Washington University in St. Louis

St. Louis, MO · Private

Official website

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Admission rate

Washington University in St. Louis admitted 12.1% of applicants university-wide (3,951 of 32,754).

CohortAdmit rateAdmittedApplicants
University-wide12.1%3,95132,754
In-state18.8%3862,051
Out-of-state13.1%3,06423,334
International applicants6.8%5017,369
Early Decision (binding)25.3%1,2174,817
Men12.5%1,92015,330
Women11.7%2,03017,411

Early Decision applicants were admitted at 25.3%, vs 12.1% overall — ED is a binding commitment.

Of 3,951 admitted students, 1,847 enrolled (46.7% yield).

Washington University in St. Louis Common Data Set 2024-2025 · Sections C1–C2 · 2024Published cohort admit rates — context, not an applicant-specific probability.

Test scores and GPA of admitted students

SAT (mid-50%)
1500–1570
ACT (mid-50%)
33–35
GPA (mid-50%, 4.0 scale)
3.754.00

Testing policy: Test-optional (considered if submitted)

Washington University in St. Louis Common Data Set 2024-2025 · Sections C9–C12 · 2024Published admit stats reflect the entire incoming class unless explicitly labeled international-only.

Cost and financial aid

Published cost of attendance: $97,995/yr.

Out-of-state tuition$68,240
Fees, housing, food, books & other$29,755
Sticker cost of attendance$97,995/yr

Average net price by family income (US, federal aid data)

Under $30k$1,716
$30k–48k$1,928
$48k–75k$5,578
$75k–110k$12,603
Over $110k$42,170

U.S. Dept. of Education · College Scorecard — average net price by family income (Title IV, from IPEDS) · 2023

US applicants

Need- and merit-based aid available.

  • Dean's Scholarship$10,000 - $40,000 per year (Merit)
  • Annika Rodriguez Scholars ProgramFull tuition plus $2,500 annual stipend (Full Tuition)
  • Annika Rodriguez ScholarshipFull tuition (Full Tuition)
  • Danforth Scholars ProgramFull tuition plus $2,500 annual stipend (Full Tuition)
  • International Need-Based Financial AidVaries (meets 100% of demonstrated need) (Need Based)
  • John B. Ervin Scholars ProgramFull tuition plus $2,500 annual stipend (Full Tuition)
  • John B. Ervin ScholarshipFull tuition plus $5,000 enrichment stipend (Full Tuition)
  • Washington University GrantVaries (covers full demonstrated need) (Need Based)

International applicants

Meets full demonstrated need for internationals.

  • Annika Rodriguez Scholars ProgramFull tuition plus $2,500 annual stipend (Full Tuition)
  • Danforth Scholars ProgramFull tuition plus $2,500 annual stipend (Full Tuition)
  • International Need-Based Financial AidVaries (meets 100% of demonstrated need) (Need Based)
  • John B. Ervin Scholars ProgramFull tuition plus $2,500 annual stipend (Full Tuition)
  • Washington University GrantVaries (covers full demonstrated need) (Need Based)

Washington University in St. Louis Common Data Set 2024-2025 · Sections G–H · 2024

Application requirements

US applicants

  • School Report and Official Transcript
  • Teacher Evaluation
  • Counselor Recommendation
  • English Proficiency Test (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo)
  • Portfolio
  • Optional 90-second Video Supplement (optional)
  • Schoolhouse.world Certifications (optional)
  • Application fee

International applicants

  • School Report and Official Transcript
  • Teacher Evaluation
  • Counselor Recommendation
  • English Proficiency Test (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo)
  • Portfolio
  • Optional 90-second Video Supplement (optional)
  • Schoolhouse.world Certifications (optional)
  • Application fee
  • GPA credential conversion
  • Predicted Class XII marksheet
  • Financial documentation (I-20)

Washington University in St. Louis · Application requirements (official admissions pages) · 2025

Essay prompts

The Common App personal essay is required (one of 7 shared prompts), plus 9 college-specific supplements:

