Is Brown or Washington University in St. Louis more likely to offer merit-based financial aid?

Question

I am deciding whether to apply to Brown or Washington University in St. Louis, and the amount of financial aid will be a major factor in my choice. I know both schools have different financial aid policies, so I want to understand which one typically offers merit scholarships to undergraduate students.

Accepted Answer

Washington University in St. Louis is far more likely to offer merit-based aid. Brown does not award merit scholarships to undergraduate applicants; its institutional aid is need-based.

At Brown, a student’s aid package is determined by family financial circumstances through its need-based financial aid process.

At WashU, applicants can be considered for named scholarship programs, including awards associated with areas such as leadership, civic engagement, and academic interests. These scholarships are highly competitive, so applicants should not treat them as guaranteed funding, even with an exceptional academic profile.

For a family that may not qualify for substantial need-based aid, WashU offers a meaningful possibility of institutional merit funding that Brown does not. For a family with demonstrated financial need, compare each school’s net price calculator and need-based aid policies carefully, because Brown may still be affordable through need-based assistance even though it has no merit awards.

Is Brown or Washington University in St. Louis more likely to offer merit-based financial aid?

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