Webster University (WU) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Accurately described as “Innovative, comprehensive, fresh, resourceful, respected, local, and global” by Inside Higher Ed, Webster University is a co-ed, non-profit private institution with its main campus located in Webster Groves, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis.

Webster is an independent, non-denominational with more than 100 campuses across the world. Notable locations include Webster University Geneva, Webster University Thailand, Webster University Vienna, and Webster University Leiden. The university offers certificates, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees as well as post-master’s and post-bachelor’s certificates.

Founded in 1915, Webster’s St. Louis campus is spread over 45 beautiful acres.

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Information Summary

Ranks 31st in Missouri and 1046th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	79.8
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$45,762
Admission Success rate	N/A
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	27 / 1243
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	20 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	78% / 25%
Enrollment Total (all students)	11,406

Academics

Webster University offers full-time undergraduate programs at its St. Louis campus on a semester calendar. Working adults with families appreciate the wide variety of unique undergraduate completion programs that Webster offers around the world.

Class size averages between 11 and 15 students and there are more than 80 areas of study at Webster as well as extensive opportunities to study abroad. Webster University’s WorldClassRoom even offers online courses and programs that students can participate in any time of day or night as long as they have a computer with Internet access.

Webster University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (North Central Association) as well as the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs, the National Association of Schools of Music, the National League for Nursing, the Council on Accreditation, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the National Board for Certified Counselors.

A few of Webster University’s most popular majors include business administration and management; computer science; international relations and affairs; communication studies; and psychology. Major fields of study include business, management, marketing and related support services; communication and journalism; computer and information sciences; and social sciences. Hard-to-find majors such as audio production, musical theatre and international relations are also available at Webster.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

Admission to Webster University is moderately selective. Applicants most likely to be accepted typically have a cumulative GPA of B or higher, rank in the top half of their graduation class, score a 21 or higher on the ACT or a 1500 or higher on the SAT. Other factors are taken into consideration, and it’s important to note that the above-mentioned information does not guarantee admission.

Students can fill out a hard copy application or apply online. Requirements vary for undergraduate, graduate, international, and transfer students. For detailed instructions about applying to Webster University, students should contact the school’s admissions office.

Prospective students are encouraged to visit Webster University while classes are in session to get a feel for the campus and all it has to offer. Visits are arranged on an individual basis so they can be tailored to meet each student’s specific needs. Group visits are also available for organizations seeking college awareness and preparation information. These visits may take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays.

Financial Aid

Webster University students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible. The FAFSA must be on file by March 1 for maximum consideration of financial aid; applications received after March 1 will be awarded from remaining funds. It is important to remember that funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Webster University students must apply for financial aid every year.

In order to receive federal student aid, students must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. permanent resident who has an I-151, I-551, or I-551C.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 3711th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Missouri.

Students

Webster’s St. Louis campus is home to modern academic facilities and residence halls, an extensive selection of extra-curricular activities, and exciting cultural and artistic offerings. Students enjoy popular on-campus events, particularly the Webster Film Series, which presents more than 200 movies each year. These movies include free weekend features, classics, midnight films, and even an annual “Innertube Theater” at the school’s the indoor swimming pool. Appropriately enough, movies played during the Innertube Theater include water-themed favorites like Jaws and Creature from the Black Lagoon.

In addition to incredible entertainment opportunities, Webster University students have access to a variety of student support services. New students can feel more at ease with the help of weekly mentoring sessions or even additional one-on-one counseling.

Student clubs and organizations are also bountiful at Webster University. Popular groups include the Alpha Lamda Pi accounting club; the Baptist Student Union; the Chain Link Theater and Improv group; the College Democrats; the Computer Club; Colleges Against Cancer; the Literature Club; MENC, the National Association of Music Education; Rock the Vote; the Ultimate Frisbee Club; Students for Gender Equality; Students in Free Enterprise; and Women in Media, just to name a few! Athletics

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

Webster University’s athletic teams participate in the NCAA Division III. Seven men’s sports and seven women’s sports are offered at the university. The university’s students, coaches and staff have embraced their mission of “providing an honest and excellent education in the competitive arena, the classroom and in the community.”

Webster’s mascot is the Gorlock, a mythical creature that was designed by students and staff through a school wide contest which began in 1984. In terms of college mascots, the Gorlock is most definitely unique: it has the paws of a cheetah, the horns of a buffalo, and the face of a Saint Bernard dog. The modern Gorlock is a fur-covered creature that wears a blue T-shirt featuring a white “W.” He appears at Webster events around the world.

Webster University’s official school colors are navy, gold, and white.

Local Community

Metropolitan St. Louis, the area that Webster University calls home, is the largest metro area in the state of Missouri. As of the 2010 U.S. Census, the city of St. Louis had a population of just fewer than 320,000 while the entire greater St. Louis area had a population of approximately 2.8 million.

Sports fans will be pleased to learn that the city is home to three professional sports teams: the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team, the St. Louis Blues hockey team, and the St. Louis Rams football team.

St. Louis is commonly identified by the Gateway Arch, often called the Gateway to the West, which is the main attraction at the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. It is the tallest man-made monument in the U.S. as well as the state of Missouri’s tallest accessible building. Webster University students will also be pleased to know that St. Louis is rich in industry. The area is home to several major corporations including Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Scottrade, Edward Jones Investments, Anheuser-Busch, Boeing Phantom Works, and Energizer.

Alumni

Notable Webster University alumni include:

Eileen Collins, astronaut, U.S. Air Force Colonel (retired)

Sheila Baxter, U.S. Army Brigadier General and the first female general in the Medical Service Corps

Jerry Mitchell, Tony Award winner

Dana Snyder, actor

Mary Alice Dwyer-Dobbin, television producer

Hunter Bell, Broadway actor

Faculty

All Webster instructors are experts in their field who practice what they teach. The majority of the faculty holds Ph.D. or other terminal degrees in their field. Notable Webster University faculty have included Missouri poet laureate David Clewell, activist and writer Sulak Sivaraksa, and former Missouri Governor Bob Holden.

Bibliography

Webster University. Web. 2 July 2011.

Webster University. Inside Higher Ed. Web. 2 July 2011.

McGrath, Anne, ed. U.S. News & World Report: Ultimate College Guide. Naperville, Illinois: Sourcebooks, Inc., 2010. Print.

Webster University