Financial Aid
Scholarship Program
Costs 2008-2009
Refunds/Tuition Waivers

Financial Aid

Through a variety of financial aid programs, Webster makes every effort to meet the demonstrated financial need of accepted degree-seeking students who wish to attend the University on at least a half-time basis. Eligible students are U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, permanent residents, refugees, or those who reside permanently in the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. (Documentation of applicable immigration status is required if the applicant is not a U.S. citizen.) Approximately 72 percent of Webster’s eligible undergraduates attending the St. Louis campus receive assistance through financial aid programs administered by the University.

Financial aid applicants are considered for aid from every program for which they are eligible, including:

• Grants and scholarships—awards that do not require repayment or service.
• Long-term loans—awards that require repayment, including principal and interest, over a period of several years after completion of study at the University.
• Work-study—awards that require the student to work part-time during the academic year.

Eligible students are offered aid in the form of “financial aid packages.” The types and amounts of aid in each package vary according to the student’s total educational costs, his or her ability to pay for those costs from family and personal resources, his or her academic achievements, and the types of aid for which the student is eligible. Students and parents are encouraged to contact the Office of Financial Aid if they have questions about financial aid or need assistance in completing financial aid forms. Phone 314-968-6992 or 1-800-WU-FINAD.

Application Checklist for Financial Aid Consideration

1. Apply for admission to the University and be accepted as a degree-seeking student.
2. Submit a completed Webster University Financial Aid Application to the Financial Aid Office at the University. Priority is given to completed applications received by March 30.
3. File a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid by March 30. List Webster University, Title IV School Code 002521, 470 East Lockwood, St. Louis, Missouri, as the first school choice. This will insure receipt of information from the Department of Education. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid may be obtained from the Webster University Financial Aid Office or from a high school guidance office, or online.
4. Apply for any state grant program for which the student may be eligible. Missouri residents must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and send it to the Federal Student Aid Programs by March 30.
5. A degree-seeking student currently enrolled in or returning to the University must complete steps 2 through 4 by March 30 to receive priority consideration for student aid..

How Financial Need is Determined

A dependent student’s ability to pay for college is determined from income and asset information collected on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This information describes the financial circumstances of the student and his or her family. From this information, a federal processor approved by the U.S. Department of Education calculates the amount the student and his or her family can reasonably afford to pay toward college costs. The calculated amount is called the Expected Family Contribution.

This family contribution is subtracted from the estimated cost for the student to attend Webster. The estimated cost includes tuition and fees, living expenses, books, and travel expenses. When the Expected Family Contribution is less than the estimated cost of attending the University, the student has demonstrated financial need and is considered for all financial aid programs for which he or she is eligible. Webster also enrolls students who do not depend on their parents for financial support and who qualify as self-supporting students according to federal guidelines. For self-supporting students the Expected Family Contribution is determined on the basis of each individual’s income and asset information and those of a spouse if the applicant is married.

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How Financial Need is Met

In constructing an individual’s financial aid package, the University determines the student’s eligibility for gift and self-help assistance. The Federal Pell Grant is considered and included first. Remaining gift eligibility is met through Federal Supplemental Educational Grant (SEOG), Webster University Grant, Missouri Student Grant, and any other outside scholarships the student may bring with him or her. The University attempts to meet the student’s self-help eligibility through the Student Employment Program which includes Federal Work-Study and Webster University Work-Study, Federal Perkins Loans, and Federal Stafford Loans (Subsidized and Unsubsidized). The University may recommend the Federal PLUS Loan to meet any remaining need.

Eligibility for Aid

To be eligible to receive a financial aid award from programs administered by the University, a student must be:

1. Enrolled as a degree-seeking student on at least a half-time basis.* Webster University Grant/Scholarship requires enrollment of 13 or more credit hours per semester.
2. A U.S. citizen, U.S. national, permanent resident, a refugee, or those who reside permanently in the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. (Docu-mentation of applicable immigration status is required if the applicant is not a U.S. citizen.)
3. Able to demonstrate financial need according to each financial aid program’s guidelines.
4. Maintaining satisfactory academic progress in study toward a degree or certificate, if the student is currently enrolled at Webster.
5. In good standing on loan repayments or on any loan received for educational purposes to attend any institution of higher education.

*A student enrolled for at least 6 credit hours but fewer than 12 credit hours in a semester with at least one semester course is considered enrolled half-time for that semester. If, in a single term, a student is enrolled in at least 3 credit hours but fewer than 6 credit hours, the student is enrolled half-time for that term. A student enrolled for fewer than 6 credit hours in a semester with at least one semester course is enrolled less than half-time for the semester.

Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid

All students receiving any type of federal, state, or institutional financial aid are required to maintain satisfactory academic progress toward the completion of their degree. “I” (Incomplete), “W” (Withdrawal), “Z,” “ZF,” and failing grades do not reflect satisfactorily completed courses. A minimum G.P.A. of 2.0 is required, and students must also complete enough credit hours each term to finish their degree program within 150% of the normal time frame as described in the next section.

Maximum Time

Full-time undergraduate students have a maximum of 12 semesters in which to complete their degree and must complete 11 credit hours in each semester. Part-time undergraduate students have a maximum of 24 semesters in which to complete their degree and must complete 6 credit hours in each semester. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for maximum time frames when the total credit hours in the program (128) differs from those specified.

Evaluation of Satisfactory Academic Progress

Progress is evaluated at the conclusion of the spring term. A student’s entire academic record at Webster University, including periods of time when the student did not receive aid, must be considered to determine compliance with this policy.

Probation

Students who fail to maintain a 2.0 G.P.A. or do not complete enough credit hours each term to finish their degree program within the maximum time frames will be placed on financial aid probation. Students on probation may continue to receive student aid. This probation status will remain in effect until the next evaluation period. If at that time the student has satisfied the G.P.A. and credit hour requirements of this policy, the probationary status will be removed.

Termination

Students on financial aid probation who have not satisfied Satisfactory Academic Progress standards when they reach the next evaluation period will have their eligibility to receive student aid terminated. Students whose eligibility has been terminated may be reinstated on probation after one year of documented satisfactory progress at another school.

Appeal

Students whose financial aid eligibility has been terminated may appeal that action. Appeals must be submitted in writing and will be evaluated by an appeals committee. Note that federal regulations dictate that valid appeals must be based upon: the death of a close family member, illness to the student or close family member, or other extenuating circumstances. The decision of the appeals committee is final and will be communicated to the student in a timely manner.

Return of Funds

Students who receive Title IV Financial Aid (Pell, SEOG, Stafford, and/or Perkins Loans), and withdraw from all of their classes are subject to a federally mandated Return of Title IV Funds calculation. According to the Return of Title IV Funds requirements, students earn financial aid pro rata over the semester or term. Aid that has not been earned by the student must be returned to the appropriate Title IV program by the University.

The University’s tuition adjustment policy differs from the Return of Title IV Funds requirement. As a result, students who withdraw from all of their classes will typically owe the University for a portion of financial aid not earned.

Additional Information

Additional information regarding financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, and deadline dates may be found in the Financial Aid Handbook, which is available in the Financial Aid Office. Information is also available online at Financial Aid Information.

Veterans Administration Benefits

Webster University courses of study are approved for veterans educational benefits in compliance with prescribed regulations by special approval agencies in each state and for each foreign country where the University offers programs. Nondegree students are not eligible for V.A. educational benefits.

The regional V.A. office will be notified of the date on which a student officially ceases attendance if veterans educational benefits apply. Except under extenuating circumstances, students receiving V.A. benefits who withdraw from a course must be reported to the V.A. offices as making unsatisfactory progress.

Records of progress are kept by the institution on both veteran and non-veteran students. Progress records are furnished to all students at the end of each scheduled term. The policy and regulations regarding student standards of progress for graduation are detailed in the section titled Undergraduate Grading Policy. Additional information may be obtained from the Office of the Registrar at the St. Louis home campus.

Any conduct that is detrimental to the school and/or other students will result in the termination of V.A. educational benefits.

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Scholarship Program

Webster University funds the Webster University Scholarship Program through the University’s annual operating budget. In 2007-2008 the University awarded and disbursed over $9,000,000 through this program to more than 2,100 new and returning undergraduate students who attend the home campus in St. Louis, Missouri.

The following are application guidelines:

1. Applicants are seeking their first baccalaureate degree.
2. Applicants have a minimum cumulative grade average of B or better (as calculated by Webster University) on all prior work attempted in high school and/or college.
3. Applicants are accepted to the University as a degree-seeking student by April 1 (freshmen) or June 1 (transfers). The deadline for international students is March 1. Some scholarships require a separate application and have deadlines as early as February 15. Please consult the Scholarship page at explore.webster.edu for more information.
4. Applicants must enroll as full-time students and take 13 or more credit hours in each semester. (A limited number of scholarships for part-time students are offered. Please contact the Coordinator of Scholarships at 314-968-7004 for specific information and application processes.)

