Early Decision

If I know I need financial aid to attend college, is Early Decision a viable option for me?

Since Wake Forest agrees to meet the demonstrated need of all admitted students, Early Decision applicants can feel confident they will receive the full range of available financial aid that includes gift aid, loans, and work-study employment. The composition of the award package is the same as it is for students applying as Regular Decision candidates. If students believe it would be advantageous to compare financial aid packages from several schools or await decisions concerning merit scholarships, they would be advised to apply during the regular admissions cycle. All applicants should be aware that Early Decision is a binding commitment on the part of the university and the student, and the student is expected to honor that commitment.

As an Early Decision applicant, can I receive an estimate of my financial aid package at the time I am notified of admission?

Early Decision applicants who submit the CSS PROFILE and supporting tax documents by November 1 will receive an estimate of their financial aid by mid-December. The estimate is not binding, since the final award will be based on information gathered from the CSS PROFILE, the FAFSA, and income tax documents from the most recent tax year. Follow this link for more information.

As a student accepted under an Early Decision agreement,
when will I receive notification of my actual financial aid award?

The FAFSA cannot be filed until after January 1, so Early Decision candidates should complete the FAFSA and submit the necessary supporting income tax documents as soon after that date as possible. If all of the information is received in the Office of Student Financial Aid by the March 1 priority deadline, a final award letter will be mailed to the student by April.