Saint Louis, MO 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 7,801 undergraduates at WashU and the school’s acceptance rate is 12%. The tuition at WashU is $60,590.
University
Suburb
SupplementalEssay
100% Need
QuestBridge
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
7,801
Pell Grant 15%
Undergrad Students Over 25 7%
Part-Time Undergrad Students 5%
Percent Male / Female 46% / 54%
Ethnic Diversity at WashU
44% White
20% Asian / Pacific Islander
12% Hispanic
9% Black
7% International / Non-Citizen
6% Multiracial
2% Unknown
Academics Snapshot
Student/Faculty Ratio
7:1
Graduation Rate
94%
Popular Majors
Percent of Students
Business, Management, & Marketing
13%
13% of graduates
Engineering
13%
13% of graduates
Social Sciences
12%
12% of graduates
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
10%
10% of graduates
Computer & Information Sciences
10%
10% of graduates
Psychology
9%
9% of graduates
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.
9%
9% of graduates
Visual & Performing Arts
5%
5% of graduates
Mathematics
3%
3% of graduates
Architecture
2%
2% of graduates
Area, Ethnic, Cultural, & Gender Studies
2%
2% of graduates
Physical Sciences
2%
2% of graduates
English Language & Literature
2%
2% of graduates
Languages & Literatures
1%
1% of graduates
Natural Resources & Conservation
1%
1% of graduates
Health Professions & Related Programs
1%
1% of graduates
History
1%
1% of graduates
Philosophy & Religious Studies
1%
1% of graduates
Scholarships & Financial Aid Snapshot
$83,476
$62,708
$20,768
Cost Breakdown
Estimated Cost:
$83,476for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
The sticker price at WashU is $83,476. This sticker price includes costs for tuition, books and supplies, room and board, and other miscellaneous expenses.
It’s also important to note that the cost of attendance can vary from year to year and typically it will rise over your four years in college. With that said, your financial aid will also be recalculated every year to take any price increases, as well as any 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.
Apply to these scholarships due soon
See more Missouri scholarships
Washington University in St Louis Financial Aid
Students who are applying for financial aid at WashU need to submit both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA), as well as the CSS Profile.
The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year which means that you don’t need to wait for the year to end and can use last year’s financial information.
The FAFSA code for WashU is 002520 and the CSS Profile Code is 6929.
It should be noted that while the FAFSA is free, the CSS Profile does require an application fee. However, students can qualify for a CSS Profile application fee waiver if the cost will present a financial hardship for the students’ family.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA or the CSS Profile, check out these resources:
Washington 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 has committed to meeting 100% of applicants’ financial needs. They determine your financial need using the FAFSA and/or CSS Profile, and will ensure that your financial aid package covers any costs you 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
16% of students at Washington University in St Louis receive Pell Grants, which are awarded to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need (students who have a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible). Pell Grants are awarded by the federal government and do not need to be repaid. To apply for a Pell Grant, students will need to submit their FAFSA. If you are awarded a Pell Grant, you’ll see it listed in your financial aid award letter if you are accepted to Washington University in St Louis.
You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
WashU students can also apply for outside scholarships to fund their education. Outside scholarships are awards that are offered by private and non-profit organizations. If you want to see what outside scholarships you are eligible for, check out these resources:
Washington University in St Louis Financial Aid Resources
If you are looking for more information about financial aid and scholarships at WashU or have questions that are specific to your personal 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: [email protected]
- Phone: 888-547-6670
Admissions Snapshot
12%
34
1520 is the median SAT score and 34 is the median ACT score for admitted students at WashU. A score that is close to this median value indicates that you have a good chance of admission to the institution. However, it’s important to remember that colleges judge applications holistically. If the rest of your application is strong, it’s possible to make up for lower test scores.
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, applicants to Washington University in St Louis will have to write a supplemental essay in order to complete their application. Luckily, we have a guide to help you through that 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 it does not require applicants to submit their SAT or ACT scores. That means that some students will submit their test scores and others will not. If you choose not to submit your ACT or SAT score, the admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you are not sure whether you should submit your standardized test scores, our guide on submitting scores to test-optional schools can help.
What SAT/ACT score do you need to get into Washington University in St Louis?
Colleges use standardized tests like the SAT and ACT as one of many factors to determine their admissions decisions. A high score on one of these tests does not guarantee admission to a college, and a low score does not guarantee rejection. However, the majority of accepted applicants to Washington University in St Louis receive between a 33 and a 35 on their ACT, or a 1480 and a 1570 on their SAT.
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.
Student Outcomes Snapshot
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 end up finishing 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?
10 years after starting school at Washington University in St Louis, the median earnings among students who received federal financial aid was $86,182. This is $35,791 more than the national median.
Earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Your major and career path can cause substantial changes in your income down the line. For more information, check out our article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at WashU take out in loans?
Graduates of WashU have to take out a median of $17,500 in federal student loans. This is $4,000 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, it’s important to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Our 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.
Join for exclusive scholarships, personalized matching, and application tracking. 0% Spam, 100% Free.