The University considers applications for admission on a rolling basis. The Admission Committee reviews applications as soon as all supporting documents have been received. Applicants are encouraged to apply at the beginning of the term or semester prior to which they wish to enroll. While the Office of Admission makes every attempt to accommodate students who apply at any time, applications completed less than one week prior to the beginning of a term or semester may not be reviewed before courses begin.
The application for admission to the St. Louis campus also serves as the merit scholarship application. February 1st is the priority deadline to complete the application for fall semester applicants who wish to maximize their consideration for scholarship, financial aid, and housing. Applications submitted for the fall semester after the February 1st priority date will be considered for scholarship, financial aid, and housing spaces on an "as available" basis.
Students should apply to only one Webster University campus. Applicants may contact the Office of Admission at their original campus to request a change in the Webster campus location of an existing application.
To be considered for first-year admission, applicants should submit the following:
Furthermore, the Office of Admission, when it deems necessary, reserves the right to request the following additional documents when considering a student for admission:
Applicants should submit official transcripts from all institutions attended to the Office of Admission at transcripts@webster.edu or the following address:
Office of Admission, Webster University, 470 E. Lockwood Ave., St. Louis, MO 63119
Phone: 314-246-7800 or 1-800-753-6765
Fax: 314-246-7116
Email: admit@webster.edu
Applicants from outside of the United States may be sent to the transcripts@webster.edu or the following mailing address.
Webster University
470 East Lockwood Avenue
Webster Groves, MO 63119 U.S.A.
Attn: Office of Admissions
Applicants applying to one of the University's worldwide campuses should make direct contact with the respective Admission office at the campus in which they are interested. Campus addresses, phone and fax numbers are available at www.webster.edu/locations.
To be considered official, transcripts must be received by Webster University directly from the issuing institution. If the student is to deliver transcripts, they must be in sealed, unopened envelopes and certified with the official seal of the issuing institution.
Some academic programs have additional admission requirements, such as an audition or portfolio review for programs in the Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts. These requirements are outlined in their respective academic section of the catalog. After the application is completed, the University Admission Committee will render an academic admission decision. Upon submission or completion of the portfolio or audition, the respective department's admission committee will render a programmatic decision.
Home schooled applicants are welcomed and should submit a high school transcript or an official copy of the appropriate state high school equivalence test. An ACT or SAT score is also required.
Early Enrollment: Students wishing to take courses prior to high school graduation should apply as a Non-Degree applicant. These students are evaluated individually, based on their high school academic record, and the course(s) they desire to take at the University.
Additional Documentation
All official documents and other materials submitted in support of the application become University property and cannot be returned or reproduced.
First-year applicants are expected to complete a college preparatory secondary school program with at least 19 units of academic credit. The University recommends the following distribution:
The Admission Committee reviews each application individually in order to evaluate demonstrated academic ability. During this review the University looks for evidence of potential academic success at Webster. Particular emphasis is given to the applicant's grades in academic courses, achievement on standardized tests (if applicable), and class rank, when available.
Applicants most likely to be admitted will have a cumulative grade point average of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, a minimum ACT composite score of 21 or a combined SAT score of 1050 (if applicable), and a class rank in the top 50 percent of their high school class, if reported.
Within the first term of enrollment at Webster, each applicant to the freshman class is required to submit a final high school transcript and/or external examination certifying the date of graduation within the first term of enrollment at Webster. Students who fail to do so will not be permitted to register for subsequent terms.
Each adult freshman applicant and each transfer applicant who has previously attended a college/university or other post-secondary institution must submit:
Applicants should submit official transcripts from all institutions attended to the Office of Admission at transcripts@webster.edu or the following address:
Office of Admission
Webster University
470 E. Lockwood Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63119
To be considered official, transcripts must be received by Webster University directly from the issuing institution, or in the case of electronic transcripts, directly from the official transcript service provider. If the student is to deliver transcripts, they must be in sealed, unopened envelopes and certified with the official seal of the issuing institution. Official transcripts must be sent directly to the main campus in St. Louis and other documents pertaining to admission should be sent directly to the campus to which the student applied and/or currently attends.
An applicant is considered a transfer student if they have attempted college coursework any time following their high school graduation (not including the summer term immediately after graduation).
Additional Application Requirements
When considering an adult/transfer applicant, the Admission Committee looks for documentation that the student's prior academic experiences will provide an adequate foundation for success in college-level coursework taken at Webster. The most important factor considered is the applicant's previous academic record, as evidenced by high school and/or college transcripts. Strong consideration will be given to applicants who have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better (on a 4.0 scale) on all previous academic work.
