a student's family is unable to pay the estimated family contribution out of pocket, loans may be used.
How are outside scholarships handled?
W&L meets your full demonstrated need, so your aid package will be adjusted to accommodate additional funds such as those from scholarships.
How does campus employment work at W&L?
Students may be offered work study positions within specific departments at the University. Placement is determined after a student accepts her or his offer of admission. Students may also do community service.
How many hours a week are expected for a campus job?
First-years are allowed to work a maximum of five hours per week in work study employment; upper class students may work up to ten.
Can I have a campus job if I'm not receiving financial aid?
Campus jobs not affiliated with the Work Study program are available through the College. They are considered separate means of employment and will not contribute to the cost of your attendance.
How do I apply for my Stafford Loan?
Please visit Accepting Your Loans for step-by-step instructions.
Is there assistance for parents?
Parents may apply for the Parent PLUS loan to meet the family contribution portion of a student's aid package. For more information, please visit Loan Information.
May I study abroad with financial aid?
Financial Aid is available for all study abroad programs, but special consideration is taken into account for programs not offered through the College. All Spring Term abroad programs require a separate application for financial aid.