Washington University in St Louis
About Washington University in St Louis
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Washington University in St. Louis is a private research university in St. Louis, Missouri. It is one of the top research universities in the country, known for its medical school, business school, and programs in social work, law, and engineering.
Founded
1853
Location
St. Louis, Missouri
Students
15,994
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
12.1%
Highly selective
Graduation Rate
94.3%
Above national average
Tuition
$65,790
Per year
Avg Net Price
$21,786
After financial aid
SAT Average
1530
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$86,182
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Highly Selective
About 8 students apply for every seat
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$75
Early
Nov 2
Regular
Jan 4
Washington University in St Louis admits about 12.1% of applicants, with an average SAT around 1530. Strong academics are a must, and your essays and activities will make the difference.
SAT Scores
1530/ 1600
ACT Scores
34/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Excellent
94.3% complete their degree within six years
Retention
95%
4-Year Grad
87%
6-Year Grad
93%
Teaching Quality
7:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
72.5%
$/Student
$181.9K
Class Size
Small
87% of students graduate on time, and with a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, it's clear students get the personal attention they need to succeed.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$65,790
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$21,854
Books & Supplies
$1,304
Total Cost of Attendance
$88,488
After Financial Aid
$21,786
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$1,716
Receive Grants
17.8%
Take Loans
11.8%
Don't let the $65,790 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $21,786 after financial aid, a 67% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $1,716.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Washington University in St Louis fund their education.
While in School
17.8%
Get Grants
Free money
11.8%
Take Loans
Must repay
$88,696
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$17,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$186/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 11.8% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $17,500. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Washington University in St Louis.
Gender
54.5%
Female
46%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
7,857
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
8,137
Graduates
11.4%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
8%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (55% women, 46% men). 9.1% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
7,857
Students
private
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Gorgeous campus consistently ranked among most beautiful
- +Forest Park is one of the largest urban parks in the US
- +Generous financial aid meets full demonstrated need
- +St. Louis cost of living is very reasonable
Cons
- -WashU bubble can feel disconnected from St. Louis
- -Greek life plays a significant social role
- -Some parts of St. Louis have safety concerns
- -Campus can feel preppy and homogeneous
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Washington University in St Louis fields 10 varsity teams with 690 student athletes, about 9% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III with football
Conference
University
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
10
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
690
9% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
54% / 46%
372
Men
318
Women
7
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Washington University in St Louisearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$86,182
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Computer Science
$110K
181 grads
1yr Earnings
Research and Experimental Psychology
$37K
169 grads
1yr Earnings
Finance and Financial Management Services
$103K
150 grads
1yr Earnings
Economics
$66K
118 grads
1yr Earnings
Mechanical Engineering
$72K
103 grads
1yr Earnings
Anthropology
$34K
92 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates start at $78K six years out, climb to $79K by year eight, and reach $86K by year ten. That upward trajectory shows the degree keeps paying off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Washington University in St Louis
What is the acceptance rate at Washington University in St Louis?▾
How much does Washington University in St Louis cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Washington University in St Louis?▾
How much do Washington University in St Louis graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.