College Access

To connect with communities locally and globally, the Brown School created Open Classroom – a series of free, one-hour webinars on a wide range of social work, public health, and social policy topics. The Open Classroom library now includes more than 250 programs, with new webinars offered every month.

The ASSURE fellowship at WashU Medicine provides college students from the St. Louis metro area an opportunity to engage in basic, clinical, and/or translational research projects. Candidates without prior research experience are particularly encouraged to apply.

“Architecture for Non-Architects” is designed for WashU undergraduates who are not enrolled in a traditional architecture studio. The course introduces students to the processes architects use to think about, view, and produce the built environment.

The Sever Institute at the McKelvey School of Engineering at WashU offers traditional and alternative courses for working professionals. It builds on experience to provide technical and leadership skills to St. Louis residents at their own pace.

This joint UMSL and WashU program provides a flexible engineering program for those in the St. Louis community. Students take pre engineering courses through UMSL and take the upper level engineering courses and labs at WashU in the evenings. The program offers three different types of accredited bachelor of engineering degrees: Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. Students are able to pay the more affordable UMSL fees while benefitting from both schools.

The Washington University Prison Education Project (PEP) offers a college education to incarcerated students at the Missouri Eastern Correctional Center (MECC) in Pacific, Missouri, and the Women’s Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center (WERDCC) in Vandalia, Missouri.

CAPS, previously University College, offers adult students the opportunity to earn a degree at WashU. The program is committed to providing an education and career pathway for St. Louis learners who have previously not had access to Washington University in St. Louis.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) is a membership community designed for curious learners aged 50+. Learners in the program can take courses, as well as participating in special interest groups, lectures and events. Membership is just $10 per year and includes about two dozen events. Course fees are modest, and scholarships are available.

The Washington University Libraries are a network of academic resources featuring nine libraries (seven locations on the Danforth Campus, one at West Campus, and one at the Medical School); vast print and electronic collections; and expert librarians whose first priority is helping students and faculty find the information they need. Libraries and exhibits are open to the public.

Washington University has announced the Gateway to Success Initiative, a $1 billion additional financial assistance commitment from the university that allows us to be immediately and forever “need blind” in our admission process for first-year domestic applicants. WashU will no longer consider an applicant’s ability to pay when making admissions decisions.