Webster University

Approximately 95% of freshmen who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents at the home campus in St. Louis receive financial assistance through loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs. Of course, each financial aid decision is personal, which means we can’t tell you exactly what your award will be until you have completed all the steps in the process.

To give you a better idea of how the process works, though, we’ve listed three awards below that took place this year. All we did was change the names. We hope one of these scenarios comes close to matching your situation.

If you have any questions about your financial aid situation, please contact your admissions counselor or send us an e-mail.

To apply for financial aid, here are the steps:

1. Complete the undergraduate application for admission.
2. File the parents' and student tax return as soon as possible after Jan. 1.
3. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and indicate Webster as a school to receive the results (you can fill out the FAFSA online).
4. Complete Webster University's Financial Aid application.

Name: Blake
Hometown: Oakville, Mo.
Major: Journalism

Blake’s Dad told him that he would probably have to go to the State University, assuming that it would be the cheapest option, given the economy. To Blake, that sounded a lot like going back to high school. Blake had done his homework, however, and knew that the advantages to studying at Webster University included a curriculum that got him into his major right away, and the opportunity to work on the student newspaper, without having to wait until his junior year. Blake plans to live at home in Oakville, Mo., since it is close to where he has a part-time job. “It may sound strange,” admits Blake, “but one of the things I’m really looking forward to is the intramural bowling league. Never mind that the last time Blake went bowling was for a grade school friend’s birthday and that this activity is on Thursday nights at 10 p.m. At this time next year, Blake will be well adjusted to living on “college time.”
 
Here is Blake’s 2009-10 Financial Aid Initial Award:

And Blake's expected costs:

Name: Jennifer
Hometown: Chesterfield, Mo.
Major: English with an emphasis in Creative Writing

Jennifer learned about the great creative writing program at Webster University from her English teacher. Jennifer’s parents opted to send Jennifer to an all girls’ private high school, which was a big sacrifice on their part. Still, her parents are stunned to find out what some private colleges are charging for tuition. Jennifer and her parents did their research to find out that Webster University provided the private, liberal arts education they were looking for, but at a price nearly $10,000 less per year than some other schools. In today’s economy, Webster University was just the value proposition they were looking for. Although Jennifer lives in Chesterfield, Mo., she is choosing to live on campus. “It was the little things about campus housing that impressed me,” comments Jennifer, “like all of the housing is either brand new or just recently renovated.” All the rooms are suites. “Some of the colleges I visited had hall baths that could only be described as ‘gross,’” admits Jennifer. Her Mom likes the fact that that Webster University is located in the safe and secure suburb of Webster Groves. And since laundry is free, Jennifer doesn’t need to bring any home when she visits.

Here is Jennifers’s 2009-10 Financial Aid Initial Award:

And Jennifer's expected costs:

Name: Lauren
Hometown: Springfield, Mo.
Major: Education

Lauren has wanted to be a teacher all of her life. She has worked very hard at her high school in Springfield, Mo., and no, she doesn't know fellow high school alum Brad Pitt. The attraction of St. Louis, the small class sizes and the NCATE accreditation of the School of Education, were among the many factors that helped her choose Webster University. She will also have the opportunity to play women’s soccer. Whether she decides to stay in St. Louis, or return to Springfield, her education will prepare her to be certified to teach in any Missouri school, where she also hopes to one day become a soccer coach. Lauren knew she “fit in” the moment she took the campus tour. “Lilo, my Admissions Counselor was just great,” says Lauren. Mom and dad are very proud and excited for Lauren, as she is the first in her family to go to college.

Here is Lauren’s 2009-10 Financial Aid Initial Award: