Education and Success Within Reach

Washington University is committed to making sure a college education is within reach for all our students. We know college is a big investment, which is why we have created several initiatives to set our students up for success during their time at WashU and beyond. 

Washington University has announced the Gateway to Success Initiative, a $1 Billion additional financial assistance commitment from the university that allows us to be immediately and forever “need blind” in our admission process for first-year domestic applicants. WashU will no longer consider an applicant’s ability to pay when making admissions decisions. 

Common questions

What does “need blind” mean? 

WashU will not consider an applicant’s ability to pay when making admissions decisions. Additionally, WashU continues to guarantee to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all students admitted to the university. So, whether a student needs a small amount of assistance or the total cost of attendance, they will be considered for admission based on their abilities, not on their ability to pay. 

Why is this important? 

We want to make WashU accessible to every qualified student. We do this by removing barriers to admission and providing financial resources to make sure all qualified students are able to attend, regardless of their ability to pay. In our review, we look for evidence of academic potential, strong personal characteristics and qualities, activities and commitment, and potential for fit and engagement in the WashU community. 

Why is this possible now?

This investment in our students, which the university is calling Gateway to Success, is possible largely as a result of the extraordinary 65% return on the university’s Managed Endowment Pool for the 2020-21 fiscal year. It includes $800 million in endowed funding to support need-blind undergraduate admissions. 

What about people who can afford tuition? Will this make it harder for some applicants to be admitted?

All applications will be reviewed in a holistic and individualized manner with one goal in mind: to get to know the applicant as a person and understand how that student would both benefit from and contribute to the WashU experience.

If you are “need blind” do I still need to submit a FAFSA and apply for financial assistance

Yes! It is important that you complete your financial assistance application by the stated deadline for your decision plan. We will use the information in your financial assistance application to ensure we are meeting 100% of your demonstrated need.  

Does this apply to all applicants?  

Our need blind admissions policy applies to all first-year domestic applicants for undergraduate admission. Not included in this program are international applicants, transfer students, and students admitted from our wait list, although we meet 100% of need for these students.

Chancellor Martin introduced the WashU Pledge, a bold financial aid program that will provide a free undergraduate education to incoming, full-time Missouri and southern Illinois students who come from a family with $75,000 or less in annual income.

Common questions

Who is eligible for the WashU Pledge?

First-year, full-time students admitted to WashU:

  • Reside in or attend high school in Missouri or are home-schooled in Missouri or
  • Reside in or attend high school in one of 53 defined counties in Illinois or home-schooled in one of these Illinois counties
  • Come from a family with $75,000 or less in annual income
  • Are U.S. Citizens, permanent residents, DACA, or undocumented
Map of Missouri and Illinois showing counties eligible for WashU Pledge

Part-time students or students who are earning a degree from University College are not eligible.

What does the Pledge include?
  • The WashU Pledge includes scholarships and grants covering the cost of tuition, fees, housing, and food (based on a modern/double room and the Platinum meal plan for on campus students and the cost of a modern/double room and Silver meal plan for off campus students), guaranteed for all four years
  • These students will also be eligible for our first year startup grants
How can I apply for the WashU Pledge?
Will I have to pay anything back to the university?

No, once awarded students will not have to pay back any of the scholarships or grants included in the pledge.

Washington University has announced that we’re expanding our “no-loan” financial aid policy to include all admitted undergraduate students beginning in fall 2024.

So, what does this mean? This means that need-based loans for undergraduate students will be removed from all financial aid packages and replaced with scholarships and university grants, ensuring that all admitted students can obtain a world-class WashU education without going in to debt.

This policy for all is our latest step towards expanding financial aid at WashU. It follows initiatives like our WashU Pledge–which provides a full undergraduate education, including tuition, fees, housing and meals–to students in Missouri and southern Illinois with annual family incomes of $75,000 or less; and our shift to need-blind admissions in 2021, a move made possible by the university’s $1 billion investment in it Gateway to Success initiative.

In short, we’re committed to doing what it takes for our students to receive a WashU education without the burden of student loan debt. To quote our Chancellor, Andrew D. Martin, “No one should have to borrow money to obtain an undergraduate degree, and moving forward here at WashU, they won’t.”

Common questions

What does WashU’s no-loan policy mean?

Under this newly expanded no-loan policy, all students who have demonstrated financial need will receive financial aid packages that do not include need-based loans. Students who would have received need-based loans will now receive institutional grants and scholarships instead.  

Does this mean no family will ever have to take loans?

Students with demonstrated financial need will have 100% of their need met with scholarships and grants. While this policy has made it possible for many students to graduate WashU with little to no debt, some families may wish to take advantage of loans to help finance the cost of college, including the parent or student contribution.

If my family chooses to take out a loan, can it still be a federal loan or would it need to be a private loan? 

If your family chooses to take out a loan, Student Financial Services will award you the amount of federal loans you’re eligible for.

First Year Grants

The First Year Startup Grants are created to aid students in their college experience and help to cover expenses associated with necessary school items, including but not limited to, school supplies, residential hall supplies, and winter clothing. These grants are awarded to students coming from families with less than $75,000 in family income.

The grant includes a waiver of the $1,550 summer earning expectation, a $500 bookstore credit, and $1,000 in startup grant funds.

Common questions

What funds will I receive?
  • $1,000 Startup Grant Funds:
    These funds will continue to be reflected in your financial assistance offer which you can see in your NetPartner portal. They can be used for necessary school items including but not limited to school supplies, residential hall supplies, and winter clothing. You are not required to purchase these items from one particular place or to show a proof of purchase.
  • $500 Bookstore Credit: These funds are sourced from the startup grant funds that will continue to be reflected in your financial assistance offer and will be available to you in August. This credit can be used for any item at the bookstore including but not limited to books, technology, and school supplies.
Who is eligible for the First Year Startup Grant?

The grants are for first-year students from families with less than $75,000 in family income.

What is the Summer’s Earnings Expectation Replacement Grant?

Your $1,550 summer earnings expectation for entering students has been waived, increasing your overall aid. You will be able to see this in your financial assistance offer as “summer earnings expectation replacement grant.” A credit of $775 will be automatically applied toward university charges at the beginning of each semester for your first year.

When will I receive my funds?
  • Each semester during your first year you will receive $500 in startup grants funds, for a total of $1,000 for the student’s first year. Students will receive an email from WashU once the funds are available. You can expect your fall funds to be available in early August and your spring funds in early January.
  • Each semester during your first year you will receive a $250 bookstore credit, for a total of $500. These credits will automatically be applied to your WashU Campus Store account at the beginning of each semester. The funds will roll over each semester if not used.
How do I receive my startup grant funds?

Startup grant recipients will receive their funds through a bank direct deposit or by check. Each student will need to set up direct deposit through WebSTAC or pick up their checks from Student Financial Services once on campus.

How do I setup direct deposit for my startup grant funds?

Visit WebSTAC to receive your grant funds, refunds and other disbursements through a direct deposit to your checking or savings account.

Do I have to provide receipts for any of my purchases with my startup grant funds?

No. We do not track what you purchase with your startup grant funds. Each student’s needs are different and we leave it up to the student to decide what they need to purchase for their first-year.

Can I use my grant funds to pay my balance in WebSTAC?

No. The startup grant funds are meant to offset some of the extra costs first-year students experience outside of tuition, fees, housing, and food. These funds are a resource to our students so they can fully engage in academic and campus life without the extra burden of unexpected college costs.

Why do I still have a balance on my account?

Since the startup grant funds are meant to pay for additional costs (outside of tuition, fees, housing, and food), credit for these funds do not show up on your student billing account. These first year funds will be directly deposited to your bank account or a physical check can be picked up at Student Financial Services.

What is the refund I received at the beginning of the semester?

Some students who qualify for the firs year startup grant may also qualify for a refund through WashU. If you are eligible for that refund you will receive those funds at the beginning of each semester in addition to your startup grant money. This refund will be available to you through direct deposit or a physical check can be picked up at Student Financial Services. If you have questions about the amount of your refund, please reach out to your Student Financial Services Counselor.

First time students who are earning a degree through one of the undergraduate schools and are receiving need-based financial aid are eligible to receive a computer during their first semester. Students will be given a campus bookstore credit of $1,293 to be used for the purchase of a laptop computer that meets current undergraduate minimum requirements. This credit must be used in the fall semester and will not roll over. If you have credit from your startup grant, you can combine that credit with your laptop purchase if the computer amount exceeds your $1,293 grant, but we have plenty of options that can be fully covered by the technology grant.

Students who qualify for the technology grant will be notified in March.

For guidance and support regarding the university’s technology requirements and recommendations visit WashU Tech Den, a technology resource center available to all WashU students.

Common questions

What funds will I receive with the Technology Grant?

