The starting point
A highly selective private research university (12% admit rate) that awards merit scholarships through competitive holistic review, not automatic stat-based grids. The three Signature Scholar Programs (Danforth, Ervin, Rodriguez) offer full-tuition with $2,500 stipend or half-tuition awards, while each undergraduate school has its own named school scholarship (Ampersand, Langsdorf, Distinguished Scholars, Conway/Proetz, Fitzgibbon). On average 300+ scholars are enrolled at any given time across the Signature programs. WashU meets 100% of demonstrated financial need without loans.
Selection beyond grades and scores. These awards are not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read each award's selection rules, application steps and dates. Meeting a minimum is not an award offer.
Awards to discuss
First 3 of 9 recorded awards, in chapter display order. This is a selection, not a ranking. Read the full chapter for all awards. Amounts retain the original units and conditions; confirm the entering year with the school.
Danforth Scholars Program
Full-tuition scholarship with $2,500 annual stipend, or half-tuition scholarship · Published coverage or package
Not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules.
Eligibility: Competitive holistic review. Must complete a separate Danforth Scholars application with 250-word short-answer essays by January 3. Applicants may also apply to Ervin and Rodriguez programs simultaneously. Finalists notified by end of February. Mandatory virtual events and March interview required to remain eligible. Seeks students who demonstrate leadership in service, intellectual and creative acuity, commitment to diversity, and kindness.
Renewal: Annually renewable. Scholars must continue to satisfy the expectations of their program. No specific renewal GPA threshold is published on scholars.washu.edu, but the financial aid office requires a minimum 2.0 GPA for general aid eligibility.
Other terms: Named after Dr. William H. and Elizabeth Gray Danforth. Part of the three Signature Scholar Programs administered by the Office of Scholar Programs. On average 300+ total scholars are enrolled across all three Signature programs at any given time. International students are eligible.
https://scholars.washu.edu/danforth-scholars/
John B. Ervin Scholars Program
Full-tuition scholarship with $2,500 annual stipend, or half-tuition scholarship · Published coverage or package
Not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules.
Eligibility: Competitive holistic review. Must complete a separate Ervin Scholars application by January 3. Only U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and undocumented or DACA students living in the U.S. are eligible. Finalists notified by end of February with mandatory March interview. Seeks academic excellence, demonstrated initiative and community leadership, a history of bringing diverse groups together, commitment to community service, perseverance through adversity, and service to historically underprivileged populations.
Renewal: Annually renewable. Scholars must continue to satisfy program expectations and maintain steady progress toward degree completion.
Other terms: Named after Dr. John B. Ervin, a nationally renowned educator and community leader. Founded in 1986. Five Ervin graduates have been named Rhodes Scholars. Part of the Signature Scholar Programs. Includes the sERVIN flagship community service initiative.
https://scholars.washu.edu/ervin-scholars/
Annika Rodriguez Scholars Program
Full-tuition scholarship with $2,500 annual stipend, or half-tuition scholarship · Published coverage or package
Not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules.
Eligibility: Competitive holistic review. Must complete a separate Rodriguez Scholars application by January 3. Finalists notified by end of February with mandatory March interview. Seeks students of exceptional merit who demonstrate academic and leadership achievements, passion for community service, and commitment to bringing diverse groups together and celebrating different cultures. International students are eligible.
Renewal: Annually renewable. Scholars must maintain high academic achievement throughout their college careers and make steady progress toward degree completion.
Other terms: Named after Annika Lynn Rodriguez (Olin Business School, Class of 1996), who joined the Peace Corps after graduation and was tragically killed in a flash flood in Honduras. Part of the Signature Scholar Programs.
https://scholars.washu.edu/rodriguez-scholars/
