Higher Education News

Newly inaugurated Washington University Chancellor Andrew D. Martin makes ‘WashU Pledge’

Chancellor Martin speaking at inauguration on Oct. 3, 2019
On Oct. 3, as he was inaugurated as Washington University in St. Louis’ 15th chancellor, Andrew D. Martin announced the WashU Pledge, a bold new financial aid program that will provide a free undergraduate education to incoming, full-time Missouri and southern Illinois students who are Pell Grant-eligible or from families with annual incomes of $75,000 or less.

The WashU Pledge covers the full cost of a Washington University education, including tuition, room, board and fees. 

“We are making this ‘WashU Pledge’ first because it’s the right thing to do,” Martin said. “In addition, we are Washington University ‘in St. Louis.’ That means we have a unique responsibility to provide opportunity for students in our extended region — to the four corners of Missouri and our neighbors in the southern portion of Illinois. By doing so, we’re attracting our very best and brightest and keeping them right here, close to home.”

See the accompanying map (right) for eligible counties.

WashU Pledge eligible counties

The WashU Pledge reflects Martin’s commitment to advancing efforts to broaden educational access; improve diversity, equity and inclusion; and strengthen the university’s partnerships in St. Louis and across the region. In his inaugural address, Martin noted educational access as one of his three key strategic priorities for the future of the university.

To be eligible for the program, an applicant must be admitted to Washington University as a full-time first-year undergraduate student, reside in the designated area and fit within the financial criteria. Part-time students or students who are earning a degree from University College are not eligible.

Read full story in The Source