College of William & Mary

Applying for financial aid can understandably feel overwhelming. Our office is here to help provide guidance to your questions and direct you towards the numerous resources that can help make attending William & Mary a reality.

Although the application process is similar for most students, we have tailored guidance on how to apply for aid based on your student status and enrollment intentions.

All first-year students are automatically considered for merit-based programs.

W&M offers a comprehensive financial aid program to help students fund their education.

A scholarship is support awarded to a student based on a variety of factors, including academic achievement, community involvement, areas of study and financial need.

A grant is a form of aid that is gifted to a student based on their financial need. Grants are designed to help with tuition and typically do not need to be paid back.

A loan is borrowed from the government or a private entity to help pay for education and related costs. All student loans must be repaid along with any interest that accrues over time.

Federal Work-Study provides employment opportunities for students with financial need (as determined by the FAFSA) to earn money to help pay expenses incurred while enrolled.