Making College Financing a Partnership

Susan Beard ’90
Senior Director, Student Financial Services

How long have you been at Wheaton and what is your role?

35 years, minus a few years in the ’90s when I worked elsewhere. I started my Wheaton journey as a student, working in the financial aid office as my work-study job, never dreaming it would become my profession! I am currently the senior director of Student Financial Services, and oversee student accounts (billing), Financial Aid and our Federal Work-Study program.

Should students apply for the FAFSA?

Yes! While the FAFSA application was revamped last year and processing was delayed, that has been rectified and the process is going quite smoothly for the 2025–26 academic year. If students have completed the FAFSA in prior years and received need-based funds and/or borrowed federal student/parent loans, they should complete the FAFSA every year.

What do first-generation college students need to be aware of for student scholarships?

Deadlines are super important! Whether it’s a federal, state, or college deadline, funds are usually limited and deadlines help to control eligibility. First-generation students can also look for guidance from our SFS counselors, who provide support in applying for scholarships, interpreting financing options, and budgeting while they are in college (and looking ahead to after graduation)!

What are the important deadlines for the fall semester? 

Wheaton’s annual FAFSA deadline is April 1. We set this date so that our staff can review and determine a financial aid package in time for families to make payment arrangements toward their bill. Fall semester charges are assessed in late June; payment (or payment plans/loans) should be in place by August 1. SFS is open all summer, Monday–Friday, to help students and families know their eligibility and understand their responsibilities toward financing their tuition.

How can a student maximize their funding each semester or each year at Wheaton? 

Students should carefully weigh their financing options each year. If a student secures scholarships from their local community or national award organization, they may not need to borrow loans for a semester (or two). That said, if a student isn’t open to borrowing loans for which they qualify, but have an outstanding balance on their student account, they should discuss their balance with an SFS counselor to avoid preventable holds (on registration, for example).

What do you wish parents and families understood about college funding and personal finances?

Student Financial Services at Wheaton looks at college financing as a partnership between students and the college. Students may also involve parents or family members as part of this equation. Wheaton has a robust, but not unlimited, financial aid budget that is allocated as equitably as possible each year. We also love to work with and teach students and are excited to partner with our colleagues in LCDI (Life and Career Design Institute) to offer various types of personal budgeting and financing seminars throughout the academic year.

Please share an anecdote about what makes Wheaton unique as a staff member and alumni.

This is the question I love answering! 

When I introduce myself to a new community member, I always mention that I am a proud Wheaton graduate. If I sense an interest, I will share my Wheaton story: as a first-year student, work-study was part of my financial aid package. I tried to get a student job in the library, but was informed that all the positions were filled. So I walked to the Office of Student Aid and College Financing and asked if they had any openings. Despite having only waitress and babysitting experience, I was fortunately hired. I quickly caught on and discovered a wonderful experiential learning opportunity was at hand. My supervisors were wonderful teachers. I was invited to work not only during the academic years, but during holiday and summer breaks as well. There was a serendipitous professional opening in the Office of Student Aid (now Student Financial Services) right around the time I was graduating; I applied, and found myself transitioning from a student to a staff member almost overnight! My first professional job has turned into a career I love and has provided a caring community that I love just as much. My children grew up wearing Wheaton swag, playing on campus… until they grew their adult wings and flew out of the nest to start their own families. The joy I experience every day from helping students and their families is truly priceless!