FAQs for Gateway
Questions About Applying for Gateway
Eligibility Questions
Student Contribution Questions
Costs Covered By Gateway Questions
Applying for Gateway
Do I need to complete a special application in order to be considered for Gateway William & Mary?
No. All students entering in the Fall who submit an undergraduate application to the Office of Admission by January 1 and a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that specifies William and Mary's federal school code (003705) by February 15 will be considered. Students entering in the Spring must submit
an undergraduate application for the Office of Admission
and the FAFSA with W&M's federal school code by November 1 to be
considered. No special application is necessary.
Does the Gateway grant automatically renew for all four years of undergraduate education?
As with all need-based financial aid packages awarded by the College, annual review of a family's financial circumstances may result in more or less aid, depending on the assessed need.
How do I retain this award for future years?
We base Gateway William & Mary eligibility on your having a family income, including taxable and nontaxable money, of less than $40,000 and meeting our March 15 FAFSA filing deadline for returning students.
Eligibility Questions
What are the criteria for eligibility?
Virginia students whose family income level is less than $40,000 per year may qualify for a Gateway grant that covers all unmet financial need up to the full cost of education. Where federal or private loans previously would have been necessary in order to finance an education, the Gateway grant will eliminate the need to assume any debt.
Are transfer students eligible for a Gateway grant?
Yes. Virginians who are admitted as transfer students will be reviewed according to the same financial aid standards as students who are admitted as freshmen.
Do I need to be full-time to receive Gateway funding?
Yes, you do have to be full-time unless otherwise approved by the Financial Aid Office.
How long can I receive Gateway funding?
Freshmen: As with all College grant funds, your eligibility is restricted to eight regular semesters. If you need a ninth or tenth semester, you will be awarded only loans, and, if you are eligible, a Pell Grant.
Transfers: Your previous academic credits are counted in the total number of semesters of eligibility. For example, if you enter with the equivalent of two semesters, you will have six semesters of Gateway funding. If you enter with an associate degree, you will be a junior and have four semesters of grant eligibility. If you need additional semesters beyond this schedule, you can receive federal loans and, if you are eligible, a Pell Grant for up to two more semesters.
What if my income goes over $40,000?
We understand that you will have increases in earnings from year to year and may go over this level. As long as the rise is fairly small and in line with inflationary changes, i.e. 3-4% per year currently, you will continue to receive the Gateway award. If the increase is larger than this amount, your aid will be the same as other needy Virginians, who receive some of their aid in loan rather than all grants.
What if my domicile (residency) status changes to non-Virginian?
You must be a Virginia resident to be eligible for the Gateway program.
If I do not receive Gateway during my first year of attendance, can I get it in subsequent years?
No. You must be awarded with Gateway during your first year at the College in order to have it as a continuing student.
Student Contribution Questions
Do qualifying families have to make any contribution toward the cost of the students’ education?That depends. In cases where the family income level is especially low, no family contribution will be required to cover the costs of attending William and Mary. In other instances, based on the information provided on the FAFSA, some contribution will be required of the family.
If all of my need is met with grant, why do I have any loan eligibility listed?
In many cases, Gateway students will have a very low expected family contribution and will not have any loan eligibility. In some cases, however, your expected contribution will result in an unsubsidized Stafford Loan or PLUS (Parent Loan) being part of your offer. You may, if you wish, borrow that amount through the offered loans so that your total cost, not only your demonstrated financial need, can be met. The Financial Aid Office has further information on student loans. If you want us to send you a copy of the Financial Aid Guide, please email us at finaid@wm.edu or give us a call.
What happens if I receive outside scholarship money?
Your full financial need has been met through the Gateway program. Any additional outside money will reduce your Gateway grant dollar for dollar.
Am I eligible to work on campus?
Absolutely! Please contact this office close to the start of the semester if you are having trouble finding employment on campus. Please make sure that your total employment hours do not exceed 10-15 hours per week. Read more about student employment.
Costs Covered by Gateway
Are room and board covered for qualifying students?
Yes. All incoming freshmen are required to live on campus in order to experience directly the benefits of an academic residential community. A majority of upper class students also live on campus, and the cost of housing and meal plans will be factored into the final award.
How is my refund handled?
In most cases, you will be eligible for a refund to help with your books and living expenses. When you arrive on campus, you should contact Student Accounts to move up to $500 of your refund to your debit card. The remaining refund will be provided at the end of add-drop, which is about a week into the semester. Please contact us if you need a refund before then.
Is Gateway funding available for summer school?
No, we do not provide any grant money during the summer. Student loans or PLUS (Parent Loans) will be available for you.
Can I receive Gateway funding if I study abroad?
Yes, you can receive grant money up to the amount it would cost you to attend W&M for that semester. If the abroad program costs more, you could borrow the additional expense through student loans or PLUS.
I need a laptop; how can I cover that cost?
All full time Gateway students taking 12 credits or more will automatically be provided the College’s standard Dell laptop. Further details will be provided later. We regret that we are unable to provide the Macbook as part of this program.
Am I eligible for Gateway funding as a Flextrack student?
During your first year of attendance, you can receive Gateway funding as a Flextrack student, as long as you are taking at least 6 hours each semester. Be aware that this will affect your total financial aid; you will be awarded based on part-time procedures. After the first year, you must be full-time to receive Gateway support.
What if I have to withdraw during a semester?
As an aid recipient, you may receive a refund after your direct College charges have been paid. The money that you receive is designed to cover the whole semester. If you decide to withdraw during the semester, you may owe the College some of the refund that you have received. Please contact your financial aid counselor before making a withdrawal decision.
Where can more information about how to apply for admission be found?
Call the Office of Undergraduate Admission at 757.221.4223, toll-free at 877.321.4892 or visit their website.
Where can more information about financial aid be found, and where should questions specific to an individual family’s financial circumstances be directed?
Call the Office of Financial Aid at (757) 221-2420, or review our website.
