what do you
value?
Financing Your Education at
HOW DO YOU MEASURE VALUE? At Washington College, our value lies in what we offer students beyond the general college experience. Our classes are enriching and our faculty is exceptional, but class time alone can’t produce stellar graduates who are ready for success. It’s the opportunities outside the classroom that add value—opportunities for research alongside professors, for career preparedness, for alumni connections, for horizon-broadening travel, for internships that provide experience and perspective.
GAVIOTA DEL MAR HERNÁNDEZ QUIÑONES ’21 2018 Summer Intern at the National Museum of American History, Washington, DC
The Washington College Standard Our core pillars, The Washington College Standard, are the basis of our value. These pillars support the foundation for our incredible education—they create well-rounded students, they form the unparalleled WC experience, they inspire successful graduates.
Learning Without Limits Our students and alumni follow their passions and are always finding new ways to synthesize the things they love. Whether it’s landing the perfect internship at the National Gallery, snorkeling in the Galápagos on a biology trip, or learning to band birds right here in Chestertown, a Washington College education is never confined to the classroom. By providing hands-on learning and meaningful job experiences alongside traditional instruction, we encourage students to craft the education that’s right for them.
The Written Word No matter their major, Washington College students graduate with the ability to communicate clearly in writing. From our inclusive first-year writing seminars to the extensive literary lecture series offered by the Rose O’Neill Literary House, and even to applications for our Sophie Kerr Prize (the largest undergraduate literary prize in the world), opportunities for student writers are never restricted to the English Department.
Environmental Action With guidance from the Center for Environment & Society, we work hard to keep Washington College a sustainable, environmentally friendly campus. Programs such as Back to Tap provides filling stations for water bottles, our Bike Share helps to reduce our carbon footprint, and our Food Recovery Network ensures that leftover food feeds the Chestertown community instead of going to waste. What’s more, our Campus Garden is the first certified Bee Campus USA in Maryland, and our 4,700-acre River and Field Campus provides a living laboratory for all students.
History Informing the Future Washington College has provided a solid liberal arts and sciences education since 1782, but that doesn’t mean we’re stuck in the past. From the work done by the Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience on preserving and updating oral histories to the state-of-the-art equipment in our laboratories and MakerSpace, WC learns from history but never stops looking ahead.
Meaningful Connections At Washington College, you’ll never feel like a number. With a close-knit student body and a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, your professors won’t just know your name, they’ll stop to chat with you in town or share a coffee with you in the mornings. Whether it’s students, staff, faculty, or alumni, Washington College is a family. Everyone who comes to WC is a part of that family for life.
alumni all-stars Giving students the tools inside and outside the classroom to find their path and confidently navigate life after graduation is the ultimate goal of Washington College. Nothing showcases the value of what WC has to offer better than our successful graduates.
Alexandra Roemer ’15 Major: Biology Graduate of Dual-Degree Nursing Program at University of Maryland School of Nursing After two years working as a trauma nurse at University of Maryland’s Shock Trauma Center, Roemer has her career well on track. In August 2018, she moved to New York’s Nassau County and landed a job in a pediatric emergency department.
WHY IT’S WORTH IT In June of 2019, the New York Federal Reserve released a survey confirming the cost of a college degree remains a worthwhile long-term investment: • The average rate of return for a bachelor’s degree remains high at around 14%, easily exceeding various investment benchmarks, such as the longterm return on stocks (7%) or bonds (3%).
Rachel Brown ’16 Majors: Anthropology and Hispanic Studies Minor: Creative Writing After being introduced to the editor-in-chief of National Geographic magazine by Starr Center Director Adam Goodheart, Rachel was hired by the magazine as an administrative assistant before she graduated from Washington College. Currently an associate editor and producer for National Geographic, Rachel travels the world as a member of the digital travel team.
