Request for Additional Assistance

In general, the financial aid student budget is comprehensive, including all expected educational expenses. This includes tuition, fees, housing and food, books/supplies (including course fees), personal expenses, and travel. A student's financial aid package may include grant, scholarship, loans, and/or Work-Study to meet the total budget, with the aid amounts and family contribution being determined through the evaluation of a student's need-based aid application. Please see the Business Office website for the complete Cost of Attendance.

Financial Hardship due to Unanticipated Expenses during the academic year:
In some cases a student may be forced to exceed the typical student budget due to financial hardship and/or unforeseen circumstances that arise during the academic year. At that point, we encourage the student to contact the Office of Financial Aid to learn more about options regarding an increase in their funding. Students will need to complete the required Request for Additional Assistance Form to be further evaluated for any allowable increases to be offered as grant or loan depending on their family's financial situation and aid eligibility. Note: Expenses incurred during the summer months, or winter and spring break periods, will not be eligible for adjustments.

Typically, students who have a W&L Grant greater than $85,000 are eligible for an increase in budget and grant funding within the below parameters. However, if a student has available loan/s on their aid package, they may be ineligible for grant and encouraged to use loan instead.

Travel and Transportation Grant: The student must experience an unexpected expense related to (1) travel to or from the university in their first year that exceeds the amount already accounted for within the student's budget, which is estimated based on the student's home location, or (2) a family emergency that requires immediate travel. In the case of a request specific to a family emergency, a student's grant may be increased by up to $1,000.
Computer and Technology Grant: The student must qualify for a one-time grant increase not to exceed $1,200; otherwise, loan/s can be offered.
Health Insurance Grant: If a student has lost coverage unexpectedly and wishes to enroll in W&L's Student Health Insurance, the W&L grant can be adjusted.
Academic Resources Grant: The student must provide documentation that these additional course related expenses are necessary and that force them to exceed the student budget amount of $1,900 for the 2025-26 academic year.
Medical or Access Loan: If a student experiences a recent and unexpected medical emergency, or incures unanticipated personal expenses that threaten a student's enrollment status or financial stability, loan may be offered.

Examples of expenses that would not qualify include but are not limited to tuition or fees (including books or supplies within budget), research or internship expenses, non-urgent medical expenses, legal expenses, and any form of entertainment, recreation, or non-emergency travel expense.

Discretionary Emergency Funds: The Angel Fund provides limited financial assistance to enrolled and degree-seeking students with demonstrated financial need who experience unforeseen emergencies that may disrupt their academic progress and success at W&L. Read more about the fund and how to apply here.

If your financial situation has changed so significantly that you believe it may warrant a complete review of your aid package, we welcome you to submit a Notice of Special Circumstances Form to appeal.