Average SAT & ACT Scores for Washington University in St. Louis
Test
25th Percentile
75th Percentile
Midpoint
SAT Reading
730
770
750
SAT Math
770
800
785
SAT Total
1500
1570
1535
ACT Composite
33
35
34
Admissions Funnel
Applications Received
32,240
Students Admitted
3,855
Students Enrolled
1,828
Yield Rate
47.4%
Washington University in St. Louis Rankings
Ranking
2025
Year
US News National Universities
#24
2025
QS World University Rankings
#111
2025
ARWU (Shanghai)
#22
2024
Washington University in St. Louis Overview
Washington University in St Louis is a private university in Saint Louis, MO with 18,292 students. Its 12.0% acceptance rate places it among America's most selective universities. The most popular majors are Business/Marketing, Social Sciences, and Engineering. Graduates earn a median of $86,182 ten years after enrollment.
Is Washington University in St. Louis a Reach, Match, or Safety?
With an acceptance rate of 12.0%, Washington University in St. Louis is a Reach for most applicants. You'll need a standout application — strong GPA, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays — to have realistic odds here.
Your Profile
Washington University in St. Louis Is...
What to Do
Above-average GPA + strong application
Match
Apply — worth the effort
Average GPA, some strengths
Reach
Apply, but have 2-3 backup schools
Below-average GPA
Hard Reach
Consider similar schools with higher acceptance rates
Washington University in St. Louis True Cost by Family Income
Sticker price doesn't tell the full story at WashU. Families earning $0-30k pay around $1,716 per year after aid, while those in the $110k+ bracket pay about $42,170. 16% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating WashU enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students. The median debt of $17,500 is very manageable relative to the $78,073 median salary six years out.
Family Income
Annual Net Price
4-Year Total
$0-30k
$1,716
$6,864
$30-48k
$1,928
$7,712
$48-75k
$5,578
$22,312
$75-110k
$12,603
$50,412
$110k+
$42,170
$168,680
Cost Breakdown
Room & Board
$20,778
Total Cost of Attendance
$88,488
Popular Majors at Washington University in St. Louis
Percentage of degrees awarded by field.
Business/Marketing
16.8%
Social Sciences
13.2%
Engineering
10.6%
Biological Sciences
10.3%
Computer Science
8.6%
Multidisciplinary
7.6%
Psychology
7.2%
Visual/Performing Arts
6.0%
Mathematics/Statistics
3.3%
Physical Sciences
2.5%
Foreign Languages
2.4%
Ethnic/Cultural Studies
2.2%
Student Demographics
White
43.5%
Black/African American
10.2%
Hispanic/Latino
11.5%
Asian
18.6%
International
8.1%
How to Get Into Washington University in St. Louis
WashU is a Reach school for nearly all applicants. Competitive applicants typically score 1535+ on the SAT. Beyond grades and scores, WashU wants to see intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a clear sense of purpose in your application. Have 2-3 realistic backup schools — even perfect-on-paper students get denied here.
1535
Target SAT Score
34
Target ACT Score
12.0%
Acceptance Rate
32,240
Total Applicants
What Washington University in St. Louis Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
Factor
Importance
Academic Gpa
Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record
Very Important
Class Rank
Considered
Standardized Test Scores
Considered
Application Essay
Very Important
Recommendation
Important
Extracurricular Activities
Very Important
Talent Ability
Important
Character Personal Qualities
Very Important
First Generation
Considered
Alumni Relation
Considered
Interview
Considered
Work Experience
Considered
Volunteer Work
Considered
Washington University in St. Louis Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the Washington University in St. