William & Mary will extend its enrollment confirmation deadline from May 1 to May 15 for first-year students admitted through the Regular Decision process this spring in response to concerns over a delay in the availability of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applicant data.
“Our focus is on supporting students,” said William & Mary Associate Vice President for Enrollment and Dean of Admission Tim Wolfe. “In this unprecedented situation, it’s become apparent this means providing additional flexibility by moving back the enrollment confirmation deadline to give students the time they need to receive and consider financial aid packages.”
The U.S. Department of Education recently unveiled a revised FAFSA with a simplified application process, but delays in its launch will prevent W&M from receiving student data by several months, which in turn will slow down the process to provide students with complete information on financial aid packages.
Wolfe says William & Mary remains steadfast in its long-standing commitment to meet 100% of the demonstrated financial need of in-state Virginia residents. Part of that commitment includes providing in-state, Pell-eligible students with scholarship assistance to cover at least tuition and fees.
In addition to the FAFSA, William & Mary requests that applicants submit a CSS Profile to apply for institutional aid. This information helps the university’s Office of Financial Aid get a head start on creating a financial aid package, even if data from the FAFSA is not available at that time.
Upon receipt of the FAFSA applicant data, the Office of Financial Aid will notify students about financial aid packages as quickly as possible, Wolfe said.
“We have a talented staff of dedicated financial aid professionals and colleagues across campus committed to supporting our students,” Wolfe said. “They are ready to make necessary adjustments and I appreciate all they will do to help us welcome the W&M Class of 2028.”
Staff, University News & Media