Washington University St. Louis At A Glance
Founded in 1853, Washington University is a private research university in an idyllic midwestern setting in St. Louis Missouri.
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1 and more than 100 undergraduate degree options, Washington University is an academic mecca that also boasts a law school, business school, engineering school, a school of medicine, and a school of social work and public health.
The school's broad undergraduate offerings provide exceptional opportunities for flexibility, intellectual discovery, and interdisciplinary pathways.
Washington University is also home to students and faculty from approximately 90 countries, and houses The McDonnell International Scholars Academy with global research partnerships attracting graduate fellows and faculty scholars from around the world.
Acceptance Rate
Overall: 13% Early: 26%
US News Ranking
#24
Number of Applications
25,400
Student-faculty Ratio
7:1
Undergraduate Programs
108
Rankings
#24
US News
#154
QS World
#68
THE World Rankings
Admissions Overview
Application Deadlines
Early Decision 1: Nov. 8
Early Decision 2 & Regular Decision: Jan. 10
Common App
Accepted
Class Rank
Considered
SAT/ACT
Optional
Recommendation Letters
1 Teacher Evaluation
1 Counselor Recommendation
TOEFL, IELTS, or DET
Required for International Students
Popular Majors
23% Social Sciences
Social Sciences are prominent at Washington University in St. Louis. Experimental psychology, medical anthropology, political science, and economics are the most popular concentrations.
14% Business and Finance
On its own, general finance is one of the most popular degree tracks at Washington University. Related tracks include marketing, managerial economics, accounting, and entrepreneurship.
12% Engineering and Mathematics
Math and engineering students have an opportunity to learn from top faculty at the highly regarded McKelvey School of Engineering. Degree tracks in mechanical, electrical, chemical, biomedical, environmental, and computer engineering are among the offerings.
7%
Computer science is one of the most popular majors at Washington University in St. Louis. Program requirements include foundational courses in computer science and engineering; courses in data structures and algorithms, and courses in advanced mathematics.
6% Biology
Biology is a major that opens doors to research and innovation in medicine, neuroscience, and environmental sciences. General biology and neuroscience are popular degree tracks at Washington University in St. Louis. Complementary engineering programs at the university include bioengineering, biomedical engineering, and environmental engineering.
Learn more about Washington University in St. Louis
Everything You Need to Know About the Common Application
Top 10 US Universities That Are NOT Ivy League Schools
How to Answer the 2023/24 Common App Essay Prompts
Why a Beautiful College Matters and Where to Find Them
What Is Early Decision (ED) in College Admissions?
Early Action, Early Decision, and Regular Decision Explained
FAQs
Where is Washington University in St. Louis located?
Washington University St. Louis is located in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
What are the admission requirements for Washington University in St. Louis?
Admission requirements for Washington University in St. Louis include submitting the Common Application or the Coalition Application, along with official transcripts, optional SAT or ACT scores, teacher and counselor recommendations. Applicants also need to respond to one supplemental short answer prompt and may choose to submit an optional supplemental short essay.
What is the tuition fee for Washington University in St. Louis?
The tuition fee for Washington University for the 2023-2024 academic year is $61,750. However, the total cost of attendance, including room and board, books, and other expenses, is estimated to be around $83,144 per year.
What are the most popular majors at Washington University in St. Louis?
The most popular majors at Washington University in St. Louis are Social Sciences, Business and General Finance, Math and Engineering, Computer Science, and Biological Sciences.
How competitive is admissions to Washington University in St. Louis?
Admission to Washington University is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 13% for the class of 2028. In 2023, the university received 25,400 applications.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Washington University in St. Louis?
The student-faculty ratio at Washington University in St. Louis University is 7:1, which means that for every seven students, there is one faculty member.
What is the average class size at Washington University in St. Louis?
The average class size at Washington University is around 20 students.
What is the graduation rate of Washington University in St. Louis?
The graduation rate of Washington University is around 93%, which is one of the highest in the country.
What is the campus culture like at Washington University in St. Louis?
The social scene at Washington University can vary depending on the individual student and their interests. The campus is home to about 8,000 undergraduates, with parts of the campus in St. Louis proper and many parts outside the city limits. The campus is recognized as one of the most beautiful in the US with on-campus housing and the surrounding environment both regarded for offering exceptional quality of life. There are numerous intercollegiate athletics programs and many additional intramural or club sports. The Student Union funds diverse extracurricular groups and clubs, such as the Latin Students Association, Dance Marathon, and Emerging Leaders. The Danforth University Center is an on-campus hub for eating, socializing, and for enjoying presentations and workshops. About 15% of undergraduates choose to participate in Greek life, with many diverse fraternities and sororities to consider.
Who are some notable alumni of Washington University in St. Louis?
Some notable alumni of Washington University include famous American playwright Tennessee Williams, conservative activist Phyllis Schlafly, former Deputy Director of the FBI George McCabe, former Director of the US Centers for Disease, Control and Prevention Rochelle P. Walensky, and American film actor Peter Sarsgaard, among others.
