When is my enrollment deposit due?
Given the many delays students like you are experiencing due to challenges with the FAFSA, Whittier is committed to providing you with as much time as possible to confidently make an informed college decision.
While there is no official deposit deadline, we do encourage you to make your deposit as soon as possible so you may gain access to your New Student Checklist, register for courses, make your housing selection, and meet your advisor.
Email us at admission@whittier.edu and complete the Intent to Enroll Form if you need more time to make your deposit.
Does Whittier offer discounts on enrollment deposits?
Enrollment deposit discounts are offered to Pell-eligible students and students experiencing unique financial challenges. Email afahmy@whittier.edu to request a deposit discount code. Once you've received the discount code, you may enter it on the last screen of the payment portal, after you've entered your credit card information.
When can I expect to receive a financial aid package from Whittier?
At this time, Whittier has prepared financial aid packages for all new students who sent their FAFSA data to the College. Financial aid packages can be viewed in your Poet Portal. Once you've logged in, you may print a copy of your financial aid package by clicking on the Financial Aid tab and then clicking on "Print my financial aid award."
If you have not received a financial aid package, please email admission@whittier.edu as soon as possible so we may work together to locate your FAFSA and/or determine which information might be missing or incomplete.
Do I need to do anything to accept my financial aid?
Once you've made your enrollment deposit, you must log in to your My.Whittier portal to review the various types of aid that have been awarded to you. Any aid awarded to you by Whittier College is automatically accepted on your behalf. All other types of aid, including work-study and loans, may be declined if you choose.
Can I appeal my financial aid package?
If you've received your financial aid package but would like to appeal your John Greenleaf Whittier Scholarship, please complete a Scholarship Appeal Request. If your family's financial situation has changed and you would like to appeal your Federal/State or need-based financial aid, please complete a Financial Aid Appeal Form.
How can I pay my "direct cost"?
Your direct cost can be paid in one lump sum or in installments by signing up for the College’s payment plan. Details about the plan and a link to enroll will be available in your New Student Checklist.
Your family may choose to apply for a Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan to cover your direct costs. Loan application instructions will be sent in June. If a Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan is not a feasible loan program, your family may apply for an alternative or private loan through your bank, credit union, or other private lender.
What's the difference between Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct Loans?
Subsidized Direct Loans are available to students with financial need. The U.S. Department of Education will pay the interest on a Subsidized Direct Loan while you’re in school at least half-time, for the six months after you leave school, and during a period of deferment or postponement of loan payments. The interest rate on Direct Loans is currently fixed at 5.5%. A loan origination fee of 1.057% is deducted from each loan disbursement, reducing the amount credited to your tuition bill. Loan repayments begin six months after you leave school.
Unsubsidized Direct Loans are available to all students who submitted a FAFSA. You are responsible for paying the interest on a Direct Unsubsized Loan during all periods. The interest rate on Direct Loans is currently fixed at 5.5%. A loan origination fee of 1.057% is deducted from each loan disbursement, reducing the amount credited to your tuition bill. Loan repayments begin six months after you leave school.