To be considered for Webster University scholarship funds, the following items must be submitted:

• Completed admission application.
• Essay or résumé.
• Secondary or postsecondary transcripts.
• ACT or SAT composite scores (freshmen only).
• List of activities.
• Recommendation (freshmen only).

Some scholarships require a separate application form, which may be obtained in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions or online at explore.webster.edu. The University’s decision is communicated in writing, normally within two weeks of committee review.

The selection process for scholarship candidates is competitive, and scholarship funds are awarded by the University without regard to financial need. Scholarship awards to new students in 2007-2008 ranged from $2,000 to full tuition. Awards apply only to fall and spring semester tuition charges at Webster.

Applicants who are accepted or submit required credentials after the scholarship application deadline are considered only if funds remain. Scholarship funds are only applied to tuition costs.

Need-based financial assistance is also available to U.S. citizens and others who meet eligibility guidelines. Financial assistance application forms for new students may be obtained at explore.webster.edu or from the Office of Financial Aid. Phone 314-968-6992 or 1-800-WU-FINAD.

Award Process

Scholarship decisions are based on the University's evaluation of an applicant's previous academic background. The review process is:

Academic Scholarships—Freshmen

Freshman applicants will be considered for scholarship based upon the applicant’s academic grades in high school, class rank in high school, and SAT or ACT composite scores. The applicant’s essay, résumé of school/community activities, and letters of recommendation are also considered in the awarding of academic scholarships.

Academic Scholarships—Transfers

Transfer applicants who have successfully completed at least 30 credit hours will be considered for scholarship based on the cumulative postsecondary grade point average (G.P.A.).

An applicant who has successfully completed fewer than 30 credit hours must also submit a high school transcript. Scholarship decisions for these students are normally based on the cumulative postsecondary G.P.A. and the high school transcript.

Award Notification

A scholarship applicant receives written notification of the University’s decision. A student who is awarded a Webster University scholarship receives a contract that details the amount, eligibility requirements for the disbursement of funds, and the conditions for renewal. Webster University scholarships apply to tuition only at the University and are not linked to a student’s major area of study.

Award Renewal

Webster University scholarships are renewable if the recipient makes satisfactory academic progress as defined in the scholarship contract, maintains continuous enrollment in a minimum of 13 credit hours each semester at Webster, and has not exceeded 128 total credit hours. Student records are checked at the end of each semester to determine whether the recipient has achieved satisfactory academic progress for renewal.

Other Scholarships

Scholarship funds donated to Webster University for specific needs and purposes are awarded to eligible students by the University’s Scholarship Committee. These funds carry special eligibility requirements and conditions. (Unless otherwise specified, all scholarships are for study at the St. Louis campus.)

For a complete list of scholarships please see the Webster University Scholarship Guide. The guide includes items such as award amounts, special conditions, selection process, and renewal information. The guide is updated annually and is available through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions or Financial Aid. For further information contact the Coordinator of Scholarships at 314-968-7004.

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Costs 2008-2009

General Fees

All costs are subject to change. Beginning with the Summer 2008 term, the general fees of Webster University for 2008-2009 are as follows:

Undergraduate Tuition

Undergraduate tuition for full-time students carrying 13 to 18 credit hours will be $10,220 per semester or $20,440 per academic school year. Students who enter the theatre conservatory as degree-seeking students in the 2008-09 academic year will pay $11,970 per semester or $23,940 per academic school year. Students carrying more than 18 credit hours will be assessed an additional charge of $525 per credit hour. Full-time students whose records warrant approval of an academic overload must obtain written authorization from the Academic Advising Center.

Part-time undergraduate students will be charged at the rate of $525 per credit hour for the home campus and the St. Louis area campuses—Old Post Office, West Port, and WingHaven. Undergraduate students at the Kansas City, Orlando and South Carolina metropolitan campuses will be charged at the rate of $365 per credit hour. Undergraduate students at Irvine and San Diego campuses will be charged at the rate of $380 per credit hour. Undergraduate students at Marymount will be charged at the rate of $360 per credit hour.

Students enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) courses will be charged at the rate of $455 per credit hour for the home campus.

Credit by Exam

The service charges for all internal credit by examination will be computed per examination according to the following schedule:

1-11 credit hours      $236 per credit hour
12-16 credit hours    $2,845 total
17-32 credit hours    $3,114 total
33-48 credit hours    $3,260 total
49-64 credit hours    $3,406 total

University Housing

New Freshmen

All new freshmen flat-fee students (those taking 13-18 credit hours) enrolling in classes at the Webster Groves campus will be required to live on-campus for the duration of their first two years, unless they plan to commute from the home of their parents or legal guardian, providing that this home is within a commutable distance (approximately 35 miles). After the completion of the second year of studies at the Webster Groves campus, they may choose to move off-campus.