This $1,293 grant will fully cover a computer meeting minimum requirements for the undergraduate divisions. These funds will not show up on your financial assistance offer but are available to you through an account at the WashU Campus Store and can only be used to purchase a laptop computer. This computer must be purchased during the students first fall semester. These funds will not roll over to Spring.

How do I know what kind of computer to buy?

Please refer to the WashU Tech Den website for detailed information on the type of computer you will need. Each school has different requirements. You can find several computer options on the WashU Campus Store website for purchase.

Why am I required to have a laptop?

WashU students are required to have a laptop that meets or exceeds the minimum laptop specifications for their class or school.It’s important to be able to take your school-work mobile. You will use it to take notes in class, for studying with your class-mates in the library, in study rooms or other campus locations or for remote online learning.

For more information on laptop requirements and questions please visit WashU Tech Den.

Do I have to purchase my computer through the WashU Campus Bookstore?

Yes. Your $1,293 technology grant must be used at the bookstore. You may choose which computer you would like to purchase from the bookstore’s WashU Approved options, but note that the laptop purchase must also include a 3-year accident warranty. If your model does not list a 3-year warranty bundle, contact the WashU Campus Store at CampusStoreTech@wustl.edu so it can be added to the grant purchase and enrolled.

Please note: If you have credit from your startup grant, you can combine that credit with your laptop purchase if the computer amount exceeds your $1,293 grant; however, we do have laptop options that can be fully covered by the technology grant.

Can I save my Technology Grant for the spring?

No. Technology Grant Funds must be used in the fall of your first year, these will not roll over. If they are not used you will lose them.

How do I purchase my laptop with the Technology Grant?

Our office will send you an email with the computer order form in late July. You can use this order form to purchase your laptop and you will pick it up when you arrive in campus in August.

When can I purchase my computer?

Your technology grant funds will be available in late July. You will receive an email from our office with an order form link.

How will I get my computer?

You will pick up your computer in person at the bookstore once you arrive to campus.

What happens if I already purchased my computer?

WashU will not be able to reimburse you for a computer you have already purchased. However, you can use the Technology Grant to purchase a second laptop if you wish.

What are the recommended specs for a laptop for my degree?

Check out WashU Tech Den– a new site that brings together each school’s recommended hardware specifications and more.

What if I need my computer for FSAP?

If you are attending FSAP our office will send you the computer order form earlier in the summer so you can order your laptop and pick it up when you arrive on campus for the summer.

Ida H. Early Grant for transfer students

The Ida H. Early Startup Grant was created to help transfer students from the St. Louis Community College system transition to WashU. The grant provides students a one-time grant up to $2,000 for indirect educational expenses such as housing supplies, books, and other expenses to assist with their transition as a first-year student at Washington University.

Common questions

Who is eligible for the Ida Early Grant?

The Ida H. Early Grant is for transfer students coming from the St. Louis Community College System and who received the Elizabeth Gray Danforth Scholarship.

How do I get the Ida H. Early Grant?

Students will get the grant if they receive the Elizabeth Gray Danforth Scholarship.

How do I receive my startup grant funds?

Startup grant recipients will receive their funds through a bank direct deposit or by check. Each student will need to set up direct deposit through WebSTAC or pick up their check from Student Financial Services once on campus.

Other initiatives and commitments

  • The Student Success Fund, which provides need-based grants to cover the cost of living expenses, medical expenses, professional development opportunities, emergency travel, study abroad, and other expenses.
  • Taylor STARS, a cohort program that provides community and support to Pell-eligible and first-generation students through academic and peer mentors.
  • WashU has renewed its commitment to the American Talent Initiative (ATI)’s Accelerating Opportunity campaign, a nationwide effort to graduate an additional 50,000 low- and moderate-income students from ATI member colleges and universities by 2025.
  • WashU has announced a transformative initiative that aims not only to increase financial resources for students at every level of need, including middle-income students, but also to provide a best-in-class experience for all students to learn, develop, and flourish while on campus and beyond. Make Way: Our Student Initiative will build financial resources for undergraduate scholarships, graduate scholarships and fellowships, and the student experience, helping remove financial barriers for the most qualified students and offer every student the freedom to navigate an educational path.

The generous financial aid helped me afford WashU. As a low-income student, the thought of attending such a prestigious university seemed impossible until I talked with my financial aid counselor. My experience with Student Financial Services has been remarkable – they are willing to work with your family’s situation and are readily available to talk with.

Natasha, Class of 2023