International Financial Aid at WashU?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Washington University in St. Louis
1

<p>I'm applying for early decision at Wash U, but I'm an international student (Canada) and will be applying for financial aid. I know WashU is need-aware, but I was told that financial neediness is a much smaller factor when applying ED. However, does the fact that I am an international applicant applying for financial aid hurt my chances a lot? Does being an international applicant hurt me in itself as well?</p>

2

<p>

Short answer: yes, it hurts quite a bit.</p>

3

<p>Longer answer:</p>

<p>It really depends on your situation. How much aid do you need? Being an international means you’re not getting a dime of federal aid, which means you lose many opportunities.</p>

<p>Also, if you do happen to get accepted, just because WashU meets 100% of need, you may get straddled with huge loans that may be very high-interest. I’d really suggest you don’t do ED if your need is high. But chances are high that the international bit is going to make it a non-issue.</p>

4

<p>@Johnson181
I won’t need a huge amount of aid, I believe my parents are in the 100-200k bracket. I’m also a baseball recruit (although the coach doesn’t have a big pull in admissions), if that makes a difference. But to be clear, will the international bit hurt my chances of ACCEPTANCE or RECEIVING AID?</p>

5

<p>

I don’t know stats on acceptance for the international pool vs the domestic pool of applicants. My guess is it hurts, but I’d imagine it’s more so that you’re international looking for aid - not just international.</p>

<p>

Yes.
Also, if your parents are in the 100-200k range, there’s a very good chance that the only thing they’ll offer is loans (if accepted), if they offer anything at all. They could very well offer zero with an income that big.</p>

6

<p>@Johnson181
So being an international asking for aid actually hurts my chances of acceptance?</p>

7

<p>Not sure how you haven’t understood my answers. I’ve been very clear.</p>

<p>While it is by no means an automatic reject, it most certainly hurts your chances.</p>

8

<p>If I only have a small need, how much will that reduce the negative effect?</p>