WHY IT’S WORTH IT In recent years, the average college graduate with just a bachelor’s degree earned about $78,000 compared to $45,000 for the average worker with only a high school diploma. This means a typical college graduate earns a premium of well over $30,000, or nearly 75%. Jaison R. Abel and Richard Deitz, “Despite Rising Costs, College Is Still a Good Investment,” Federal Reserve Bank of New York Liberty Street Economics (blog), June 5, 2019, libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfed.org/2019/06/despite-rising-costs-college-is-still-a-good-investment.html.
Sean Rapelyea ’08 Major: English Rapelyea is currently the Deputy Chief of Staff for External Affairs in the Office of the Governor J.B. Pritzker. He recently served as Illinois political director for the Hillary for America campaign during the 2016 presidential election, and also as regional field director and advisor to Mayor Rahm Emanuel during his 2011 and 2015 re-election campaigns. He began his campaign work in Missoula, Montana, with then Senator Barack Obama’s Campaign for Change.
Emanuel (left) and Rapelyea (right). Photo by the Chicago Department of Aviation.
career center The Washington College Career Center helps students with all aspects of the career path process, including self-assessment, career exploration, and job search or graduate school planning. With helpful resources such as mock interviews and resume workshops at their disposal, students can take on the real world with confidence and experience.
PROGRAMS: Mapping Your Future This initiative links course selection and choice of majors and minors with the local and global workplace to prepare students for a career that fits their interests and skills.
First Year Career Awareness Program This program prepares incoming students, from the summer before they enroll at Washington College through their freshman year, to better understand their skills and interests and to work toward a related career.
SOAR Sophomore Program In partnership with the sophomore class officers, the Center for Career Development hosts a celebration of sophomores in the Hodson Hall Egg and the Goose Nest. This festival style event includes an academic and activity resource fair and a series of interactive sessions to orient students to professional behaviors.
Washington College to Wall Street The Washington College to Wall Street program introduces talented and committed students to our strong network of alumni and friends working in financial services. This initiative creates internship opportunities and assists students interested in pursuing a career in business or financial services.
Job Shadowing Program This program creates opportunities to explore career fields within business, government, and non-profit work environments. Students visit a host organization for one to three days to learn firsthand how classroom learning can be linked to career choices and further educational goals.
Career Ambassadors Through this program, trained Student Career Ambassadors provide information and resources from the Center for Career Development in multiple campus settings.
Path to Passion The Path To Passion program connects students with alumni who can provide information about occupations in chosen career fields, insight into the expectations of the professional work environment, resources for identifying experiential learning opportunities, and suggestions for building a professional network.
a sampling of recent summer internships:
Lori Wysong ’19, during her summer 2018 internship at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Harpers Ferry, West Virgina.
places that WC students have gone on to work: Aerotek Baltimore County Public Schools Bank of America Booz Allen Hamilton Corporate Executive Board Johns Hopkins University Maryland House of Delegates Middletown Veterinary Hospital Morgan Stanley New Day for America Campaign NOAA Northrop Grumman National Institute of Health Penguin Random House Stanley Black & Decker ScribeAmerica Transamerica US Department of Defense US House of Representatives Walt Disney Company Wildlife International, Ltd. (EAG) World Financial Grp (WFG)
Apollo Theater Carnegie Museum of Art Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum Children’s National Health System Cisco Colonial Williamsburg Doha Bank Eastern Shore Psychological Etruscan Press Federal Bureau of Investigation Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Iracambi Research Center Jackson ImmunoResearch Labs, Inc LGBT Community Center Library of Congress Publishing Office Maryland State Archives Maryland Governor’s Office Med Star Washington Hospital Mid Atlantic Sports Network Museum of the American Revolution National Archives
National Center for Civil & Human Rights National Constitution Center National Security Agency Naval Research Lab NOAA Office of Intergovernmental Affairs Office of the Attorney General Penn State Museum Philadelphia Phillies Baseball Rockland Immunochemicals, Inc. Shipley Law Firm Sidney Kimmel Cancer Research Center Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery Stroud Water Research The Brookings Institution Toothman Orthodontics University of California, San Francisco University of Nebraska-Lincoln US Department of Transportation Youth Empowerment Source
WHY IT’S WORTH IT Looking specifically at liberal arts graduates, a recent American Association of Colleges & Universities survey of business and non-profit leaders found that more than 75% of employers say they want more emphasis on critical thinking, complex problem-solving, written and oral communication, and applied knowledge in real-world settings.
WC students have gone on to earn advanced degrees from: American University Boston University Brown University College of William & Mary Columbia University Duke University George Washington University Georgetown University Johns Hopkins University Loyola University McDaniel College
New York University Penn State University Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Rutgers University University of Delaware University of Maryland University of Massachusetts University of Virginia Villanova University Wake Forest University
majors & programs *Indicates program
American Studies
English
Anthropology Art & Art History
Environmental Science & Studies
Biology
History
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Human Development
• Premedical
Humanities
• Pre-Nursing
Business Management
International Literature & Culture
• Pre-Pharmacy
Communication & Media Studies
International Studies
Psychology
Mathematics
Sociology
Computer Science
Music
Economics
Philosophy & Religion
Teacher Certification Programs*
Education*
Physics
Theatre
Engineering*
Political Science
World Languages & Cultures
Chemistry
Pre-Health Professions Programs*: • Pre-Allied Health Professions
Pre-Law*
Minors, Concentrations, & areas of emphasis Accounting
Creative Writing
Justice, Law & Society
Archaeology
Dance
Latin American Studies
Art History
Data Analytics
Marketing
Arts Management & Entrepreneurship
Earth & Planetary Science
Medieval & Early Modern Studies
Asian Studies (Concentration)
Ecology & Evolution
Near Eastern Studies
Ethnomusicology
Asian Studies (Minor)
European Studies
Organic & Medicinal Chemistry
Behavioral Neuroscience
Finance
Peace & Conflict Studies
Biophysics & Biological Chemistry
Gender Studies
Physical & Instrumental Chemistry
Black Studies
Greener Materials Science
Cell/Molecular Biology & Infectious Disease
Information Systems
Organismal Biology
International Business
Secondary Education
Journalism, Editing & Publishing
Social Welfare
Chesapeake Regional Studies Clinical Counseling
Physiology &
Studio Art
dual-degree programs Columbia University Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science Students complete three or four years at WC and then two years at Columbia, earning a B.S. degree from WC and a B.S. degree in one of Columbia’s engineering disciplines.
Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment Qualified students of environmental science or studies can earn their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years.
University of Maryland School of Nursing Qualified students earn a B.S. degree at WC while fulfilling prerequisites for entrance into the nursing degree program at UMD, completing both in five years.
University of Maryland School of Pharmacy This program requires a minimum of seven years of study, with the first three years spent at WC. Students typically major in biology and complete prerequisites needed to apply to UMD. Once there, students work to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.
Post-Graduate Partnerships Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, DC Qualified graduates receive a partial tuition scholarship for any master’s program offered through Biomedical Graduate Education.
Johns Hopkins University’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Entry into Nursing Program Students who have majored in a non-nursing discipline and decide to pursue nursing after they complete their undergraduate degree can complete a Master of Science in Nursing at Johns Hopkins in five semesters. They are then prepared to take the nursing licensing exam to become an RN, or to continue studies toward an advanced degree.
Loyola University Emerging Leaders MBA Fast Track WC students can apply for fast-track admission to Loyola after their junior year. Loyola will waive the application fee, GMAT/GRE requirement, essay, and one letter of recommendation. Accepted students who apply by the priority deadline will be guaranteed priority consideration for merit award scholarships.
Loyola University Maryland Master of Accounting Fast Track WC students can apply for fast-track admission to Loyola after their junior year. Loyola will waive the application fee, GMAT/GRE requirement, essay, and one letter of recommendation. Accepted students who apply by the priority deadline will be guaranteed priority consideration for merit award scholarships.
Wake Forest University School of Business For students who want to pursue a master’s degree in management or an MBA. The application fee and essay are waived, and scholarships are available for qualified students.
