About Webster University
Webster University operates international campuses in multiple countries while maintaining its home base with 2,180 students in suburban St. Louis. The university built its reputation on small class sizes and global reach, with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio that ensures personalized attention. Students can study abroad at Webster's own campuses in Europe, Asia, and Africa rather than through traditional exchange programs. The acceptance rate of 55.1% attracts motivated students who value both academic quality and international opportunities.
The financial picture shows reasonable value for a private education. Students pay an average net price of $26,196 after aid, below the $44,550 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $50,876 ten years after graduation, with typical monthly loan payments of $244. The median debt load of $23,000 remains manageable compared to many private universities. About 28% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating modest economic diversity.
Webster's unique mascot, the Gorloks, reflects the school's quirky character and close-knit community feel. The 61% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish, but those who do find strong employment prospects with a 90.3% job placement rate. Women make up 58.2% of the student body, and the 76.8% retention rate indicates most freshmen stay engaged through sophomore year.
The financial picture shows reasonable value for a private education. Students pay an average net price of $26,196 after aid, below the $44,550 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $50,876 ten years after graduation, with typical monthly loan payments of $244. The median debt load of $23,000 remains manageable compared to many private universities. About 28% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating modest economic diversity.
Webster's unique mascot, the Gorloks, reflects the school's quirky character and close-knit community feel. The 61% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish, but those who do find strong employment prospects with a 90.3% job placement rate. Women make up 58.2% of the student body, and the 76.8% retention rate indicates most freshmen stay engaged through sophomore year.
Academics & Faculty
Webster University built its reputation around theater, communications, and business programs that attract students from across the globe. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate classroom environments where professors know students by name. Webster's distinctive international campus network spans multiple countries, giving students unique study abroad opportunities. The 61% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges some students face with the academic rigor, but also the personalized attention that helps many succeed. The university's Conservatory of Theatre Arts ranks among the most respected in the Midwest. Business and communications majors benefit from strong industry connections in St. Louis. Webster emphasizes practical, hands-on learning over theoretical research.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 60.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 61.1%
- Retention Rate
- 76.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $50,876
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $84,653 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Master | $80,147 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $79,081 |
| Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations. | Certificate | $75,204 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Master | $71,351 |
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other. | Master | $70,806 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Certificate | $68,219 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $64,473 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $58,221 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $57,318 |
Campus Life
Webster's campus sits in Webster Groves, a tree-lined suburb about 10 miles southwest of downtown Saint Louis. With housing capacity for 850 students but total enrollment of 2,180, roughly 39% of students live on campus. The rest commute from the greater St. Louis area, where 61.71% of students call home.
Saint Louis brings four distinct seasons, so pack both winter coats for snowy January days and shorts for humid summers. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know your name. Webster's claim to fame extends far beyond Missouri through its network of international campuses in Europe, Asia, and Africa, giving the suburban campus a worldly perspective.
Weekend life centers around the close-knit community feel that small class sizes foster throughout the week. Students often explore Saint Louis's food scene, catch Cardinals games, or participate in the university's 16 varsity sports as NCAA Division III Gorloks. The semester calendar system provides traditional college rhythms with winter and summer breaks for internships or study abroad opportunities.
Saint Louis brings four distinct seasons, so pack both winter coats for snowy January days and shorts for humid summers. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know your name. Webster's claim to fame extends far beyond Missouri through its network of international campuses in Europe, Asia, and Africa, giving the suburban campus a worldly perspective.
Weekend life centers around the close-knit community feel that small class sizes foster throughout the week. Students often explore Saint Louis's food scene, catch Cardinals games, or participate in the university's 16 varsity sports as NCAA Division III Gorloks. The semester calendar system provides traditional college rhythms with winter and summer breaks for internships or study abroad opportunities.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 850 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1915
Campus Safety (2023)
43 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 10 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 7 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Fondling | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 24°–40°F
- July Avg
- 71°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 43.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 10.2"
Student Demographics
Webster draws primarily from the St. Louis region, with 62% of students calling Missouri home. The student body leans female at 58%, reflecting the university's strong programs in communications, arts, and education. Nearly three in ten students receive Pell Grants, showing Webster serves middle-class families seeking quality education without Ivy League prices. The diverse mix includes 15% Black students and notable representation across ethnic groups. Students here value Webster's intimate class sizes and global perspective, often choosing the school for its personalized attention and internationally-minded community in suburban St. Louis.
- Men
- 41.8%
- Women
- 58.2%
- White
- 61.1%
- Black
- 14.7%
- Hispanic
- 6.4%
- Asian
- 2.8%
- In-State Students
- 61.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 28.0%
Location
Webster University sits in Saint Louis, Missouri, a major metropolitan area home to 2.8 million residents. The suburban campus provides easy access to downtown attractions like the Gateway Arch and Forest Park. Saint Louis offers a mid-sized city experience with professional sports teams, cultural institutions, and internship opportunities across healthcare, finance, and technology sectors. The region's central location makes it a transportation center connecting the East and West coasts. With 61.71% of students coming from Missouri, many appreciate staying close to home while experiencing urban amenities. Students considering colleges in Missouri may also compare Webster University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Saint Louis, Missouri 63119-3194
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $50,876
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $68,203
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $38,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 56.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $244/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Webster University?
Webster University accepts 55.1% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The university is known for its strong performing arts programs and international focus, attracting students with an average SAT score of 1171.
How much does Webster University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $26,196 annually after aid, compared to the full sticker price of $44,550. The university charges the same $30,730 tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students, reflecting its private status.
What are class sizes like at Webster University?
Webster maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio across its 2,180 enrolled students. The university built its reputation on small class sizes and personalized attention, which extends to its network of international campuses worldwide.
What do Webster University graduates earn after college?
Webster graduates earn a median salary of $50,876 ten years after graduation, with a 90.3% employment rate. About 61.1% of students complete their degree within six years, and graduates typically leave with $23,000 in debt.
Where do Webster University students live on campus?
The university houses up to 850 students in on-campus facilities, with room and board costing $12,820 annually. Located in suburban St. Louis, Webster draws 61.7% of its student body from Missouri while maintaining a diverse community that's 58.2% women.
Does Webster University have international programs?
Webster operates campuses around the world, making it unique among small private universities with just 2,180 students. This global reach complements the university's founding mission in 1915 and helps explain why students from various backgrounds choose Webster despite limited athletic scholarships in its NCAA Division III programs.
