Applying for Aid
NOTE: The CSS Profile and FAFSA are only necessary if you are seeking need-based financial aid. Merit funds are evaluated and awarded by The Office of Admission.
Federal financial aid offered to U.S. citizens and eligible inanities (please check here to see if you fall into this category) by William & Mary—grants, loans, and work-study—is covered by one application: the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA can be filled out and submitted online at www.studentaid.gov. There may be additional considerations for graduate and professional programs. William & Mary's School Code for FAFSA is 003705.
If you are a non-eligible citizen and you are a Virginia resident, you may be eligible to file the VASA application. The VASA Application - or Virginia Alternative State Aid Application - is an alternative option available to certain students that are ineligible to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students that are eligible to receive Federal Title IV funds should always complete the FAFSA application. In order to be eligible to file the FAFSA, you need to be a US citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
Applicants for undergraduate admission - as either freshmen or transfer students - also are strongly encouraged to complete the CSS Profile. Unless a student submits a CSS Profile, financial aid will be limited to federal sources. William & Mary's School Code for the CSS Profile is 5115.
Helpful Additional Links can be found at the bottom of our page.
New Applicant FAQ
What is the FAFSA?
The federal government's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) provides the Financial Aid Office with complete, consistent financial data analyzed within policy established by the federal government. The FAFSA can be completed online (studentaid.gov) and signed with an FSA User ID and Password. The FAFSA can be printed and mailed into FAFSA if you prefer. For help filling out the FAFSA you can call 1-800-433-3243 (TTY users call 1-800-730-8913) or go to www.StudentAid.gov/completefafsa.
The federal government does not award financial aid; individual schools do this based on the analysis of information provided by you on the FAFSA. To obtain financial aid (i.e., federal loans, Pell grant, work-study, or institutional grants) from W&M, including a PLUS loan, you must file the FAFSA each year. The FAFSA is not required for consideration of Merit scholarships.
How will I know my FAFSA has been processed?
You will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) generated from the information you provide on your FAFSA. Within seven to ten days after your receipt of the SAR, we will receive the same information electronically. Keep the SAR for your records. To check on the status of your application, you can call 800-433-3243.
I filled out the FAFSA. Now what?
The school will receive the application and process the information you provided. It can take several weeks for us to receive the processed data, so do not be concerned if you do not hear from us immediately. If you feel that it is taking longer than anticipated, please contact our office and we will check the status of your application.
What is the CSS Profile?
The CSS Profile is a supplemental online form required by many schools for financial aid processing for programs beyond federal aid. It collects additional data that the FAFSA does not. Once you complete the Profile, College Board will submit your data to us. You cannot change the data once you have submitted it; please send any corrections to us in writing with the appropriate documentation. The College Board has information on the process of completing the CSS Profile, you can contact The College Board with your questions as well (1-844-202-0524). The CSS Profile is not required for the consideration of Merit scholarships.
Do I need to file a FAFSA and CSS Profile for Merit Scholarships?
No, you do not need to file either application (the FAFSA or the CSS Profile) to be considered for Merit Scholarships offered by William and Mary. These applications are only necessary if you are seeking a need-based financial aid award.
What other forms must I submit to apply for financial aid?
The FAFSA form is the only application initially required by W&M from our returning students. However, if we need additional information, we will request it from you later.
Current or Returning W&M Students FAQ
What is the FAFSA?
The federal government's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) provides the Financial Aid Office with complete, consistent financial data analyzed within policy established by the federal government. The federal government does not award financial aid; individual schools do this based on the analysis of information on the FAFSA. To obtain any financial aid (i.e., federal loans, Pell grant, work-study, or institutional grants) from W&M, including a PLUS loan, you must file the FAFSA each year.
How will I know that my FAFSA has been processed?
You will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) generated from the information you provide on your FAFSA. Within seven to ten days after your receipt of the SAR, we will receive the same information electronically. Keep the SAR for your records. To check on the status of your application, you can call 800-433-3243.
I filled out the FAFSA. Now what?
The school will receive the application and process the information you provided. It can take several weeks to receive the processed data, so do not worry if you do not hear from us immediately. However, if you feel that it is taking longer than anticipated, please get in touch with our office, and we will check the status of your application.
Do I need to complete the CSS Profile?
No. At this time, we are only requiring entering students to complete the CSS Profile for consideration for aid beyond federal programs.
Do I need to file a FAFSA and CSS Profile for Merit Scholarships?
No, you do not need to file either application (the FAFSA or the CSS Profile) to be considered for Merit Scholarships offered by William and Mary. These applications are only necessary if you seek a need-based financial aid award.
What other forms must I submit to apply for financial aid?
The FAFSA form is the only application initially required by W&M from our returning students. However, if we need additional information, we will request it from you later.
There are some important dates and deadlines to keep in mind. More information on Applying for aid can be found on these links.
- Apply as a freshman or transfer student
- Apply as a continuing student
- Apply as a graduate/professional student
- Apply for study-away financial aid
- Apply for summer school financial aid
- Apply for aid for the St. Andrews program
- Apply for the VASA - Virginia Alternative State Aid Application
