Washington University in St Louis
WashU
St. Louis, Missouri 63130
Data last updated: May 29, 2026
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
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
86.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
4.2%/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%
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
Estimated from MO state average + suburban adjustment