Certain academic programs have additional academic requirements. Please refer to each academic program for details on additional admission requirements.
Webster strongly encourages transfer students to contact the University early in their academic careers to request information about transfer to the University. More information on credit transfer, special transfer opportunities, and degree requirements can be found in the Academic Policies and Information section.
As a prospective student, you are encouraged to review this catalog prior to signing an enrollment agreement. You are also encouraged to review the School Performance Fact Sheet, which must be provided to you prior to signing an enrollment agreement. California Education Code (CEC) §94811 defines an ability-to-benefit (ATB) student as a student who does not have a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education, or a recognized equivalent of that certificate. Webster University does not serve this category of student.
Webster University welcomes applications for admission from students from all countries. General information about degree seeking study at Webster University's international campuses may be found on the website by clicking on the Worldwide Campuses tab and scrolling to the International Campuses.
Some academic programs have additional admission requirements, such as an audition or portfolio review for programs in the Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts. These requirements are outlined below and in their respective academic section of the catalog. After the application is completed, the University Admission Committee will render an academic admission decision. Upon submission or completion of the portfolio or audition, the respective department's admission committee will render a programmatic decision.
Strong consideration will be given to applicants who have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 (equivalent) or better (on a 4.0 scale) on all previous academic work.
International students recruited to the U.S. will be required to pay a Tuition Deposit equivalent to a one-semester tuition charge, and only applies to tuition fees. This Tuition Deposit is non-refundable upon enrollment and forfeited if the student decides to transfer out of the University. Any forfeited Tuition Deposit will be applied to tuition fees if the student rejoins the University within twelve (12) months from the date of their last class attendance.
Undergraduate applicants who apply and are provisionally accepted either by submitting unofficial transcripts or before completing their high school diploma degree must submit a final transcript indicating the degree received and the date conferred. If transcripts do not indicate degree or conferral date a copy of diploma is required. This official transcript must be on file within eight weeks from the beginning of the student's starting term for full acceptance to the University.
There are two paths for submitting official transcripts for international students:
International Transfer Students: An official transcript from all colleges/universities/post-secondary schools attended must be submitted to the Office of Admission. Institutions must be accredited by the appropriate recognition body. U.S. institutions must be accredited by a regional accredited body. Non-U.S. institutions must be recognized by the Ministry of Education as a university-level provider of higher education and accredited by any appropriate agencies within the home country and any countries in which it operates and/or issues degrees. This transcript and/or diploma must show the degree received and the date conferred. In addition, an official high school transcript listing the date of graduation is required if the applicant has successfully completed fewer than 30 semester credit hours (approximately one year) of university level credit.
Important: Applicants from abroad should complete and submit all necessary documents at least four to six months before the desired entry term to allow sufficient time for accepted applicants to apply for a student visa. In addition, applicants should retain photocopies of all documents submitted to the University as these may need to be presented at the consulate/embassy when applying for the student visa.
Webster University has signed dual admission partnership agreements with area community colleges to help ensure a seamless transfer for students from the associate degree to the baccalaureate degree. Students can be dually admitted to Webster and the community college partner, gaining access to resources at both institutions. Admission requirements and details for each dual admission partnership can be found on the Office of Admission website: www.webster.edu/dualadmission.
Applicants to Webster's upper-division degree completion programs must follow application procedures listed under Adult/Transfer Application and must have successfully completed an associate degree or at least 64 credit hours (or 56 credit hours in the state of California) of college-level work prior to beginning studies at the University.
Webster University offers undergraduate degree programs in an online format. For a complete listing of available programs, please visit the Online Learning Center's website: www.webster.edu/online/programs.
Students interested in pursuing a degree in an online format must abide by the same admission requirements mentioned above, depending on their incoming status (whether first-year, adult, or transfer). Additionally, because many of the undergraduate degree options offered online are degree completion programs, they are subject to the additional degree completion admission requirements mentioned above.
Online students are encouraged to submit an application for admission at the beginning of the term or semester prior to which they wish to enroll.
The University may choose to admit a student whose academic credentials fall below stated requirements on a conditional basis. Students who are accepted on a conditional basis may be required to take specific courses during their first semester at the University and consult with representatives of the University's Academic Resource Center. Conditionally admitted students must successfully complete their first semester with a Webster University grade point average of at least 2.0 or above in order to remain at the University. Please see Academic Progress in the Academic Policies and Information section of this catalog for information on dismissal, reinstatement and readmission.