William & Mary’s Raymond A. Mason School of Business WC students can earn an M.A. in accounting with the potential for a $10,000 scholarship.
a college education is an investment in your future There are typically three fund streams to finance a Washington College education: money you put forth for your education (your investment), money we put forth for your education (our investment), and money awarded to you in the forms of grants and scholarships. The typical financial aid package includes a bit of all three categories. Here are some of the funds that may be included in your award letter.
2021-2022 Academic year charges Tuition: $49,652 Mandatory Student Fees*: $1,220 Standard Dormitory: $6,556 Standard Meal Plan: $6,807 Total: $64,235 *Activity and Health Fees
OUR INVESTMENT Merit Scholarship Washington College offers merit-based scholarships to more than half of the students we accept, regardless of financial need. Recipients of these scholarships are notified when they are admitted to WC. Students must maintain the minimum cumulative GPA outlined in their scholarship notification letter and remain enrolled full time for their scholarships to be renewed. Merit scholarships are applied to tuition costs. If you receive additional tuition awards from other sources (e.g., employer tuition benefits), your merit scholarship in combination with those other sources cannot exceed the cost of tuition.
Washington College Grant This need-based grant is offered to students who show evidence of good academic ability and achievement. To continue to receive the grant, students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and demonstrate financial need in their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which must be completed each year. Washington College Grants are applied to tuition costs. If you receive a merit scholarship or additional tuition awards from other sources (e.g., employer tuition benefits), your Washington College Grant in combination with those other sources cannot exceed the cost of tuition.
YOUR INVESTMENT Federal William D. Ford Direct Loan Program (Subsidized) This loan allows undergraduates who demonstrate federal financial need and who are enrolled for at least six credits each term to borrow up to $3,500 for the first year, $4,500 for the second year, and $5,500 per subsequent year. The interest rate is fixed. Interest does not accrue nor does repayment begin until you’re no longer enrolled at least part time.
Federal William D. Ford Direct Loan Program (Unsubsidized) This loan allows all undergraduates who are enrolled for at least six credits per term—regardless of financial need—to borrow up to $5,500 for the first year, $6,500 for the second, and $7,500 per subsequent year, less the amount of any subsidized Direct Loan. The interest rate is fixed. Interest accrual begins immediately during in-school and deferment periods. For more information, including current interest rates, visit studentaid.gov/sub-unsub.
Federal Work-Study Program This need-based program helps students by providing part-time employment in approved positions on or off campus. Wages earned in the Federal Work-Study program are paid directly to the student. Students who are not offered Federal Work-Study as a part of their financial aid awards can still seek on-campus employment through the Office of Career Development. For current job openings, visit washcoll.studentemployment.ngwebsolutions.com.
GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS Federal Pell Grant This need-based grant is available to undergraduates as determined by their FAFSA and is guaranteed to students who qualify.
Federal SEOG Grant This grant is available to undergraduates who are eligible for a federal Pell grant. SEOG funds are limited and are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Outside Scholarships Thousands of businesses, non-profits, and other groups support private scholarships for students. These can range from local chapters of civic organizations to large corporations. If you are awarded any outside scholarships, you must notify the Office of Student Financial Aid so that the scholarships can be included in your financial aid award. For more information on outside scholarships, visit washcoll.edu/outsidescholarship.
scholarships Washington College recognizes and rewards exemplary academic achievement. More than 50% of all WC students qualify for a merit-based tuition scholarship at the time of their admission to the College. On average, these scholarships range from $25,000 to $35,000 per year.
Washington College Academic Scholarships These four-year tuition scholarships are awarded to full-time students who have been high achievers in a rigorous program of secondary-school studies. Annual awards range from $25,000 to $35,000. All National Honor Society and Cum Laude Society members who are admitted to Washington College are awarded a Washington College Academic Scholarship of at least $25,000 annually for up to four years. To qualify, students must be NHS or CLS members at the time of their admission to the College.
Washington College Academic Scholarships for Phi Theta Kappa Members Academic PTK Scholarships of at least $25,000 per year are awarded to all full-time transfer students who have been inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. A cumulative GPA of 2.5–4.0 and full-time enrollment are required for renewal. These scholarships may only be used for tuition.
