Applying for Gateway

Virginia students whose total family income level is less than $40,000 per year may qualify for a Gateway grant that covers all demonstrated financial need up to the full cost of education.  All students entering in the Fall who submit an undergraduate application for 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 automatically 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.

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.  Most families 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, students will continue to receive the Gateway award. If the increase is larger than this amount, the aid will be the same as other needy Virginians, who receive some of their aid as loans rather than all grants.