Financing Your Education Guide: 2023-24

Now is the right time to plan your funding strategy.

We know that funding a graduate degree is a significant investment of time and financial resources for you and your loved ones. With that in mind, we have created this guide with two primary goals: to empower you to have ongoing and transparent conversations about financing your time at the Brown School, and to offer you important—and often overlooked—resources for making informed financial decisions.

Within this guide, you will find:

An explanation of the sources that can fund educational and living expenses

A closer look at the federal student loan process with resources to learn more

Average monthly and annual costs for Brown School students

Tips from students for reducing your monthly expenses

Guidance to help create and stick to a budget

Funding Sources and Options

Most Brown School students combine multiple sources to finance their educational and living expenses. Common funding sources include:

Brown School Funding

Brown School Scholarships

The Brown School offers a range of scholarships to assist students with funding their degree. Brown School scholarships include a combination of merit and needbased awards that recognize the variety of strengths, experiences, endeavors, and personal histories our students offer. The admissions committee considers several factors in determining scholarship awards: financial need, academic achievement, leadership and service, professional accomplishments, contributions to family and community, and commitment to equity and social justice.

Personal Funding

Part-Time Employment

The majority of Brown School students have part-time jobs. Some work on campus at the Brown School or elsewhere at the university; others work for organizations in the greater St. Louis community.

On campus, you’ll find both Federal Work-Study (FWS) and non-FWS jobs, the majority of which pay an hourly rate. Students receive a direct deposit on a bi-weekly basis; compensation from campus-based jobs is not automatically applied to tuition.

Students seeking a part-time job may utilize one of these options:

1. In spring, the Office of Admissions & Recruitment will utilize Admitted Student Resources to promote a small set of campus-based jobs

2. In summer, you’ll gain access to the School’s job board, called Handshake

3. At Orientation, attend the part-time job fair

4. Inquire directly with centers or faculty whose work interests you about part-time opportunities

External Scholarships

We encourage you to apply to all external funding opportunities for which you are eligible. Most external scholarships are awarded on an annual basis. This means you can apply prior to enrolling, and then apply again during your first year. A non-comprehensive list of external scholarships is available online at the Brown School’s Tuition & Financial Aid page.

Personal Funding, continued

529 Plan

A 529 plan is an education savings plan, usually sponsored by a state or state agency. Payments from 529 plans should be issued directly to the university by check, and should include the student’s name and student ID number.

Loans

Federal Loans

Eligible students (U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens) may be awarded federal student loans valued at the cost of attendance minus all other financial assistance (e.g., merit-based scholarships). Students should borrow only what is necessary for educational expenses and nondiscretionary spending. Repayment begins six months after graduation.

Private Loans

Use discretion when considering private loans. If you are considering private loans, be sure to review thoroughly all lending conditions and terms.

Learn more about Federal and Private loans on pages 6-7

Other Funding Sources

Military Benefits

Student planning to utilize VA Educational Benefits will find support in the university’s Office of Military & Veterans Services. They provide a step-by-step outline to request your benefits. Learn more at veterans.wustl.edu

AmeriCorps Service Awards

Eligible AmeriCorps alumni can initiate service award payments by logging onto their AmeriCorps dashboard.

Tribal Benefits

Eligible American Indian/Alaskan Native students may apply tribal awards.

Loans (Federal & Private)

Many students utilize federal or private loans to fund a portion of their graduate education. Whenever possible, federal loans should be utilized before private loans.

Federal Loans

There are two types of Federal Student Loans. Federal Direct Loans, Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans allow students to borrow up to $20,500 each academic year ($10,250 a semester). Interest begins accruing immediately, though repayment is not required while enrolled in the degree program.

Graduate Direct PLUS Loans

These loans, which require a credit check, allow students to borrow up to the cost of attendance minus any financial aid received (e.g., Brown School scholarships). Similar to Federal Direct Loans, these do not require repayment while enrolled in the program and interest accrues immediately.

Students planning to borrow federal loans must complete the FAFSA process. Learn more on page 7

Before You Borrow

Important Information About Federal Loans

All loans have an origination fee. An origination fee is a fee charged by a lender to the borrower to cover the costs of processing the loan.

Loan forgiveness may be an option, but the eligibility criteria is very specific. Borrowers employed in the public sector may become eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) after making 120 consecutive, on-time monthly payments. The Brown School encourages students to research this option, but we caution that—at any time—the government may opt to cap, restrict or end the PSLF program. We would discourage students from relying on loan forgiveness as their primary repayment strategy.

