Financial Aid
Whether you are going to college for the first time or you are a soon-to-be graduate of Washington College, the financial aid staff is here to assist you every step of the way. The policies and principles of financial aid are based on the belief that all eligible students, regardless of their race, sex or economic status, should have the opportunity to experience a college education.
Financial Aid Statistics - 2023-2024
100%
|
of incoming students received institutional aid
|
$39,440 |
Average amount of institutional aid received |
Investing in your Education
Washington College offers several types of financial aid, from a variety of sources, to help qualified full-time undergraduate students meet their college expenses. To maximize available financial aid resources, and to be considered for all types of aid (Federal, State, and college sponsored), complete the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as it becomes available in December.
There is a new FAFSA this year with a release in December instead of the usual October because of the FAFSA Simplification Act. Passed by Congress on December 27, 2020, it spurred a sweeping redesign of the processes and systems used to award federal student aid. Specifically, the law makes it easier for students and families to complete and submit the FAFSA form and expands access to federal student aid.
Read more about the FAFSA Simplification Act.
Returning students should plan to file a FAFSA for each academic year. The FAFSA code for Washington College is #002108.
Available Aid
Washington College offers several types of financial aid to help qualified full-time undergraduate students meet their college expenses. College-sponsored tuition scholarships, tuition grants, work/study, and low-interest loans are available to full-time undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need and who meet the College’s admission criteria. In addition to College-sponsored financial aid, eligible students can receive assistance from federal, state, and independent aid programs.
Grant and scholarship assistance from all sources is first applied to full-time tuition charges. Grant and scholarship assistance in excess of tuition is then applied to direct college charges for fees and on campus room and board.
To qualify for need-based aid, students must complete the FAFSA each year. Students could qualify for federal and state need-based aid as well as Washington College need-based aid. Award amounts are dependent upon the Student Aid Index and can differ each year.
For students who show exceptional academic promise, Students who qualify for merit-based tuition scholarships are notified of their award at the time of admission to the college.
Students may also receive scholarships from private donors or organizations, including corporations, nonprofit organizations, civic and professional associations, sports teams, and foundations.
High school guidance counselors may provide students with additional information on private scholarship opportunities available throughout the year.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Washington College uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine expected family contribution to annual tuition.
Applicants for the 2024-2025 academic year should file the FAFSA when it becomes available in December 2023. The FAFSA federal school code for Washington College is #002108. To complete the FAFSA, students/parents will be required to report the previous year's income and tax information. Families with questions about estimating tax data are encouraged to call the Office of Student Financial Aid.
In order to sign your FAFSA electronically, one parent and each student filing will need to apply for an FSA ID. This will be done when creating your FSA account. Your account can be created even before the new FAFSA is available so that you are ready to complete it as soon as it is ready.
New students/parents will be notified of financial aid decisions on a rolling basis. Upper class award notices are sent to returning students in June after the completion of spring semester courses.
Explore additional forms and resources to help you navigate the financial aid process.
Financial Aid Counseling
We know every family’s prospect of paying for college tuition is individual, influenced by varying resources, and can change from year to year. The staff in our Office of Student Financial Aid strive to accommodate various economic situations, and will help create a manageable financial aid packet that incorporates loans, payment plans, and merit- and need-based scholarships.
Visit the Office of Student Financial Aid for a full rundown of financing options, and please feel free to call us at 410-778-7214 or email us at fa_officeFREEwashcoll if you have additional questions.
International students have a different procedure to follow.