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.