About Washington University in St Louis
The sticker price of $85,024 might cause sticker shock, but WashU's financial aid tells a different story. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,391 after aid, while those from middle-income families often pay even less. Graduates earn a median of $86,182 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $17,500 very manageable. The monthly loan payment of $186 is reasonable given the strong earning potential.
The student body skews wealthy, with only 15.89% receiving Pell Grants, creating a campus culture where many students come from privileged backgrounds. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio means plenty of attention from professors. With 94.4% graduating within six years and a 95.9% retention rate, students who arrive tend to stay and succeed.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 7:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 71.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 94.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 94.4%
- Retention Rate
- 95.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $86,182
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $112,270 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $99,517 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $91,744 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Master | $85,538 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $80,755 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $78,896 |
| Systems Engineering. | Bachelor | $78,343 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,995 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Doctoral | $64,990 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $64,379 |
Campus Life
St. Louis winters require a heavy coat as temperatures drop into the 20s, while humid summers reach the 80s and 90s. The Bears compete in 15 Division III sports, though with only 517 total athletes, most students cheer from the stands rather than play. Weekends center around the active Delmar Loop, a nearby entertainment district packed with restaurants, vintage shops, and live music venues. Greek life influences the social scene, though many students prefer house parties or exploring Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in America. The wealthy student body often heads to trendy Clayton restaurants or catches Cardinals games downtown.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 7,088 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
194 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 36 | 0 | 28 | 1 |
| Aggravated Assault | 5 | 1 | 19 | 1 |
| Burglary | 6 | 1 | 19 | 0 |
| Stalking | 18 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 3 | 1 | 9 | 1 |
| Fondling | 7 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Rape | 4 | 1 | 5 | 0 |
| Arson | 5 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| Dating Violence | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Statutory Rape | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 24°–40°F
- July Avg
- 71°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 43.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 16.6"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 46.1%
- Women
- 53.9%
- White
- 41.5%
- Black
- 8.9%
- Hispanic
- 12.6%
- Asian
- 21.2%
- In-State Students
- 11.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 15.9%
Location
- Address
- Saint Louis, Missouri 63130-4899
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $86,182
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $94,543
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $63,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 87.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $186/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $17,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Washington University in St Louis?
Washington University in St Louis accepts just 11.76% of applicants, making it one of the most selective universities in the country. Admitted students typically score around 1535 on the SAT, reflecting the school's reputation for academic excellence and its appeal to high-achieving pre-med students.
How much does Washington University in St Louis cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $22,117 despite a sticker price of $85,024 for total attendance. The university is known for meeting full demonstrated need, with families earning under $75,000 paying virtually nothing and even middle-income families receiving substantial aid packages.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Washington University in St Louis?
Washington University maintains a 7:1 student-faculty ratio with an enrollment of 7,897 students. This intimate academic environment supports the school's strong pre-professional programs, particularly its highly regarded pre-med track that sends graduates to top medical schools.
How much do Washington University in St Louis graduates earn?
Graduates earn a median of $86,182 ten years after graduation with a 94% employment rate. The school's strong alumni network and strong reputation, built by notable graduates like Nobel laureates T.S. Eliot and Arthur Holly Compton, help open doors to lucrative career opportunities.
Where is Washington University in St Louis located?
The university sits in a large suburban setting in St Louis, Missouri, with housing capacity for 7,088 students on its famously beautiful campus. Only 11.03% of students are from Missouri, as the school draws wealthy students from across the country who are attracted to its academic prestige.
Does Washington University in St Louis offer athletic scholarships?
Washington University offers $0 in athletic scholarships as a NCAA Division III school with 517 total athletes across 15 varsity sports. The Bears compete in the University Athletic Association, allowing student-athletes to focus purely on academics while still participating in competitive sports.
