Campus Vibe
Among the most selective in the Northeast — top graduate earnings
Washington University in St Louis is a private institution in St. Louis with particular strength in engineering and biology. With an average SAT of 1530, the school attracts a competitive applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 7.9K undergraduates with a 7:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.
94% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $86,182 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $22,117.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Washington University in St Louis Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1530
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
85.7%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$15,000
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
56
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (277)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
96%
- •96% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Francis Field
History & Fun Facts
- •Louis 19th century Founding and early years William Greenleaf Eliot, first president of the board of trustees Washington University was founded in 1853 by 17 St.
- •The subcommittee proposed Washington Institute, in honor of George Washington, the nation's first president, as the charter had been granted on his birthday, February 22.
- •In 1856, the board officially amended the name to Washington University.
- •Growth and expansion Chartered as a university, it initially functioned primarily as a night school and did not have buildings, faculty, or established course offerings.
- •Classes began on October 22, 1854, in the Benton Schoolhouse, a facility loaned by the public school board, which also covered utility costs and installed gas lighting for evening instruction.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average