Washington University in St. Louis Financial Aid Calculator
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Comprehensive Guide to Washington University in St. Louis Financial Aid
Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) is committed to making its world-class education accessible through a robust financial aid program. This guide provides everything you need to know about understanding, applying for, and maximizing financial aid at WashU.
Understanding WashU’s Financial Aid Philosophy
WashU practices need-blind admissions for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, meaning your ability to pay doesn’t affect admission decisions. The university meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students through a combination of grants, scholarships, and work-study programs.
Key principles of WashU’s financial aid program:
- Need-based aid only: WashU doesn’t offer athletic or merit-based scholarships (except for specific talent-based programs)
- No loans in aid packages: Since 2008, WashU has replaced loans with grants in all undergraduate financial aid packages
- Generous endowment: With over $8 billion in endowment, WashU can offer substantial aid packages
- Four-year guarantee: Your aid package remains consistent for all four years (assuming no significant changes in financial circumstances)
How Financial Aid is Calculated at WashU
WashU uses the CSS Profile and FAFSA to determine your financial need through this formula:
Demonstrated Need = Cost of Attendance – Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
The Cost of Attendance (COA) for 2023-2024 is approximately:
- Tuition: $62,466
- Fees: $1,380
- Room & Board: $21,486
- Books & Supplies: $1,500
- Personal Expenses: $2,200
- Travel: $500-$2,000 (varies by distance)
- Total COA: ~$89,532
Your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is calculated based on:
- Parent income and assets
- Student income and assets
- Household size
- Number of family members in college
- Special circumstances (medical expenses, unemployment, etc.)
Types of Financial Aid Available
| Aid Type | Description | Average Amount (2023) | Renewable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| WashU Grant | Need-based grant from university funds | $52,400 | Yes (4 years) |
| Federal Pell Grant | For students with exceptional financial need | $4,860 | Yes |
| Federal SEOG | Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant | $1,000 | Yes |
| State Grants | For Missouri residents (Access Missouri, etc.) | $2,300 | Yes |
| Federal Work-Study | Part-time employment on or off campus | $2,500 | Yes |
| Outside Scholarships | From private organizations, employers, etc. | Varies | Varies |
Merit Scholarships and Special Programs
While WashU doesn’t offer traditional merit scholarships, it has several special programs:
- Danforth Scholars Program: Full-tuition scholarship for students demonstrating exceptional character, leadership, and commitment to community. About 40 students selected annually.
- Ervin Scholars Program: Full-tuition scholarship for students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Anheuser-Busch Scholars Program: Full-tuition scholarship for first-generation college students from the St. Louis region.
- WUSTL Key Scholarship: For National Merit Finalists who name WashU as their first-choice school.
Application Process and Deadlines
To be considered for financial aid at WashU, you must complete these steps:
- CSS Profile (Due November 15 for Early Decision I, January 4 for Early Decision II/Regular Decision)
- School code: 6929
- Required for all aid applicants
- $25 fee (waivers available)
- FAFSA (Due November 15 for Early Decision I, January 4 for Early Decision II/Regular Decision)
- School code: 002520
- Required for U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens
- Free to submit
- Tax Documents (Due February 1)
- Signed federal tax returns (1040) with all schedules
- W-2 forms and other income documentation
- Submitted through IDOC (Institutional Documentation Service)
- Noncustodial Profile (if applicable)
- Required if parents are divorced/separated
- Due same dates as CSS Profile
| Application Round | CSS Profile Deadline | FAFSA Deadline | Decision Notification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Decision I | November 15 | November 15 | Mid-December |
| Early Decision II | January 4 | January 4 | Mid-February |
| Regular Decision | January 4 | January 4 | Late March |
| Transfer Students | March 15 | March 15 | Mid-May |
Tips to Maximize Your Financial Aid Package
- Apply Early: Submit all materials by the priority deadlines to ensure full consideration for all aid programs.
- Provide Complete Information: Missing documents can delay your aid package or reduce your award.
- Appeal if Necessary: If your financial circumstances change (job loss, medical expenses, etc.), submit a Special Circumstances Appeal.
- Compare with Other Schools: Use the College Scorecard to compare WashU’s net price with other institutions.
- Consider Housing Options: Living off-campus or with family can reduce your cost of attendance.
- Apply for Outside Scholarships: These can reduce your expected family contribution.
- Work During School: Federal Work-Study and part-time jobs can help cover personal expenses.
Understanding Your Aid Package
Your financial aid award letter will include:
- Cost of Attendance: Total estimated expenses for the academic year
- Expected Family Contribution: What WashU expects your family to pay
- Gifts/Aid: Grants and scholarships that don’t need to be repaid
- WashU Grant
- Federal/State Grants
- Outside Scholarships
- Self-Help: What you’re expected to contribute through work
- Federal Work-Study
- Summer earnings expectation
- Net Price: What you’ll actually pay (COA – Gift Aid)
Example aid package for a student with $150,000 household income, 4-person household, 1 student in college:
- Cost of Attendance: $89,532
- Expected Family Contribution: $25,000
- WashU Grant: $50,000
- Federal/State Grants: $3,000
- Work-Study: $2,500
- Net Price: $9,032
Special Programs and Resources
WashU offers several programs to support students from diverse backgrounds:
- College Prep Program: Free summer program for St. Louis area high school students to prepare for college.
- WashU Pledge: For Missouri and southern Illinois students from families with incomes below $75,000, WashU covers full tuition.
- First-Generation Programs: Dedicated support for students who are the first in their family to attend college.
- Veteran Benefits: WashU participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program and offers dedicated support for veterans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does WashU offer merit scholarships?
A: WashU practices need-blind admission and meets 100% of demonstrated need, but doesn’t offer traditional merit scholarships. However, there are special programs like Danforth and Ervin Scholars that consider merit factors.
Q: How does WashU treat home equity in financial aid calculations?
A: WashU includes home equity in its financial aid calculation, but caps the consideration at 1.2 times the family’s income. For example, if your income is $100,000, only the first $120,000 of home equity would be considered.
Q: What if my financial situation changes after I receive my aid package?
A: You can submit a Special Circumstances Appeal with documentation of the change (job loss, medical expenses, etc.).
Q: Does WashU offer aid for international students?
A: Yes, WashU meets the full demonstrated need for a limited number of international students. International students must submit the CSS Profile and the International Student Financial Aid Application.
Q: Can I use outside scholarships to reduce my expected family contribution?
A: Yes, outside scholarships first replace the student contribution (work-study/summer earnings) and then reduce the expected family contribution dollar-for-dollar.
Additional Resources
For more information about financial aid at Washington University in St. Louis:
- WashU Financial Aid Office
- Federal Student Aid (U.S. Department of Education)
- Missouri Department of Higher Education
- College Board: Paying for College
For questions about your specific financial aid package, contact the WashU Financial Aid Office:
- Phone: (314) 935-5900 or (888) 547-6670
- Email: finaid@wustl.edu
- In Person: Umrath Hall, Room 112, Danforth Campus