Private Loans

Private Loans

Use discretion when considering private loans. Although they may offer lower interest rates than federal loans, they may not provide the same guaranteed benefits (forbearance, deferment, and income-driven repayment options, among others). If you are considering private loans, be sure to review thoroughly all lending conditions and terms.

Before you take out a loan, we recommend exploring resources about responsible borrowing. In addition to the tips below, the Federal Student Aid website (studentaid.ed.gov) is a good place to start this research.

Loan refunds can help cover living expenses, but should only be taken if absolutely necessary. You may accept loans that, when combined with scholarship, exceed the value of tuition and fees. Excess funds will be directed to you once a semester through a check, called a refund, and can cover living expenses. Refunds accrue interest, and should only be accepted in the amount needed to cover living costs. This means you may accept only a portion of the loans you are offered. Whenever possible, we encourage you to cover living expenses through part-time work.

Repayment plans can be income-based. The Department of Education offers income-driven repayment, which can be a more manageable option as you grow in your career.

FAFSA Timeline

Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required for federal student aid, including loans and work-study. This timeline lists major dates and deadlines around initiating and completing FAFSA. Students can find more comprehensive information on the FAFSA website.

OCTOBER Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens online.

MARCH FAFSA submission deadline.

Students wishing to be considered for Federal Work-Study must submit their FAFSA. We encourage you to submit FAFSA as early as possible, and no later than July 1 if you plan to receive a refund for living expenses.

APRIL – JULY Once you confirm your intent to enroll, you will receive an email from Brown School Office of Financial Aid indicating your financial aid package and loan options ONLY IF you are planning borrow federal loans. After you receive this email, you can review your aid package and complete the federal checklist for receiving loans.

AUGUST Loans disburse on your student account no sooner than 10 days prior to the first day of classes. Loan refund checks are processed within 3-5 days.

Estimated Cost of Attendance

The “cost of attendance” is an estimated value that accounts for major costs associated with living in St. Louis and studying at the Brown School. This value includes tuition, fees, books, supplies, housing, food, transportation and miscellaneous costs. Additional information about room, board and transportation is provided on pages 10-11.

For more information, please visit our website.

MSW/MSP

MSW/MSP

Part-Time MSW students will be charged at a per-credit hour rate for the duration of their program (6 semesters).

Please reach out to our office at brownadmissions@wustl.edu if you have questions about your program’s tuition structure.

How much can I borrow in loans?

You may borrow federal loans up to a set maximum value, known as the “cost of attendance.” The cost of attendance is determined by the Brown School based on estimated, averaged values for room, board and other educational expenses.

Please refer to the cost of attendance breakdown on our website for more information.

What is included in the cost of attendance?

Tuition

Fees

Books & Supplies (estimated)

Housing & Food (estimated)

Transportation (estimated)

Professional Costs (estimated)

Personal/Misc. (estimated)

How much can MSW and MSP students borrow?

$46,840 TUITION

+ $30,115 ESTIMATED COST OF LIVING

– total annual scholarship received

= estimated total loans available per year

How much can MPH students borrow?

$41,600 TUITION

+ $30,115 ESTIMATED COST OF LIVING

– total annual scholarship received

= estimated total loans available per year

As living costs are highly variable, choices you make can dramatically decrease or increase your actual expenses. Learn more about how to reduce your cost of living on pages 12-13

Annual Fees

Student Health & Wellness Fee

This fee supports programming available to students through Health Promotion Services and the Sumers Recreation Center, including full access to the gym and all of its classes and amenities.

Student Health Insurance Fee (charged in full in fall semester)

This fee covers mandatory student health insurance, effective August 1–July 31. We also encourage reviewing supplemental dental and vision insurance options, which are not included in the required plan. Waiving out of student health insurance is an option for students with sufficient, alternative coverage.

Student Activity Fee

This fee supports programming and events for and by Brown School student-groups and organizations. This fee also supports all-school events, such as the annual year-end celebration, “Best of Brown.”

*Fee from 2022-23 academic year. Adjustments may be made for the 2023-24 academic year, and will be announced in the summer.

$616

$2,232*

$100

Cost of Attendance Breakdown

The total cost of attendance (COA) is comprised of tuition, mandatory fees, and estimated living expenses. For the 2023-2024 academic year, the Brown School’s COA is $76,956 for MSW and MSP students and $71,716 for MPH students. This means that depending on your program, you can borrow a maximum of $76,956 or $71,716 for the 2023-24 academic year.

