Washington University in St Louis campus
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Washington University in St Louis

St. Louis, MO · Private · 7,857 students

Acceptance rate

12.1%

SAT (mid 50%)

1500–1570

Avg net price

$21,786

after aid

Testing

Optional

2027 cycle

Sources: the U.S. Department of Education (2024), and the Washington University in St Louis admissions site.

Your chances

How hard is it to get in?

Washington University in St Louis admitted 12.1% of applicants in its most recent reported class. That’s a low rate. Treat it as a reach unless the rest of your profile is very strong.

Here’s where admitted students landed on tests. The middle 50% score 1500–1570 on the SAT and 33–35 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention. They don’t decide it.

The real question isn’t your odds. It’s your move. That’s where Spike comes in. It reads your profile against what Washington University in St Louis actually rewards, then tells you what to do next.

Check your own numbers against this class →

Applying

Here’s what to send, and when.

  • TestingOptional (2027 cycle)

Verified from https://washu.edu.

The essays

Here are the supplemental essay prompts.

The current prompts, straight from the application. They change year to year. Most guides you’ll find are a cycle behind.

  • Please tell us what you are interested in studying at college and why.

    Up to 250 words

Every prompt, with how to approach each →

Verified from https://washu.edu.

Cost and aid

What will you actually pay?

The sticker price is about $88,488. That isn’t what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $21,786.

Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $86,182.

Verified from https://washu.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.

Academics

These are the most popular majors.

  • Computer Science8% of degrees
  • Research and Experimental Psychology7% of degrees
  • Finance and Financial Management Services6% of degrees
  • Economics5% of degrees
  • Mechanical Engineering4% of degrees
  • Anthropology4% of degrees

Quick answers

What do people ask about Washington University in St Louis?

Is Washington University in St Louis test-optional?
For the 2027 application cycle, standardized testing at Washington University in St Louis is optional.
How hard is it to get into Washington University in St Louis?
Very hard. Washington University in St Louis admits 12.1% of applicants. The middle 50% of admitted students score 1500 to 1570 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.
How much does Washington University in St Louis cost?
The list price is about $88,488. After aid, families pay $21,786 on average.
Is Washington University in St Louis worth it?
Graduates earn a median of $86,182 ten years after enrolling. 94% of students graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals. That’s what Spike helps you weigh.

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Ask Spike anything about Washington University in St Louis.

Spike answers from Washington University in St Louis’s own site, then helps you figure out your move.