First-Year Students
Applying for financial aid for the first time can seem a bit intimidating at first, but don’t worry – we’re here to help you through the process!
Here are the steps to follow to apply for financial aid at WPI:
1. Complete your CSS Profile using WPI’s College Board school code 3969.
2. Complete your FAFSA form using WPI’s federal school code 002233.
In order to provide you with a financial aid review and potential award offer, it's critical you meet all deadlines.
For more information about financial aid you may receive at WPI, please check out the following PDF:
WPI Financial Aid Filing Deadlines
As you may know, the Department of Education has announced delays in processing and sending information from the FAFSA to colleges and universities. This will cause WPI to be delayed in providing students with actual financial aid offers.
| CSS Profile Application | FAFSA | Notification Date | |
| Early Decision Round 1 Applicants | Due December 1, 2023 | Due February 1, 2024* | Mid December |
| Early Action Round 1 Applicants | Due December 1, 2023 | Due February 1, 2024* | Late January |
| Early Decision Round 2 Applicants | Due February 1, 2024 | Due February 1, 2024* | Mid February |
| Early Action Round 2 Applicants | Due February 1, 2024 | Due February 1, 2024* | Late February |
| Regular Decision Applicants | Due March 1, 2024 | Due March 1, 2024 | Late March |
*The Department of Education has begun sending FAFSAs to schools in small batches. While WPI may have received your FAFSA, we will need a few weeks to review and process them. Please check our FAFSA Simplification page for updates. If you are still unable to complete your FAFSA, please contact our office directly at finaid@wpi.edu or 508-831-5469.
Last updated: March 26, 2024
Note: These deadlines are firm. CSS Profile, Noncustodial CSS Profile, or FAFSA applications received after these deadlines above will not be guaranteed WPI need-based financial aid. Students interested in financial aid should complete both required applications by the deadlines.
Financial Aid decisions are typically released within one to two weeks of an admissions decision. When aid decisions are available, the student will receive an email notification and then log into their student financial aid portal to view that decision.
If you miss the priority deadlines, domestic students are still encouraged to complete the FAFSA application.
Why?
Completing your FAFSA is important because it offers several potential ways to finance your education including federal grants and loans. Federal student aid is the best way to pay for college for several reasons. First, you may qualify for grants, which is money the government gives you that you don’t need to repay. Any loans you accept, you will have to repay, but they have lower interest rates and repayment doesn’t begin until you graduate or otherwise stop going to school. Also, if you qualify for a subsidized loan, the interest doesn’t begin accruing until you leave school. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to accept any of the aid offered, but filing the FAFSA is always a smart first step!
International Students
International students should not complete the FAFSA, as you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to qualify for federal funding. You may find it helpful, however, to look for funding sources in your home country via www.edupass.org. International students seeking financial aid are required to file the CSS Profile by the admissions deadline (November 1, January 5, or February 1). International students can learn more about WPI’s need-based financial aid here.
For students whose parents are divorced, separated or were never married:
If your parents are divorced, separated or were never married, both biological parents will need to complete a CSS Profile application. Each parent will complete their own individual CSS Profile based on their household's information.