Washington University in St Louis
St. Louis, MO · Large suburb
Admissions
- Acceptance rate (most recent year)
- 12.1%
- Applicants (fall 2023)
- 32,240
- Admitted (fall 2023)
- 3,855
- Enrolled freshmen (fall 2023)
- 1,828
- Yield (admitted who enroll)
- 47%
- Acceptance rate – women (fall 2023)
- 12%
- Acceptance rate – men (fall 2023)
- 12%
- SAT reading, middle 50%
- 730–770
- SAT math, middle 50%
- 770–800
- ACT composite, middle 50%
- 33–35
- Enrollees who sent SAT / ACT
- 29% / 28%
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey, fall 2023 entering class; test ranges and rate from U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release)
What they look at
- High school GPA
- considered
- High school class rank
- considered
- High school record (transcript)
- required
- College-prep program completed
- considered
- Recommendations
- required
- Demonstration of competencies
- considered
- SAT/ACT scores
- considered
- English proficiency test (TOEFL etc.)
- required
- Other test
- not considered
- Work experience
- considered
- Personal statement or essay
- required
- Legacy status
- considered
“Considered” means the college uses it if you submit it, but it isn’t required.
What families actually pay
Average yearly net price (after grants and scholarships) for first-time, full-time students who got aid, by family income.
- Full sticker price (per year)
- $88,488
- Tuition & fees – in-state
- $65,790
- Tuition & fees – out-of-state
- $65,790
- Median debt at graduation
- $17,500
- Students with federal loans
- 12%
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release)
Outcomes
- Graduate within 6 years
- 94%
- Freshmen who return for year 2
- 95%
- Median earnings, 1 year after graduating
- $57,622
- Median earnings, 10 years after starting
- $86,182
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release)
Students & campus
- Undergraduates
- 7,857
- Graduate students
- 8,137
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- 7 : 1
- Women
- 54%
- Students receiving Pell grants
- 18%
- Full-time faculty
- 73%
Undergraduate diversity
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release)
Most popular majors
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release) (share of bachelor’s degrees awarded)
Contacts & links
- H E Bridge Chancellor of Washington University
- Andrew D. Martin
- Main phone
- (314) 935-5000
- Address
- 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130
How to apply (2026–27)
| Plan | Apply by | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Early Decision (binding) | November 2 | December 11 |
| Early Action | November 2 | December 23 |
| Early Decision II (binding) | January 4 | February 12 |
| Regular Decision | January 4 | April 1 |
- Apply with
- Common App, Coalition/Scoir
- Application fee
- $75 (waivers available)
- SAT/ACT
- Optional
- Essays
- 1 required essay (250 words) on intended studies
- Recommendations
- 1 counselor + 1 teacher
Testing: Test-optional; self-reported scores accepted
Financial aid policies
- Need-blind for U.S. applicants
- Meets 100% of demonstrated need
- No-loan financial aid
- CSS Profile required (plus FAFSA)
- Merit scholarships: Signature Scholar Programs; separate application due December 16
- WashU Pledge: full cost covered for Missouri/Illinois families under $75K
Early rounds & waitlist (2025-2026)
- Early Decision admit rate
- 27.0% (1,333 of 4,934)
Source: the college’s official website and Common Data Set 2025-2026: admissions.washu.edu, admissions.washu.edu, financialaid.washu.edu, financialaid.washu.edu. Dates can change, so always confirm on the college’s site.