New International Students

All new international students, both undergraduate and graduate, enrolling in classes at the Webster Groves campus will be required to live on campus for the duration of their first year. New freshmen have a two-year on campus living requirement. After the completion of the first year of studies at the Webster Groves campus, students other than new freshmen may choose to move off campus. An exception will be granted for international graduate students, if they have already been living in the St. Louis area in the year prior to their admission to Webster, or if they have come to St. Louis primarily for full-time employment. This will be handled by request for exemption sent by the International Admissions staff to the Dean of Students office.

World Traveler Students

All World Traveler participants, both undergraduate and graduate, enrolling in classes at the Webster Groves campus will be required to live on campus for the duration of their study abroad experience. If they choose to permanently transfer to the Webster Groves campus, they may choose to move off campus after the completion of their first year of studies at the Webster Groves campus.

Residence Halls

Student housing includes traditional suite-style residence halls and apartments. For the 2008-09 academic year, housing options for first-time freshmen include West Hall in the New Residence Hall Complex and Maria Hall. Completely remodeled in 2007-2008, Maria Hall reopens in Fall 2008, housing a total of 108 students in double room suites. Each floor in Maria Hall includes a social lounge with a kitchenette and a study lounge. A laundry room, mail room, and check-in desk are located on the ground floor. Marletto's Marketplace is located directly beneath Maria and Loretto Halls. Students will no longer be housed in Loretto Hall.

Transfer students, as well as returning sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students may apply for housing in the Webster Village Apartments or East Hall in the new Residence Hall Complex.

All housing and meal contracts are for the full academic year, or if the student assumes residence during the year, for the remainder of the academic year. All freshmen from outside the St. Louis metropolitan area must live in campus housing. A deposit of $175 must accompany the housing request for space.

Residence hall charges are based on the 16-week undergraduate class schedule. The Residence Office may approve additional weeks at a per-week rate. Residence halls open with new student orientation and close the afternoon of commencement. The halls are closed during the semester break, and meals are not served on campus during that time. The housing charges do not cover vacation periods.

The 2008-2009 room and board rates are as follows:

Double room in Loretto Hall with lowest cost meal plan -- $4,070 per semester, $8,140 per year

Double room in West Hall with lowest cost meal plan -- $4,070 per semester, $8,140 per year

Double room in East Hall with lowest cost meal plan -- $4,178 per semester, $8,356 per year

Single room in East Hall with lowest cost meal plan -- $4,502 per semester, $9,004 per year

Double room in Maria Hall with lowest cost meal plan -- $4070 per semester, $8140 per year

Add for the following meal plans:

Plan A (10 meals per week +50 points) = $75 per semester
Plan B (23 meals per week + 25 points) = $430 per semester
Plan C (180 meals per semester + 75 points) = $140 per semester
Plan D (100 meals per semester + 175 points) the lowest cost meal plan

All student residents who live in rooms in any of the residence halls must take a meal plan.

University-owned apartments—Webster Village Apartments

Residence in the Webster Village Apartments is available to all students beyond the freshman year. Leases at the Webster Village Apartments are obtainable for a 9-month or 12-month period and include all break periods. Students who transfer to the University mid-year may lease a unit through the academic year or through the summer. Meal plans are optional for non-freshman residents of the apartments. All leases are renewable in May and August only. The following rental rates apply for the 2007-2008 academic year. All rates are per person and accommodate one person per bedroom.

Four-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment
9-month: $585 per month, $5,490 per year (per person)
12-month: $535 per month, $6,840 per year (per person)

Two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment
9-month: $700 per month, $6,530 per year (per person)
12-month: $665 per month, $8,220 per year (per person)

Efficiency apartment (single)
9-month: $910 per month, $8,370 per year
12-month: $855 per month, $10,680 per year

These rates are subject to change.

Two- and four-bedroom units are furnished. Efficiency units may come furnished. Students beyond the freshman year who reside in the apartments are not required to take a meal plan although they may elect to do so. Residents are responsible for their own monthly telephone and electricity bills. Residents may apply for a particular type of apartment as an individual to be assigned by the management staff or may apply with a full complement of apartment-mates.

Apartment amenities include: on-site parking (as available), private bedrooms, central air conditioning, cable television hook-up in each bedroom and living room, computer hook-up capability in each bedroom, outdoor swimming pool, laundry facilities, and clubhouse with large-screen TV and VCR. A deposit of $175 must accompany the apartment application. Note: cable television may be converted to digital IP video during 2007-08.

