About Summer Springboard
Summer Springboard grants are need-based financial awards made available through the College of Arts & Sciences for summer courses at Washington University. These awards are offered for the purpose of helping eligible students make satisfactory progress toward an on-time graduation.
Eligibility
Washington University undergraduate students who meet the following criteria will be eligible to receive funding through Summer Springboard:
- Are seeking a degree in Arts & Sciences, McKelvey, Olin, and/or Sam Fox.
- Qualify for need-based aid (FAFSA on file)
- Are 3+ units behind in progress toward a 4-year graduation.
- Have not received Springboard funding for two summers previously.
- Have not received a grade of C- or lower in a previous Summer Springboard funded course.
Course Selection & Award Amount
The number of approved courses is based on how many units behind a student is in progress toward an on-time graduation.
The award amount is determined by WashU Student Financial Services and is based on the percentage of need-based aid a student receives during the academic year. If a student receives 100% need-based aid, that student’s approved course(s) will be completely covered, and there will be excess funds for housing, books, and meals.
Application & Decision Timeline
- FEBRUARY 15th - Summer Springboard application opens
- MARCH 31st - Springboard application closes
- APRIL 15th - Applicants are notified of their award status
- APRIL 30th - Approved students will see an official award letter in their WashU Financial Aid Portal.
FAQs
Is Springboard only open to students in Arts & Sciences?
While Springboard funds are primarily reserved for Arts & Sciences students, students from other divisions may request to take Arts & Sciences courses through Springboard. The Springboard Review Committee will make decisions about these requests in consultation with the appropriate dean’s office contact from the other schools: Olin Business School (Paige LaRose); McKelvey School of Engineering (Lisa Gillis-Davis); Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts (Joseph Fitzpatrick).
Will Springboard arrange housing for selected students?
Students are asked to indicate their housing plans on the Springboard application because it factors into their award calculation, but housing is not arranged through Springboard. Students may apply for on-campus housing through the Summer Programs and Conference Services office and use available grant funds for these housing costs. Students can also choose to live off campus. Any grant funds in excess of tuition may be used for off-campus housing (if a student is not living at home with their parents).
Can a student use Springboard funding to take an A&S Summer Online Pilot course?
A student may request to take an A&S Summer Online Pilot course as part of their Springboard application, however, housing costs will not be factored into the award calculation for that student.
What if a student changes their mind about the course(s) they want to take?
Students must remain enrolled in the number of credit hours and the same courses indicated during the Springboard application process. If at any time during the summer session the enrollment drops or the courses change, the student’s financial assistance will be reconsidered.
If a student would like to make a change to the course(s) originally indicated during the application process, they must submit a Course Change Request Form to be considered by the Springboard Review Committee.
What happens if the course a student was approved to take is canceled?
If a previously approved course is canceled, the student would still submit the Course Change Request Form, and the Springboard Review Committee will work with them to find a suitable replacement.
Are students who have been on academic probation still eligible to apply?
Students who have experienced academic challenges are not automatically disqualified from the Springboard application process. The purpose of Springboard is to support students in making progress in their academic journey. Therefore, students who are currently on academic probation may still apply, but they will typically not be approved to take courses in Session I (May 20 – June 7).
Who is the primary contact for Springboard-related questions?
Please reach out to the Summer Springboard Review Committee (college@wustl.edu) with any additional questions or for further information.