An accepted student whose application file is incomplete due to an outstanding final transcript or other required document is classified as a provisional admit. This status applies to all international and transfer students still enrolled in coursework, those who need to submit external examination results, or those students who submit uncertified translations of transcripts. Students admitted on a provisional basis must submit all required documents before any federal financial aid may be disbursed and before they may register for a subsequent semester.
An accepted student whose formal application file contains all official and final transcripts and, if needed, literal and certified translations of applicable documents is classified as a full accept. Freshman students receive a "full accept" prior to a final transcript being received; however, freshman are required to submit a final high school transcript within the first term of enrollment.
Admission to Desired Major
The Admissions Committee at Webster University reviews each applicant's background for two areas of competence. The initial review focuses on the student's overall academic performance in all coursework attempted prior to application at Webster. The second review concentrates on the student's previous preparation and ability in the intended major area(s). The decision regarding admission to the University will be based on both areas of review.
However, admission to the University does not guarantee acceptance as a declared major in any specific program. Students normally request formal acceptance into the desired major after a period of satisfactory academic progress at Webster. Requirements for acceptance as a major vary and are set by individual departments and programs.
Certificate Program Application
Students who wish to pursue a Certificate program at Webster must apply and be accepted as a degree-seeking student.
Deferred Admission
An accepted student may request a deferral of their acceptance for up to one academic year by making a written request to the Admission Office. Students who defer admission must submit official transcripts of any academic work completed after acceptance and prior to enrollment at Webster.
Readmission/Break in Enrollment (Leave of Absence)
Degree-seeking students whose enrollment has been interrupted for one calendar year or longer must apply for readmission prior to resuming studies at the University. Readmitted students follow the academic policies and degree requirements of the catalog in effect at the term of their re-enrollment. Readmission is normally requested through the Office of Academic Advising.
Students requesting readmission must submit official transcripts of all academic work completed since prior enrollment at Webster. Students must pay any outstanding balance in the Business Office before the student is permitted to enroll. Students who voluntarily leave the University while on academic probation will be readmitted on probation. See Academic Progress under the Academic Policies and Information section of this catalog.
Non-Academic Issues and Admission
Webster University reserves the right to deny admission based on non-academic reasons when it is believed to be in the best interest of the University. A disciplinary violation or criminal conviction may affect admission, enrollment, or course of study, whether occurring prior to the time of application, while the application is under review, or after the admission decision has been made.
Failure by the applicant to fully disclose this information on the application can result in revocation of the admission offer, dis-enrollment after matriculation, or other disciplinary action. If a student's application misrepresents any information, for any reason, admission or enrollment may be revoked.
Notification of Decision on Admission
The University's admission decision is communicated by email and letter. Students who are admitted will receive information regarding enrollment confirmation and registration information.
The following methods have been approved for proving English Proficiency for international student applicants:
Appropriate grades on English language subjects of the International Baccalaureate (IB), General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Levels, or West African Exam Certificate (WAEC) English Language Exams completed within the last two years can be considered in lieu of the proficiency exams.
Webster University holds the rights to request English Proficiency test scores for any applicant upon application review.
Students who cannot document current evidence of English proficiency should contact the campus to which they are applying for on-site testing. In such cases, testing must be completed before the admission decision will be made. Webster University will refer for testing any applicant for admission about whose English language proficiency an admissions officer has concerns. All English as a Second Language (ESL) recommendations and requirements are a condition of the applicant's admission, enrollment and/or continued enrollment at the University.
Use these correct institutional codes for Webster University when requesting an official TOEFL score report:
Use these institutional codes for Webster University when requesting an official ACT score report:
Some applicants are acceptable to the University but have additional English language proficiency needs that the University believes can be met by taking English as a Second Language (ESL) courses through Webster University or another educational institution with which the University has an articulation agreement. These students will be accepted on a conditional basis that acknowledges their need to satisfactorily complete further work in English. Students admitted with an ESL conditional status must meet the University's English language proficiency requirements as noted above before their conditional admission status can be waived.
Students admitted to the University on an ESL-contingent basis must complete the University's on-campus English language testing prior to registration for classes. The results of this evaluation will enable the academic advisor to place the student in appropriate coursework. Options include intermediate and/or advanced English as a Second Language (ESL) courses only, ESL courses in combination with academic courses, or academic courses only. Webster University will refer for testing any student about whose English language proficiency an academic department, an individual faculty member, or an academic advisor has concerns. The ESL recommendations will become part of the student's graduation requirements.