REQUIRED COSTS

Annual Tuition $46,840 (MSW & MSP)

The annual tuition is paid over two semesters. $41,600 (MPH)

Mandatory Fees $716

Includes Health and Wellness fee and Student Activity fee.

ESTIMATED COSTS

Includes housing costs and groceries. Please note: This amount is just an estimate and is highly variable depending on your specific living situation.

reading materials, laptop, etc.

Subject to change for the 2023-24 academic year, pending state approval. Yellow Zone 3 Parking Permit, 2023-24**

**Not included in overall COA estimate.

Tips for Decreasing Your Monthly Expenses

When you’re sticking to a budget, free and discounted amenities can help keep your monthly spending on track.

Take full advantage of the free resources and entertainment options on campus:

Free Utilities for WashU Students:

U-Pass grants free and unlimited rides on St. Louis Metro public transit. You’ll reduce gas and car maintenance and avoid the need for purchasing a parking pass.

Gary M. Sumers Recreation Center offers cardio machines, strength training equipment, a pool, tennis and basketball courts, an elevated track and free classes (yoga, cycling, Zumba, TRX, HIIT and others).

Office 365 subscription with WashU credentials gives you free access to the full Microsoft Office Suite.

Library Books on Loan through WashU and our inter-library loan system.

Campus2Home Shuttle service offers late-night transportation from campus to your door in select nearby neighborhoods.

Subscription Services that Offer Student Discounts:

Spotify Paramount+ Hulu

Amazon Prime

Free Events on Campus:

Apple TV+ and Apple Music

Free printing and audiobook downloads through the St. Louis Public Library system

The university offers many cultural events and experiences to students at no cost. These include nationally-known speakers, tickets to Edison Theatre performances, visiting writers and poets, and admission to the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum.

Discounted Rates for WashU Students:

Enterprise CarShare Program

Professional Development series at the Brown School, with frequent training opportunities in topics such as data presentation, program development, treatment modalities and licensure

Free Utilities for WashU Students:

Annual printing allowance on campus

New York Times delivered on campus and through digital access

Living in St. Louis on a Budget

St. Louis is consistently ranked among cities with the lowest cost of living. In addition to the city’s abundant housing, there are countless free attractions and activities to support your social world outside of the classroom.

Finding your apartment:

Consider Rent, Roommates, Location and Personal Wishes:

As with any city, rent prices vary from neighborhood to neighborhood. Where you live can significantly impact your monthly expenses. We encourage students to find housing that accommodates their price point, transit plan to campus (e.g., proximity to bus routes and light-rail), and personal needs in a community. Within the city’s 79 distinct neighborhoods, there is much to discover. We encourage you to be curious as you find a neighborhood that suits you.

“Incoming students who do not drive should do their best to secure practicums that are accessible by public transit or at a site that has more than one student that you could carpool

Taking advantage of free admission to events throughout the city:

Free Attractions Near Campus:

Contemporary Art Museum

St. Louis Art Museum

St. Louis History Museum

Pulitzer Arts Foundation

St. Louis Zoo

St. Louis Science Center

World Chess Hall of Fame

St. Louis Muny (free seats available on a first-come basis)

St. Louis Symphony performances (discounted tickets available to students)

Free Events in St. Louis:

The region is known for a variety of outdoor and indoor events that make it easy to find something free to see, listen to or do every night. In a typical summer, free events like Shakespeare in the Park, Movies on Art Hill, First Fridays and outdoor concert series have provided dynamic gathering places for our community.

with.”

—ANTWAN CHAMBERS

Do I need to bring a car to St. Louis?

Many students decide not to bring a car to campus and rely on transportation services such as the U-Pass, Campus2Home Shuttle and Enterprise Car Share (more info on pages 12-13). Bike or pedestrian commuting can also help you get where you need to be. If you are not planning on bringing a car to campus, we encourage you to look for housing and consider practicum sites that best accommodate commuting via public transit.

Do I need to buy a parking pass?

For those bringing a car and planning to drive to campus, you may consider the necessity of a campus parking pass. While this is a personal decision, there are options available for car commuters outside of higher-price campus parking passes:

Use street parking in the areas around campus. Many free street-parking spaces are a 10-15 minute walk away.

