WashU’s “no-loan” financial aid policy applies to all admitted undergraduate students. This means that need-based loans for undergraduate students will be removed from all financial aid offers and replaced with scholarships, university grants, and Federal Work-Study. We’re committed to doing what it takes for our students to receive a WashU education without the burden of student loan debt.
No one should have to borrow money to obtain an undergraduate degree, and moving forward here at WashU, they won’t.
Andrew D. MartinChancellor, Washington University in St. Louis
Common questions
What does WashU’s no-loan policy mean?
Under this policy, all undergraduate students who have demonstrated financial need will receive financial aid offers that do not include need-based loans. Students who would have received need-based loans will have that need met with institutional grants, scholarships, and Federal Work-Study instead.
Does this mean no family will ever have to take loans?
Students with demonstrated financial need will have 100% of their need met without loans. 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 you choose to take out a federal student loan, Student Financial Services will add the amount of federal loans you’re eligible for to your financial aid award for you to accept. If you choose to take out a private loan, you will need to apply for the loan directly through that lender.