Washington University in St Louis logo

Washington University in St Louis

St. Louis, MO Private ยท Suburban Est. 1853 washu.edu
Accept Rate
11.96%
Grad Rate
94.1%
Enrollment
7,897
Avg SAT
1530
Tuition
$62,982
Median Salary
$86,182
Overall Grade
B+
A+
Academics
C
Value
A+
Admissions
A+
Diversity
B
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Washington University in St. Louis offers a rigorous academic environment within a collaborative and supportive campus culture. Students benefit from a tight-knit community on a beautiful, suburban campus that encourages intellectual curiosity and research. The overall atmosphere is one of high achievement balanced with school spirit.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

11.96%
Highly Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 153075th Pctl
15001570
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 3475th Pctl
3335
1122436

Admissions Tips

Demonstrate genuine intellectual curiosity beyond just high grades and test scores, as WashU values students who engage deeply with their interests. Tailor your application to show specific fit with WashU's unique programs or research opportunities. Given the acceptance rate of 11.96%, ensure your essays and supplemental materials are polished and authentic.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1530
40080012001600
School range: 1500โ€“1570

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

WashU is renowned for its strong programs in pre-med, business, and architecture, alongside top-tier research opportunities. The university emphasizes interdisciplinary learning through specialized schools like Olin Business School and the McKelvey School of Engineering. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, students receive personalized mentorship from leading scholars.

Popular Majors

Engineering
13.4%
Social Sciences
12.8%
Biology & Biomedical
12.4%
Business & Marketing
11.8%
Computer Science
9.6%
Multidisciplinary Studies
8.7%
Psychology
8.5%
Visual & Performing Arts
5.8%
Physical Sciences
2.9%
Mathematics & Statistics
2.8%
Architecture
2.2%
English & Literature
1.8%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

94.1%
Graduation Rate
95.9%
Retention Rate
7,897
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$62,982
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$22,117
After financial aid
Total Cost
$83,476
Cost of attendance/year
15.9%
Receive Pell Grants
14.3%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in St. Louis

St. Louis offers a vibrant cultural scene with free access to world-class museums like the Art Museum and the Zoo. Students enjoy a diverse food scene and major league sports, all accessible via the university's free MetroLink pass. The city provides affordable urban experiences that complement campus life.

Local Rent Check

$972 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in St. Louis
Explore St. Louis

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$251,928
$0Est. 4 Years: $251,928

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($86,182):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in a private, suburban enclave of St. Louis with its own comprehensive campus safety department. While the university provides robust security measures, students should remain aware of the surrounding city environment and utilize provided safety resources.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Exceptional undergraduate research opportunities
  • โœ“ Strong alumni network in medicine, business, and law
  • โœ“ Beautiful, well-resourced campus with modern facilities
  • โœ“ Generous financial aid for qualifying students

Cons

  • โœ— High tuition cost without significant aid
  • โœ— Campus can feel somewhat insulated from the city
  • โœ— Competitive academic environment may be stressful

Notable Alumni

John Danforth
Former U.S. Senator from Missouri and ordained Episcopal priest.
James McAfee
Co-founder and former CEO of McAfee Associates, a pioneer in antivirus software.
Nina Shen Rastogi
Journalist and author known for her work in science and culture writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The average undergraduate class size is around 18 students, with 68% of classes having fewer than 20 students, fostering an intimate learning environment.

Yes, WashU encourages interdisciplinary work through programs like the College of Arts & Sciences and specialized majors that allow students to combine fields like engineering and business.

All first-year students are required to live on campus in one of the residential colleges, which helps build community and provides a supportive transition to university life.

The International Center provides dedicated support for visas, cultural adjustment, and academic integration, with a vibrant community of international students.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

BJC HealthCare Boeing Centene Corporation Mastercard Microsoft
Smart Start Score
100

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded 1853
  • Type Private
  • Setting Suburban
  • Undergrad 8,821
  • In-State Tuition $62,982
  • Zip Code 63130

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 46.1% โ™€ 53.9%

The Money Talk

With tuition at $62,982, WashU is a significant investment, but the 94.1% graduation rate indicates strong student success. The average early career earnings of $86,182 reflect a solid return on investment. The university meets 100% of demonstrated financial need, making it more accessible than the sticker price suggests.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with Carnegie Mellon University

๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $62,982
Housing (12 mo) $11,664
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $81,846
With avg financial aid:
$22,117/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.