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1.
What is need-based financial assistance?
Need-based financial assistance is a combination of scholarships,
grants, loans, and part-time employment based on your family's financial
situation. (Return to top)
2.
How do I apply for financial assistance?
All you need to know about applying can be found by clicking
here. (Return to top)
3.
What is your outside scholarship policy?
Outside scholarships – scholarships from corporations, foundations,
community or religious organizations, etc. – can play an important role in the
financing of your education and we encourage you to pursue them. Therefore,
outside scholarships will not reduce your Washington University-named
scholarship unless the total amount of scholarships and grants exceeds your
annual cost of attendance at Washington University. We may have to adjust other
components of your financial assistance award to comply with federal
regulations, such as Federal Work-Study jobs and federally subsidized loans.
(Return to top)
4.
Is Washington University only a place for the very wealthy?
No. This year our undergraduates are receiving over $47 million in
University scholarships and grants. Our awards range all the way up to the full
cost of tuition plus stipends to help cover room and board.
(Return to top)
5.
What happens if my family and I have unexpected financial
problems after I've enrolled?
Our primary goal is to help our students be successful, and we do all we
can to help you stay in school. Contact an SFS Counselor to discuss your
family’s circumstances.(Return to top)
6.
Is there a good chance my financial assistance award will
decrease after freshman year?
Your award will probably stay the same or increase while you're a
student at Washington University. The only basis for reducing financial
assistance is a major improvement in a family's financial circumstances.
(Return to top)
7.
Will I have to fill out forms and deal with a financial aid
system that's impersonal and confusing?
We want to get to know you and your family so we can make Washington
University affordable for you. Forms can help us do that, but we always want
you to call us whenever you have questions or need help. That's why we're here!
(Return to top)
8.
Will I have to earn straight A's to keep my financial
assistance award?
No, but we do expect you to continue your strong academic performance
when you become a student at Washington University. That means maintaining a
satisfactory grade point average and staying on track to earn your degree. But
we will always carefully consider special circumstances. (Return
to top)
9.
If I'm from a middle-income family, will I have a chance of
getting a realistic amount of financial assistance?
Our students who receive financial assistance come from a wide range of
family income levels. We consider all your family circumstances when we
determine your financial assistance award. (Return to
top)
10.
Will my family have to sell our house and mortgage our
future to send me to Washington University?
If you're admitted to Washington University, we'll do all we can to make
it possible for you to attend. We offer a variety of attractive financial
assistance opportunities. You have nothing to lose by applying.
(Return to top)
11.
Is the only way for my family to pay our share of the costs
of my education to write a big check each semester?
Washington University has one of the best parent financing programs in
the country–PEP, Partners in Education with Parents. PEP features low-interest
rates, low monthly repayment terms, and the opportunity to freeze all four
years of costs at the freshman-year rate. We also offer a no interest monthly
payment plan to allow your family to spread the annual payment over 10 months
in your freshman year (and 12 months in your upper class years).
(Return to top)
12.
Will I graduate with too much debt?
Washington University's financial assistance program relies primarily on
scholarships. Any loans would have low interest rates and realistic repayment
periods. The repayment record of Washington University graduates is among the
best in the country, indicating that our students are primed for success.
(Return to top)
13.
How will working while I'm in school affect me -- won't it
hurt my grades?
Many students choose Federal Work-Study jobs related to their academic
and extracurricular interests. In this program, students work no more than 15
hours a week and set their own work schedules so their grades do not suffer.
Students with part-time jobs tell us how much they learn from the experience,
and that both the job and the contacts they've made are very helpful when they
are looking for full-time employment after graduation. (Return
to top)
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