Other Fees

Application fee:    $35
Matriculation fee (St. Louis campus, full-time students only):    $75
Deferred payment fee per semester:    $25
Student Activity Fee (St. Louis campus, full-time flat fee students only):   $30 per semester
Graduation fee:    $50
Readmission fee:    $35
Resident student activity fee per semester:    $30
Applied music fee per semester
     fifteen 60-minute private lessons:    $496
     fifteen 30-minute private lessons:    $248

The applied music fee is in addition to the tuition charge and provides for fifteen 60-minute or 30-minute private lessons per semester.

Courses in various academic programs sometimes require expendable supplies or services, and in these cases the student may be billed a class fee for such costs.

Payment

Tuition and fees are due and payable in full no later than two weeks prior to the first day of classes each semester. Per-credit-hour charges for off-campus programs are based on program designation rather than student classifications. Students who have completed bachelor’s degrees and who are seeking teacher certification will pay per-credit-hour tuition rates.

Every attempt is made to help the student secure financing to meet personal needs. The payment options offered include:

• Financial aid
• Direct billing to a third party (i.e., employer)
• Tuition assistance paid by a government agency, e.g. military
• Employer reimbursement
• Deferred payment plan
• Payment in full

The first five options require the submission of appropriate documentation. The deferred payment plan and employer reimbursement options require a deferred payment fee to be paid at the time of registration. The University reserves the right to refuse deferred payment privileges to any student whose account is overdue or has been overdue in the past.

Webster accepts MasterCard, Discover, VISA, cash, and money orders or personal checks made payable to Webster University as payment.

Students are financially responsible for all courses not officially dropped by the deadline. Webster University reserves the right to withhold transcripts or diplomas related to enrollment for a current term and/or refuse enrollment for future terms, if any tuition or other fees or charges owed to the University are not paid when due. In the event an account is referred to an agency or attorney for collection, a 33 1/3% fee will be added to the account, and the student promises to pay, in addition to all amounts otherwise due to Webster University, the costs and expenses of such collection and/or representation, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses (whether or not litigation is commenced), to the extent permitted by applicable law.

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Refunds/Tuition Waivers

Undergraduate tuition refunds are contingent on the drop or withdrawal date. It is the undergraduate student’s responsibility to file the drop or withdrawal form(s) with the Registrar’s Office by the deadline. Refunds are for tuition only, any fees in connection with these courses, e.g., lab fees, music fees, parking fees, matriculation fees are non refundable. Housing and meal charges are refundable on a pro rata basis. Tuition waivers for dropped courses are automatic; the charges are expunged from the student’s account. Tuition waiver for withdrawals is made automatically, based on the date of withdrawal, as authorized by the University official who signs the withdrawal from, according to the following schedule. In cases where the student does not qualify for a waiver of tuition they may petition for the one-time exception to the Refund Schedule due to special circumstances (e.g. medical emergency, military orders, or work related issues). The student must file a tuition adjustment form with the Office of Student Affairs and attach a letter of explanation of special circumstances and appropriate supporting documentation must be included, e.g., a doctor’s verification letter of medical treatment and diagnosis, military orders, or supervisor’s letter on company letterhead, stating withdrawal from course(s) is work related. Any requests for tuition adjustment that are granted will be considered as one-time exception. Students are limited to only one tuition adjustment during their career as an undergraduate.

Graduate students should contact the Academic Advising Center for information on processing Graduate tuition refunds.

Date	16-Week Class	9-Week Class	8-Week Class	5-Week Class	3-Week Class
Drop:
Week 1	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%
Week 2	100%	100%	100%	N/A	N/A
Withdrawal:
Week 2	N/A	N/A	N/A	25%	0%
Week 3	50%	50%	50%	0%	0%
Week 4	50%	25%	25%	0%
Week 5	25%	0%	0%	0%
Week 6	25%	0%	0%
Week 7	25%	0%	0%
Week 8	25%	0%	0%
Week 9	0%	0%

Students in their first term of enrollment receiving Title IV student aid funds and all California students will receive a pro rata refund of all refundable charges if the withdrawal is made within 60% of the beginning of the enrollment period. The deposit and refund policies at our European and Asian campuses may differ from the above.

Flat-fee tuition refunds are made only if drops and/or withdrawals reduce the credit load below 13 credit hours. This policy does not apply to U.S. students studying at an international campus.

Refund of Fees

Housing and food plan charges are adjusted on a pro rata basis contingent upon submission of the meal card. Class fees and other matriculation fees are nonrefundable.