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Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO·Private nonprofit·7,897 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for high-achieving applicants seeking a top-tier program and students focused on high earning potential. no major red flags in the data. graduates earn a median of $87,900 within 10 years; exceptional 94% graduation rate.

12%
Accept
7,897
Students
$22,117
Net Price
94%
Grad Rate
$87,900
Earnings
10 yr
$15,000
Debt

About This School

Washington University in St Louis is a private nonprofit institution located in Saint Louis, Missouri with approximately 7,897 undergraduate students enrolled. Admissions are highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 12%. The average net price after financial aid is $22,117 per year. The graduation rate is 94%, and the typical graduate earns $87,900 within 10 years of enrollment.

Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) is a private research university in the St. Louis metropolitan area, Missouri, United States. Founded in 1853 by a group of civic leaders and named for George Washington, the university spans 355 acres across its Danforth and Medical campuses. It comprises 10 schools and offers more than 150 undergraduate, 80 master's and professional, and 50 doctoral degree programs. As of 2024, Washington University enrolled 16,399 students representing all 50 U.S. states and more than 110 countries.

This is a strong option for high-achieving students who can get in — a 12% acceptance rate makes it genuinely selective, but those who enroll stick around (96% freshman retention) and finish at a 94% graduation rate, suggesting students are satisfied and well-supported. The financial picture is surprisingly reasonable for a elite private school, with median debt at graduation of just $15,000 and median earnings of $87,900 a decade out, meaning graduates tend to land on solid financial footing. The main concern is simply getting admitted — and making sure you're not one of the students paying full sticker price, since the $22,117 average net price reflects generous aid that won't apply to everyone equally.

Setting
Large suburb

Popular Programs

Engineering13%
Social Sciences13%
Biological Sciences12%
Business & Marketing12%
Computer Science10%
Psychology8%
Visual & Performing Arts6%
Physical Sciences3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1530
Reading 75th %ile770
Math 75th %ile800

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite34

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$62,982
Out-of-State Tuition
$62,982
Avg Net Price
$22,117
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants16%
Median debt at graduation$15,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
94%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
96%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$87,900
after enrollment
Median Debt
$15,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$15,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$63,400
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$87,900
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 5.9x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White41%
Black9%
Hispanic/Latino13%
Asian21%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (7,897 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Washington University in St Louis

One Brookings Drive

Saint Louis, MO 63130-4899

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Missouri

Browse all Missouri schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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