  1. Please tell us what you are interested in studying at college and why.<br><br>Undecided about your academic interest(s)? Don’t worry—tell us what excites you about the academic division you selected. Remember that all of our first-year students enter officially “undeclared” and work closely with their team of academic advisors to discover their academic passions. You can explore all of our&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://admissions.washu.edu/academics/majors-programs/">majors and programs</a>&nbsp;on our website.250 words · Required
  2. The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://admissions.washu.edu/academics/majors-programs/beyond-boundaries/">Beyond Boundaries Program</a> equips students with a set of tools to critically understand and make a difference in a complicated world where challenges require varied perspectives and skill sets.<br><br>What is the big societal issue you would like to tackle? Who would you need on your team? How would the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://admissions.washu.edu/academics/majors-programs/beyond-boundaries/">Beyond Boundaries Program</a> support you to work with collaborative teams to address this issue?250 words · Required
  3. Students in the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://admissions.washu.edu/academics/majors-programs/joint-degree-program-in-business-and-computer-science/">Joint Program in Business and Computer Science</a> will be equipped with the fundamental knowledge and perspectives of computer science and business and will have unique opportunities to converge these two disciplines.<br>This is a distinctive degree program that captures the intersection of business and computer science and the growing demand for people with this special and sought-after skill set. Graduates of the program will be able to pursue careers in technology, data analytics, finance, consulting and business development, to name a few.<br>Tell us how you would use this combined degree to explore the intersection of these two disciplines?&nbsp;250 words · Required
  4. <strong>Danforth Scholars Program</strong><br>Chancellor Danforth and Mrs. Danforth deeply cared about building trust within the community and being of service to others. They embodied a spirit of servant leadership.<br>Like the Danforths, Danforth Scholars are leaders seeking to build community through fostering growth and empowerment rather than focusing on personal authority. Reflecting on the leadership tenure of the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://scholars.washu.edu/danforth-scholars/the-danforths/"><u>Danforths</u></a> and the pillars of the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://scholars.washu.edu/danforth-scholars/"><u>Danforth Scholars Program</u></a>, how have you utilized your leadership skills to foster growth and empowerment within your community. Please provide 1-2 examples in detail (200-250 words)250 words · Required
  5. Dr. John B. Ervin was a nationally renowned Black educator and the first African American Dean at Washington University in St. Louis. In the spirit of Dr. Ervin, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://scholars.washu.edu/ervin-scholars/"><u>Ervin Scholars</u></a> are champions for positive change in their communities.&nbsp;Reflecting on the legacy of Dr. Ervin, how have you demonstrated your dedication to social justice and positive community impact in marginalized communities? Provide 1-2 examples in detail. (200-250 Words)250 words · Required
  6. <strong>Rodriguez Scholars Program</strong><br><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://scholars.washu.edu/rodriguez-scholars/annika-rodriguez/">Annika Lynn Rodriguez</a> led a life committed in service to others. She demonstrated her commitment through her work as a member of Alpha Phi Omega, a National Service Fraternity during her time as a WashU student and later in the Peace Corps as an alum until her untimely death. In remembering Annika’s legacy, a friend said, “Annika gave herself wholeheartedly to every person who entered her life.”&nbsp;<br>Share a story that exemplifies what motivates you to engage in service to community and provide&nbsp;two examples that demonstrate your ongoing commitment to service. (200-250 words)250 words · Required
  7. Writing Sample 22000 words · Required
  8. Writing Sample 12000 words · Required
  9. Optional Supplement:250 words · Optional

Draft these in the free Essay Coach

Prompts from the Common App member feed · verified Jul 3, 2026

Graduate outcomes

Median earnings
$86,182
Median earnings · 10 years after entry
Graduation rate
94.3%
Within 150% of normal time
First-year retention
95%
Return for year two · CDS Section B
Median debt
$17,500
At graduation

Washington University in St. Louis · U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (2023 release) · 2023Earnings and debt figures are federal data for aid-receiving graduates — cohort outcomes, not a guarantee for any individual student.

Published rankings

  • U.S. News National: #20
  • WSJ: #39
  • Forbes: #25
  • Niche: #13
  • QS: #167

Deadlines

  • 2026-11-03Early DecisionBinding early round
  • 2027-01-02Regular DecisionStandard deadline

Washington University in St. Louis Common Data Set 2024-2025 · Sections C21–C22 · 2024

Academics and campus

Largest degree fields: Engineering (15%), Computer & information sciences (12%), Biological & life sciences (12%).

Student–faculty ratio: 7:1 · 65% of class sections have under 20 students.

Washington University in St. Louis Common Data Set 2024-2025 · Sections E, F, I · 2024Published institutional figures for the reporting year — descriptive of the current student body, not a prediction about your experience.

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