Washington College Academic Scholarships for International Students Tuition-only scholarships are awarded to entering international full-time students on the basis of scholastic and extracurricular achievement and overall promise for success in a collegiate environment. Awards generally range from $25,000 to $35,000; a cumulative GPA of 2.0–4.0 is required for renewal.
Sophie Kerr Gift in English Literature These four-year $1,500 tuition scholarships are awarded annually to entering students who intend to major in English and who show outstanding promise in the field of English or American literature. Scholarship finalists are selected by members of the English Department.
Quill & Compass Scholarships These renewable $1,500 scholarships are awarded to admitted students interested in exploring history, political science, and American studies here at one of the most historic colleges in the nation. Recipients will have opportunities to sail the Chesapeake Bay on an 18th-century schooner, learn the arts of leadership as practiced by the great figures of American history, participate in a new summer program at the University of Oxford, and walk in the footsteps of Civil War soldiers. You will be able to study in small seminars with leading scholars, conduct original research under the one-on-one guidance of a faculty mentor, or hear firsthand tales of Civil Rights-era politics from a famous U.S. senator.
The Environment & Society Fellowship This renewable $1,500 scholarship is awarded annually to high-achieving incoming students with an interest in the environment. Environment & Society Fellows also receive priority consideration for CES internships and our flagship Chesapeake Semester program, as well the chance to work on research skills, meet with visiting experts, and take behind-the-scenes looks at partner institutions like the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
The Cincinnatus Scholarship This $2,500 scholarship with an extra $5,000 stipend for experiential learning opportunities through The Institute of Religion, Politics and Culture at Washington College, is renewable and awarded annually to one admitted student per year with a strong interest in the study of religion’s influence on American and world history, as well as its contemporary importance for cultural and political life. Offering experiential learning opportunities such as the Oxford Research Seminar and the Cincinnatus Leadership Scholars Program among many others, the Institute of Religion, Politics and Culture helps students explores a range of pressing issues facing contemporary society and the enduring value of America’s founding principles.
Presidential Scholarships Available only to admitted students who are invited to join Presidential Fellows. As a Presidential Fellows candidate, students have the opportunity to apply for additional scholarships, ranging from the highly-selective George Washington Signature Scholarship—a full-tuition, four-year scholarship available to one (1) student, to the selective Francis Waters Scholarship, up to $5,000, available to multiple students.
WHY IT’S WORTH IT Looking specifically at liberal arts graduates, a recent American Association of Colleges & Universities survey of business and non-profit leaders found that: • 74% said they would recommend a liberal arts education as the best way to prepare for and succeed in today’s global economy. • 93% believe “a demonstrated capacity to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems is more important than [a candidate’s] undergraduate major.” • 80% of employers believe that broad knowledge in the liberal arts and sciences is important for students, regardless of their major.
ways to pay Still have a remaining balance after your financial aid award is applied to your bill? Here are some of the ways to make it work.
Monthly Payment Plan If you don’t want to pay your tuition in one lump sum, the monthly payment plan lets you divide the payments into installments. There’s no interest charged, although there is a small plan enrollment fee. Used alone or in conjunction with loans, this plan can help you better manage your payments. For more information, visit washcoll.edu/paysolutions.
The Federal Direct PLUS Loan Program This program allows parents of undergraduate students to borrow up to the full cost of attendance minus other financial aid. Eligibility is based on a satisfactory credit check. The interest rate is fixed, and a loan origination fee is deducted from each disbursement. Interest accrual begins on the date of the first disbursement. For many parents, interest paid on PLUS loans is tax deductible.For more information, including current interest rates and origination fees, visit StudentAid.gov/plus.
Private Loans Families who prefer not to borrow via federal loans can access educational loans from banks and lending institutions. Eligibility often depends on the borrower’s credit score, but there are no federal forms to complete. Because most private loans cost more than the education loans offered by the federal government, and most have variable interest rates tied to the borrower’s or co-borrower’s credit score, we recommend that families research the various federal loans before electing to use this payment option.
