Graduate Scholarships and Financial Aid
The Sam Fox School and Washington University offer competitive financial support packages, and we strive to provide aid to as many applicants as possible.
To be eligible for scholarships, teaching assistantships, and/or student loan assistance, you must apply for financial aid. Support is awarded on the basis of academic excellence and financial need. Applying for scholarships and financial aid has no bearing on admissions decisions.
Tuition and Fees 2024-25
Aside from tuition and fees, the amounts displayed are estimates to help you gauge your approximate cost of attendance (COA). We understand that everyone’s financial situation varies and you should avoid borrowing more than you can comfortably repay.
Total cost of attendance for MDes in Graduate School of Art is anticipated for 2025-26 and subject to change.
Financial Aid
U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents
U.S. applicants should submit the federal government’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In step 6 of the form, include Washington University’s code: 002520. You must reapply annually for this aid.
International Students
Citizens of other countries who do not hold U.S. Permanent Resident status should submit the downloadable International Student Application for Graduate Financial Aid for your program.
Scholarships and Fellowships
Full and significant tuition scholarships and fellowships are available in recognition of academic achievement, area of interest, experience, and leadership potential.
SEPARATE APPLICATION REQUIRED - see details below
The Ann W. and Spencer T. Olin–Chancellor's Fellowship
- Full-tuition remission
- $45,000 annual stipend + $1,500 educational allowance
- An elite cohort of outstanding graduate students with diverse backgrounds from varied disciplines
If a graduate school applicant is eligible for the Olin–Chancellor’s Fellowship (OFC) program, the graduate program application will automatically include the fellowship application prompt. Applicants must submit an essay and resume/CV to be considered.
McDonnell International Scholars Academy Graduate Fellowship
- Full-tuition award
- $29,000 annual stipend + travel opportunities
- For incoming graduate students with an exceptional academic record and a desire to solve global challenges
Separate application required.
Deadline: Jan. 31
AIA St. Louis Scholarships
Open to Graduate Architecture students
- Partial scholarship, from $1,500 to $12,000
- For graduates of St. Louis high schools who meet work and other eligibility requirements
Separate application required.
Deadline: July 1
NO APPLICATION REQUIRED - students are automatically considered for these awards
Sam Fox Ambassadors Fellowship
- Full-tuition award
- Annual creative activity and research stipend
- Recognizes outstanding candidates for graduate study in the Sam Fox School
- 10 awards given each year
Director's Full-Tuition Awards
- Full-tuition award
- Recognizes students with exceptional academic records, portfolios, and professional promise
- One award per program given each year (MArch, MLA, MUD, MFA-IVC, MFA-VA, and MDes)
Danforth Scholars Program
- 75% tuition award
- Recognizes potential for university contributions and early professional promise
Ernestine Betsberg and Arthur Osver Scholarship
Open to MFA in Visual Art students
- 75% tuition award
- Merit-based scholarship awarded to one incoming MFA in Visual Art student
Catherine M. and Stanley R. Miller Scholarship
Open to MFA in Illustration & Visual Culture students
- 75% tuition award
- Merit-based scholarship awarded to one incoming MFA in Illustration & Visual Culture student
Assistantships
Students are awarded assistantships based on the strength of their applications and portfolios. In addition to assistantships offered in the Sam Fox School, a limited number of assistantships are also offered for compensation through other programs at WashU.
Graduate Architecture students
Graduate students are eligible for assistant in instruction (AI) positions, but they are not guaranteed. Assistantships are typically awarded to students who have been in the school for at least one semester and have done well academically.
AIs assist our faculty with design, graphics, structures, computer, and lecture courses. Studio AI positions are filled by students who have been identified as qualified candidates based on their cumulative academic record and design studio accomplishment at Washington University.
Students may apply for assistantships after they have arrived on campus. AI selection is coordinated through the Dean’s Office and is done in the semester preceding the one in which the student will serve as an AI. AIs are paid biweekly as a salary during the semester of the award (i.e., not as a deduction from tuition owed for that semester).
Research assistantships may also be offered annually. The number of positions will vary depending on the volume of current projects being pursued by faculty members.
MFA in Illustration & Visual Culture students
Assistantships in instruction are limited in number for both first-year and second-year MFA in Illustration & Visual Culture candidates; notification of this award will be included in any scholarship offer.
MFA in Visual Art students
Assistantships in instruction and/or technical assistantships are awarded to all second-year MFA in Visual Art students who are in good academic standing. In addition, a select number of first-year students are awarded assistantships based on the strength and quality of their applications. AIs gain valuable pedagogical experience while assisting faculty teaching a range of courses in the Sam Fox School. Technical assistants contribute to key areas of the school such as the Des Lee Gallery, Island Press, and the Collaborative Technology Center.