How much does Wheaton College cost?

Wheaton College full-time tuition, average housing, food, and fees will be $59,768 for the 2024-2025 academic year, but it’s important to note that most Wheaton students pay significantly less than that amount.

The average financial aid package (consisting of scholarships, grant aid, and loans) was $31,556 for incoming first-year students in 2023-2024.

See a breakdown of costs

What scholarships and financial aid are available to Wheaton students?

Female Wheaton College Student SmilingEach year, Wheaton College provides more than

$34+ million in financial aid

to students based on merit and financial need. Over 90 percent of new first-year students receive some combination of scholarships, grants, loans, and/or federal work-study to help make their Wheaton experience affordable.

Learn more about financial aid

Wheaton College Orientation Committee in Wheaton Swag 2024

Merit-Based Scholarships

Wheaton awards merit scholarships based on students' achievements and unique qualities, not just financial need from FAFSA. Scholarships consider outstanding Admission application credentials, portfolios, auditions, or donor-specified criteria, supporting students' success in college.

Students leaving Edman on first day of Chapel Fall 2023

Need-Based Aid

Need-based aid helps make Wheaton College affordable by providing funds—through loans, grants, or work opportunities—from various sources, opening opportunities for students who might not otherwise be able to attend.

Undergraduate Commencement 2024

Loans

Wheaton College offers various loan options, including Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, to help students manage educational costs. Financial tools, like a loan calculator and sample repayment schedules, are available to assist students in planning for their financial future.

ROTC Wheaton College Rolling Thunder Cadets

Other Aid Options

Wheaton offers various aid options beyond standard financial aid, including GI Bill benefits, ROTC scholarships, and the Bennett Fund for missionaries. Additional opportunities include federal loans, on-campus employment, and a college payment plan to help students manage educational expenses.

The Cost and Value of a Wheaton Education

Why is Wheaton College a top value in Christian higher education?

Blanchard TowerThanks to the generosity of Wheaton College alumni and friends, our endowment provides all students 20 percent off the actual cost of Wheaton for U.S. News and World Report's #1 Christian college among the national liberal arts colleges. This assistance — alongside other financial aid resources — enables Wheaton alumni to graduate with far less debt than alumni of our peer institutions.

Learn more about the value of a Wheaton education here.


When should I start thinking about financial aid?

In a perfect world? As soon as you begin considering colleges you think you’d like to attend. In reality? Most students and families pay attention to financial aid when they start the application process in their senior year of high school. Here are several milestones—including Wheaton-specific deadlines—to keep in mind as you plan for financial aid.


How do I apply for financial aid at Wheaton College?

Whether you’re seeking financial aid from the federal government or scholarships and grants from Wheaton, you’ll start by filling out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (a.k.a, the FAFSA). New and current Wheaton College students must submit a FAFSA every year they plan to attend for financial aid consideration.

Review the rest of the financial aid application process here.

Karen Belling - Student Financial Services Director Wheaton College IL