Applying for Financial Aid
Financial aid can make the already affordable tuition at University College even more reasonable.
Students may register for courses after completing all of the steps below. We recommend applying for financial aid as early as possible in the semester prior to your enrollment. Typically, financial aid applications take eight or more weeks to process.
Step 1: Apply for a degree or select a certificate program.
If you have a high school diploma or the equivalent, you may enroll in most University College courses. However, some courses are open only to graduate students, and others are open only to students admitted to a degree program. In order to qualify for financial aid, you must first apply for and be officially admitted to a University College degree or select certificate programs.*
*The Geographic Information Systems program is eligible for financial aid.
Step 2: Complete the FAFSA online.
To apply for federal student aid, such as federal grants, work-study, and loans, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at studentaid.gov every year.
Note: Washington University's school code is 002520.
The FAFSA takes four weeks to process. You may submit the FAFSA before you are officially admitted to University College. After you submit the FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid report from the U.S. Department of Education.
*Note: the FAFSA form will calculate what it calls the "Estimated Family Contribution" figure. This number does not indicate what you will have to pay for tuition, or what you might receive in aid. It is used for our office to gain insight into your eligibility for need-based aid, such as Pell Grants and loans.
Step 3: Submit an Evening School Profile form or a Summer School Financial Assistance Application.
Once Steps 1-3 have been completed, Washington University's Student Financial Services (SFS) office will send you a financial assistance award letter, telling you how much you are eligible for in Federal Direct Loans (Stafford), Pell Grants, or Missouri state grants.
You must complete the next steps (if applicable) prior to registering for courses.
Note: Financial aid for undergraduate students is awarded based on your current grade level at Washington University. If you attended another institution, official transcripts must be received and reviewed by your advisor to increase your grade level and award according to the US Department of Education.
Step 4: Login to WashU's Student Financial Services (SFS).
Visit netpartner.wustl.edu and use your WUSTLKey to log in. From the MENU dropdown go to Accept Offer to accept, reduce or decline loans. Then from the MENU dropdown go to Documents and Messages to complete any missing documentation.
Step 5: Complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN).
If you are using Federal Direct Loans (Stafford) or PLUS loans, you must fill out a Master Promissory Note.
Step 6: Complete Entrance Counseling.
New borrowers must complete online entrance counseling. Entrance Counseling ensures you understand your borrower rights and responsibilities.
Step 7: Complete the financial aid process.
Your Student Aid Report will tell you if your FAFSA has been "selected for verification." In order for you to complete the verification process, you will need to provide the following required documentation:
- Verification Worksheet for Independent Students or for Dependent Students
- Finalized federal income tax return information. This must be provided by transferring your tax return information to your finalized FAFSA. If you are not eligible to use the FAFSA IRS data retrieval tool, contact Student Financial Services. If you are not required to file a tax return, submit our Non-Filer Statement at netpartner.wustl.edu. Sign in with your WUSTLKey and from the MENU dropdown go to Messages and Documents to complete the form and upload. To determine if Washington University is missing information from you, please log in to netpartner.wustl.edu and from the MENU drop down go to Messages and Documents.