Overview
Washington University in St. Louis is a private research university known for its strong programs in medicine, engineering, and business. The university's Danforth Campus features the iconic Brookings Hall, a historic building that serves as a centerpiece of campus life and academic activities.
There are currently 7,897 undergraduates at WashU and the school’s acceptance rate is 12%. The tuition at WashU is $62,982.
University
Suburb
SupplementalEssay
100% Need
QuestBridge
Scholarships & Financial Aid
$88,488
$66,371
$22,117
Cost Breakdown
Estimated Cost:
$88,488The sticker price at WashU is $88,488. This includes the cost of tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and other miscellaneous expenses.
The cost of attendance can vary from year to year and will typically rise over your four years in college. That said, colleges will recalculate your financial aid every year to take price increases and changes in your financial situation into account.
College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at WashU would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.
Washington University in St Louis Financial Aid
To apply for financial aid at WashU you’ll need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as the CSS Profile.
The FAFSA and CSS Profile use financial information from the prior, prior year. That means you can submit the forms even if you or your parents haven’t filed last year’s taxes.
The FAFSA code for WashU is 002520 and the CSS Profile Code is 6929.
The FAFSA is completely free, while the CSS Profile charges a fee for each college you send it to. If you have demonstrated financial need, you may qualify for a CSS Profile fee waiver.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA or the CSS Profile, check out these resources:
Apply to these scholarships due soon
See more Missouri scholarshipsWashington University in St Louis QuestBridge Scholarships
WashU is a member of QuestBridge, which is a prestigious scholarship program that supports high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds. Students who are “matched” to Washington University in St Louis through QuestBridge receive a four year, full ride scholarship to the school. If you are interested in learning more about QuestBridge, you can check out our QuestBridge Scholarship guide.
Washington University in St Louis’s 100% Need-Met Guarantee
WashU meets 100% of admitted students’ financial need. Using the FAFSA and/or CSS Profile, they calculate your need and offer a combination of scholarships and federal loans to cover any costs you and your family cannot pay.
No Loan Policy at WashU
WashU is a no-loan school, which means that their financial aid packages offer students grants and scholarships in place of the federal loans that are typically part of a package. This means that their financial aid is more generous than most, and they help bridge the gap between cost and student need. Some no-loan schools offer this policy for all accepted students while others only extend it to students below a specific income level, or to in-state students. Be sure to check WashU's website for details on their No-Loan policy.
Pell Grants at Washington University in St Louis
18% of students at Washington University in St Louis receive Pell Grants.
The federal government awards Pell Grants to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need by filling out the FAFSA. Students with a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible. Pell Grants do not be repaid. If you receive a Pell Grant, the award amount should remain consistent at any college you gain admission to. You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
Students can use outside scholarships to supplement their financial aid package at WashU. Outside scholarships are awards offered by private and non-profit organizations separate from their college. To browse vetted, reliable outside scholarships, check out our popular lists:
Washington University in St Louis Financial Aid Resources
For more information about financial aid at WashU, or for questions that are specific to your financial situation, we recommend that you reach out directly to the financial aid office!
Here’s how you can get in touch:
- Website: https://financialaid.wustl.edu/
- Email: financial@wustl.edu
- Phone: 888-547-6670
Admissions
12%
34
1520
Coalition Colleges
WashU is a Coalition Member College, which means they have completed a vigorous vetting process from the Coalition for College to ensure that they “provide substantial support to lower-income, under-resourced and/or first-generation students; offer responsible student financial aid; and demonstrate a commitment to student graduation.” That also means you can apply to WashU via the Coalition Application. The Coalition Application makes it easy to obtain application fee waivers if you qualify. It’s also a great way to discover other colleges that have demonstrated a strong commitment to affordability and strong student outcomes.
Does WashU have a supplemental essay?
Yes, Washington University in St Louis includes a supplemental essay in their application. Luckily, Scholarships360 has a free guide to help you answer WashU's essay prompt and stand out in the application process.
WashU Supplemental Essay Guide
Is WashU test-optional?
Washington University in St Louis is test-optional, which means that applicants are permitted, but not required, to submit their standardized test scores. If you choose not to submit your scores, admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurriculars, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you aren’t sure whether to submit your standardized test scores, Scholarships360’s guide on whether to submit your test scores to test-optional schools can help.
Can students submit their SAT or ACT Superscore to WashU?
Yes, applicants can submit their SAT or ACT Superscore when they apply to Washington University in St Louis. You should be able to find your superscore for either test on your student portal. Keep in mind that some colleges only allow Superscores for one of the two tests, so be sure to check their website for exact details on the Superscore policy.
Academics
Student/Faculty Ratio
7:1
Graduation Rate
94%
Popular Majors
Percent of Students
Engineering
13%
13% of graduates
Social Sciences
13%
13% of graduates
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
12%
12% of graduates
Business, Management, & Marketing
12%
12% of graduates
Computer & Information Sciences
10%
10% of graduates
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.
9%
9% of graduates
Psychology
8%
8% of graduates
Visual & Performing Arts
6%
6% of graduates
Physical Sciences
3%
3% of graduates
Mathematics
3%
3% of graduates
Architecture
2%
2% of graduates
English Language & Literature
2%
2% of graduates
Area, Ethnic, Cultural, & Gender Studies
2%
2% of graduates
History
2%
2% of graduates
Natural Resources & Conservation
1%
1% of graduates
Languages & Literatures
1%
1% of graduates
Health Professions & Related Programs
1%
1% of graduates
Philosophy & Religious Studies
1%
1% of graduates
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
7,897
Pell Grant 16%
Undergrad Students Over 25 8%
Part-Time Undergrad Students 5%
Percent Male / Female 46% / 54%
Ethnic Diversity at WashU
41% White
21% Asian / Pacific Islander
13% Hispanic
9% Black
8% International / Non-Citizen
6% Multiracial
1% Unknown
Student Outcomes
Graduate Income
$86,182
Median Debt $17,500
Debt 10 years after graduation $186
Graduation Rate 94%
What is the graduation rate at Washington University in St Louis?
94% of students who start at Washington University in St Louis finish their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 36% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.
How much do graduates of Washington University in St Louis go on to earn?
The median income of students 10 years after starting at Washington University in St Louis is $86,182. This is $35,791 more than the national median.
This data is from the College Scorecard, which only surveys students from Washington University in St Louis who received federal financial aid.
Graduate earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Major and career path are two important factors in how much a student goes on to earn. For more information, check out Scholarships360’s article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at WashU take out in loans?
Graduates of WashU take out a median of $17,500 in federal student loans. As you make decisions about your college loans, be sure to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Scholarships360’s guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.
Data Sources
We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.
If you represent Washington University in St Louis and would like to make any corrections or supplement your college profile with additional information, you can fill out our free Premium Profile questionnaire here.
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