Borrow Wisely Even though there are many ways to borrow money for college, you should borrow only as much as you need to keep your debt as low as possible. Think about ways you can pay for extra expenses, such as textbooks, without using borrowed money. For example, you might save your earnings from a part-time summer job. Remember: You’re paying back more than just the amount you borrowed because you will have to pay interest on that amount. Be sure you know the total amount you’re borrowing!
WHAT’S NEXT CHECKLIST 1) Go to washcoll.edu/enroll and submit your commit to enroll form. Pay your enrollment deposit and save your place in class! 2) Log on to your Online Student Account and accept or reject each item on your financial aid award. For more information on accessing your Online Student Account, visit washcoll.edu/2025. IF you accept any Federal Direct Loans included in your award: • Go to studentloans.gov and log in using your FSA ID. • Complete Entrance Counseling. • Complete a Master Promissory Note. 3) IF you received a preliminary financial aid award: Your FAFSA was selected for a process called verification. The verification process must be completed before we can finalize your financial aid award. For more information on this process, visit the “Forms & Resources” section at washcoll.edu/faforms. 4) IF your financial aid awards won’t cover all your costs: Make a plan to pay your remaining costs. If you choose to borrow student loans, be sure to borrow wisely! For more on payment options, visit washcoll.edu/paysolutions. Your Fall semester balance is due the first week of August, and your Spring semester balance is due the first week of January.
Maryland students: Did you know that every year more than 57,500 students receive anywhere from $200 to more than $30,000 from the State of Maryland to attend public or private colleges? Why not you?! The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) offers grants and scholarships to eligible residents who attend Maryland colleges. All undergraduate majors are eligible to apply. Each year, the State of Maryland awards more than $100 million in need-based grants, scholarships, and loan assistance programs.
Howard P. Rawlings Program of Educational Excellence Awards: Educational Assistance Grant—Awards range from $400 to $3,000 per year. Students must complete the FAFSA by March 1 to be considered for this grant. Awards are based on financial need and the availability of funds. Guaranteed Access Grant—This grant supports high-need students attending college in Maryland. Eligible students will receive an award amount between $400 and $19,100. To be considered for this grant, students must complete the FAFSA by March 1 and submit all requested documents to MHEC no later than April 2. Create an MDCAPS account at mdcaps.mhec.state.md.us to submit any necessary documentation and to monitor your award eligibility.
Legislative Scholarship Awards: Senatorial Scholarship—Awards range from $400 to $11,800. To apply, students must complete the FAFSA by March 1 and contact their State Senator’s office for application instructions. Delegate Scholarships—The minimum award amount is $200. To apply, students must complete the FAFSA by March 1 and contact their Delegate’s office for application instructions. Find contact information for your State Senator or Delegate at mdelect.net. For more information on any of the Maryland State grants and scholarships, visit the MHEC website at mhec.maryland.gov.
The Kent County Vincent Hynson ’87 Scholarship This special scholarship honors the memory of Vincent Hynson, who led an exemplary life as a teacher, coach, pastor and leader in the Kent County community. Hynson, a graduate of Kent County High School, attended Washington College as a non-traditional student, receiving a degree in history in 1987. The scholarship ensures that full direct cost financial need is met after family contribution and federal and state sources are considered. This scholarship is offered to an entering freshman who is a graduate of a secondary school in Kent County, meets all admissions qualifications, demonstrates financial need, and whose achievements and aspirations most closely emulate the values of Vincent Hynson. The recipient must apply for and accept all federal and state need-based aid, including grants and student loans.
Eastern Shore Society Scholarship Admitted students from Maryland’s Eastern shore or of Eastern Shore heritage who are interested in a major in environmental science or studies are encouraged to apply for the Eastern Shore Society Scholarship. One (1) $1,500 tuition scholarship will be offered, renewable annually for four years. Additionally, the chosen scholarship recipient will receive a one-time grant of $2,000 to offset the cost of the Chesapeake Semester.
300 Washington Avenue Chestertown, Maryland 21620 410-778-7214 WASHCOLL.EDU/FA