Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Wellesley Students' Aid Society?
• Is it the same as the College's Student Financial Services Department?
• What is the difference between financial assistance from the Students' Aid Society and the College's financial aid program?
• How much tuition money did the Students' Aid Society provide this year?
• Is that all Students' Aid does?
• What are emergency loans?
• Where does the Society get the money to do all these things?
• How can I give to The Students' Aid Society?
• Is a gift to the Students' Aid Society different from a gift to the College?
• Why should I give to Students' Aid?

What is the Wellesley Students' Aid Society?
The Wellesley Students' Aid Society, Inc. is an organization dedicated to providing financial and personal support to Wellesley students.

Is it the same as the College's Student Financial Services Department?
No. The Society is an independent corporation which has always been managed and supported by alumnae. Founded in 1878 by Pauline Durant, the Students' Aid Society was the sole source of financial aid at Wellesley until the 1930's when the College instituted its own program of financial aid.

What is the difference between financial assistance from the Students' Aid Society and the College's financial aid program?
The Students' Aid Society works in concert with the College's Student Financial Services department. Students apply to the college for financial aid and part of their award may be a loan or grant provided by the Society.

How much tuition money did the Students' Aid Society provide this year?
For the academic year 2007-2008, Students' Aid provided $250,000 for grants and $415,000 for loans.

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Is that all Students' Aid does?
No, Students' Aid provides emergency loans which are not available anywhere else at the College.

What are "emergency" loans?
Emergency loans are short-term loans provided to any student who needs a helping hand. We've given emergency loans to students who: lost their glasses and needed a quick replacement, needed plane fare to attend a relative's funeral, needed funds to attend a professional conference to present a research paper.

Where does the Society get the money to do all these things?
Alumnae and friends are our sole source of support.

How can I give to the Students' Aid Society?
In a variety of ways: unrestricted gifts; gifts to commemorate a birthday, anniversary or other occasion; memorial gifts; named scholarship, loan, and gift funds ($100.00 minimum).

Is a gift to the Students' Aid Society different from a gift to the College?
Yes, The Wellesley Students' Aid Society, Inc. is an independent corporation separate from Wellesley College. That is why a contribution to the Society does not count toward your class gift to the College.

Why should I give to Students' Aid?
Your gift to Students' Aid complements your gift to Wellesley College in that it provides direct support to Wellesley students.

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