For any other questions regarding English proficiency requirements, please contact the Office of Admission at the campus in which you are applying. Additional information on Webster University's ESL program can be found at https://webster.edu/humanities-social-sciences/glcs/english-second-language.php.
Students who do not plan to seek a degree from Webster may request approval to take undergraduate courses at the University as a non-degree student. The non-degree application is available from the Office of Admission or the campus the student is interested in attending. Non-degree seeking students are prohibited by federal regulations from receiving federal financial aid. Non-degree application requirements include:
The Admission Committee evaluates non-degree student applicants for evidence of demonstrated potential for academic success. Non-degree candidates who meet regular University admission standards for freshmen or transfer students are normally approved.
Registrations for non-degree students are processed on a space available basis beginning 30 days before the start of each semester. Non-degree students must document that any class prerequisites have been met and must maintain satisfactory academic progress at the University. Non-degree students must pay tuition in full at the time of registration.
Non-degree students who would like to become degree-seeking may apply for admission for a subsequent term. A maximum of 30 credit hours may be earned as a non-degree student. Non-degree students approved for undergraduate study may not enroll in graduate-level coursework without a completed baccalaureate degree.
General information about degree-seeking study at Webster University's international campuses may be found at www.webster.edu/worldwide/.
A list of all study abroad locations can be found on The Office of Study Abroad's website (www.webster.edu/study-abroad) under Programs. All Webster University students enrolled at a United States campus and all U.S. citizens residing in the United States who are interested in studying abroad at an international campus should contact The Office of Study Abroad at worldview@webster.edu. Address, telephone, and fax information is listed in the Special Study Opportunities section of this catalog.
Visas for Study Purposes
International students who will require a student visa to begin educational study in a country where Webster has a campus may need to provide additional documentation. Local documentation requirements can vary by campus depending upon the applicant's citizenship and/or country of residence at the time of application. Applicants should check with the campus they wish to attend for specific information.
Important: Applications from abroad should be complete and on file at the University at least four to six months before the desired entry term to allow sufficient time for accepted applicants to apply for a student visa. In addition, applicants should retain photocopies of all documents submitted to the University as these may need to be presented at the consulate/embassy when applying for a student visa.
Students who have been denied admission to the University may appeal their decision through the Webster University Admissions Appeal Committee, which is comprised of University staff and faculty. Students seeking a successful appeal must submit the following information to be considered:
Admissions appeals should be sent electronically to the Office of Admission at admit@webster.edu and addressed to the attention of the chair of the Admissions Appeal Committee.
Enrollment Confirmation
Accepted applicants to the St. Louis main campus are encouraged to submit a $100 (U.S.) tuition deposit to confirm their intent to enroll at the University.
Deposits for the Fall semester/term(s) are refundable until May 1st, deposits for the Spring semester/term(s) are refundable until December 1st, and deposits for the Summer term are refundable until April 1st. Requests for a refund must be made in writing to the Office of Admission.
International students recruited to the U.S. are required to pay a Tuition Deposit equivalent to a one-semester tuition charge, applicable only to tuition fees. This Tuition Deposit is non-refundable upon enrollment and forfeited if the student decides to transfer out of the University. Any forfeited Tuition Deposit will be applied to tuition fees if the student rejoins the University within twelve (12) months from the date of their last class attendance. Payment can be made online, bank transfer or by returning the Enrollment Confirmation form with the tuition deposit to the Office of Admission.
Information regarding enrollment confirmation processes and deposits for degree-seeking student who plan to attend an International campus are available from the respective Admission Office.
Housing Information
St. Louis on-campus housing information may be obtained by visiting www.webster.edu/housing. For the fall term, housing applications become available after January 1. Incoming freshmen are required to live on campus for their first two years unless they live with their parents within 35 miles of campus. Transfer students who wish to live in the Webster Village Apartments or residence halls on campus should contact the housing office and submit their housing application early in the admission process. Housing is available on a limited basis.
Students who intend to apply for St. Louis on-campus housing will need to activate a Candidate account. An activation email for this account will be sent to the student's personal email address after acceptance to the University. The student must activate this account within five days. For assistance in activating the Candidate account, please contact the Office of Admission at 800-753-6765 or admissioninfo@webster.edu.
Each International campus has a Housing Officer who can assist accepted applicants with on-campus or off-campus housing options. Refer to the various campus websites for additional information.