Purchase the relatively low-cost parking pass that allows you to park at a satellite campus about one mile away and take a shuttle to main campus.

Save on-campus parking for select times. Most oncampus parking is free throughout the weekends and after 5:00 pm on weekdays, which makes for a quick walk to your car after evening classes or late-night study sessions.

More information about parking passes will be provided to incoming students in summer.

What is public transit like in St. Louis?

All WashU students receive free and unlimited access to St. Louis’s public transit system, Metro Transit, with their U-Pass. The Danforth campus is served by both the light rail and multiple bus lines, making WashU an easy destination on public transit.

Since St. Louis utilizes a light rail system, it is not as comprehensive as heavy rail (sometimes called rapid transit) systems you may have experienced in cities such as New York City or Chicago. Our light rail network is more comparable to those in Atlanta, Portland and Philadelphia. With few exceptions, Metro Transit buses and trains run on time and offer access to all major destinations within the city.

How do students get to campus?

“To get to WashU, I ride the MetroLink train which stops on both the northwest and northeast corners of campus. If you are going to utilize the train (or any of the Metro system), I suggest that you download the Transit app for updates on delays or service changes. Since I avail myself of the public transportation and the free U-Pass students receive, I don’t really miss having my car on campus.”

—SCOTT MILLAR

“I found living in neighborhoods slightly farther from school is less expensive, so I drive to campus. Instead of paying for a parking pass, I park in Forest Park. The walk to campus is only about 10-15 minutes and there’s always ample parking in the park.”

SARAH KANG

“I usually walk or bike to campus. I’ve also carpooled with classmates who live near me and in exchange, I help pay their gas or buy them coffee!”

ALLI GILLESPIE

Tips from Students

We asked these students what budgeting and spending advice they would offer to incoming members of the Brown School community.

“Take time during the first months of your program to review your income (paychecks from work, scholarships, student loans) and your expenses (tuition, rent, groceries, ‘fun-money,’ utilities) and make a budget you can stick to based off of that information. It has helped me to understand and track my spending habits.”

DAISZHA COOLEY

“When searching for a neighborhood and apartment, try to find a space a bit below your budget line—the cost of living here may surprise you! Also, there is more to St. Louis than the neighborhoods around the WashU campus. I found a location 40 minutes away via public transportation, and that commute is often my favorite meditation and self-care time!”

BRAVEHEART GILLANI

“There are many ways to access textbooks for free. You can request books through the university’s interlibrary loan, and it will be delivered to campus for you to pick-up and borrow. Other readings are available for download as pdf. Additionally, the Brown School library has books on reserve for you to borrow.”

ANGELLA SANDRA NAMWASE

“I meal prep on Sundays so I don’t cook or eat out during the week, and I’ve found that helps keep my budget down. But every month I also designate a ‘FUN-d’ where I decide a certain budget for things that are not living/expense related. That helps keep impulse spending under control.”

KELLAN

ROYBAL

“I came to the Brown School after 18 years in the professional world. It was an exciting change, but a difficult transition from full-time income to living on part-time earnings and loans. The Office of Financial Services has been an enormous help to me. They can help you create and stick to a budget or troubleshoot tough decisions about spending and debt.”

ANYA WEBER

Additional Budgeting & Financial Aid Resources

Additional federal and university resources can provide support as you deepen your understanding of financing options and personal budgeting.

Creating & Sticking to a Budget

The Brown School’s Office of Financial Services can help you gain a broad look at the potential expenses you may incur as a grad student. Working together, you can create a budget spreadsheet that will help keep you on track, and do the math for you.

If you’d like to discuss your budget with a financial aid representative, email the Office of Financial Services at BROWN-FinancialAid@email.wustl.edu

Brown School & Washington University Resources

Brown School Financial Services awards scholarships and issues your loan package. Connect with this Office to discuss loans, budgeting or funding options.

Student Accounting/Billing addresses payments, payment plans and billing questions you may have. Washington University’s Student Financial Services (SFS) helps to administer loans and external awards. Brown School students can find a selection of work-study jobs on SFS’s website. Additionally, they may pick up loan refund checks in the SFS office.

Federal Government Resources

Tips on FAFSA, loans, and best practices for borrowing are detailed on the Federal Government’s Student Aid website. Please explore these resources thoroughly.

notes:

notes:

Founded in 1925, the George Warren Brown School was named with a generous gift from Betty Bofinger Brown in memory of her late husband.