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Who do I contact about financial assistance? Where do I mail my financial assistance forms?
Please feel free to contact our office of Student Financial Services if you have questions about financial assistance at Washington University. You may send your financial assistance forms to the address below:
Student Financial Services
Washington University
Campus Box 1041
One Brookings Drive
St. Louis, MO 63130-4899
(888) 547-6670
(314) 935-5900
Fax: (314) 935-4037
E-mail: financial@wustl.edu
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How much does it cost to attend Washington University?
Please click here for Undergraduate Charges for the 2009-10 Academic Year.
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My family doesn’t have much money. Should I even bother applying to Washington University?
Of course! Washington University is committed to making attendance here affordable for students who have been offered admission. If you don’t apply, you won’t find out how we can help you. This year our undergraduates are receiving nearly $65 million in University scholarships and grants. Our awards range all the way up to the full cost of tuition plus room and board. You have nothing to lose by applying.
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What determines whether or not I will receive need-based financial assistance?
Students who receive financial assistance come from a wide variety of family income levels since many factors (such as household size, the number of children in the household attending college, the parents’ age, etc.) affect eligibility. All applicants are encouraged to apply for financial assistance. The financial assistance awards students receive at Washington University remain consistent, and usually increase, year to year, unless their families’ financial circumstances have improved significantly from the prior year.
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Do I apply for need-based aid every year?
Although students must apply for need-based aid every year, nearly all awards remain the same or increase from one year to the next. Many awards can increase substantially, particularly if family economic circumstances decline. Awards are reduced only if family circumstances improve dramatically. Merit-based academic scholarships are renewed automatically after the freshman year for students making satisfactory academic progress.
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Will I have to deal with a financial aid system that’s impersonal and confusing?
No. Our talented team of financial assistance counselors wants to get to know you and your family so they can help make Washington University affordable for you. The information on financial aid forms can help, but personal contact is better. That’s why we want you to call us.
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Will I have to earn straight A’s to keep my financial aid award?
No. We do expect you to continue your strong academic performance when you become a student at Washington University and to stay on track to earn your degree. But we’ll always consider special circumstances.
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I'm from a middle-income family. Do I have any chance of getting a realistic amount of financial assistance?
Our students who receive financial assistance come from a wide range of family incomes. We rely on personal contact as well as financial aid forms in order to consider all of your family’s circumstances when we determine your financial assistance award.
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Will my family have to sell our house and mortgage our future to send me to Washington University?
No. If you’re admitted to Washington University, we want to make Washington University a financial reality for you and your family. We offer a variety of attractive financial assistance opportunities, and our financial assistance counselors are happy to help construct a plan that works for your family.
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Is the only way for my family to pay our share of the costs of my education to write a big check each semester?
No. Washington University’s PEP Program is among the best parent financing programs in the country. PEP—Partners in Education with Parents—features low interest rates, low monthly repayment terms, and the chance to freeze all four years of costs at the entering-year rate.
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What will happen if my family and I have unexpected financial problems after I’ve enrolled?
Our primary goal is to help our students be successful. We do all we can to help you complete your Washington University education. Financial assistance awards can be reconsidered whenever it’s necessary.
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Will my financial assistance award 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.
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Will I graduate with too much debt?
Washington University’s financial assistance program relies primarily on scholarships and in many instances does not include students loans at all. Any loans would have low interest rates and realistic payment periods. The repayment record of Washington University graduates is among the best in the country, indicating that our graduates are prepared for success.
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Will I have to work while I’m in school? I don't want work to hurt my course work.
Many students choose Federal Work-Study jobs related to their academic and extracurricular interests. Work schedules don’t interfere with classes. Students with part-time jobs tell us how much they learn from the experience. Both the job and the contacts they make are very helpful when they are looking for full-time employment after graduation.
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I heard that Washington University has expanded financial assistance for students from low- and middle-income families. Do I qualify?
Washington University has eliminated need-based loans as part of its undergraduate financial aid awards to students from low- and middle-income families. Entering freshmen and returning full-time undergraduate day-school students with parental incomes of less than $60,000 annually are not expected to take out need-based loans and instead receive grants from the university that will not have to be repaid. Families with parental income somewhat higher than $60,000 also may receive additional student loan relief based on demonstrated need and their financial circumstances. Please contact Student Financial Services for more information.
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Are international students eligible for financial assistance?
Yes, international students can receive need-based financial assistance. Students with “permanent resident” status in the United States should apply for financial assistance as U.S. Citizens. Please click here for more information regarding financial aid for international students. International students are also welcome to apply for the academic scholarships (except the John B. Ervin Scholarship). Please click here for information about Academic Scholarship & Fellowship Programs.
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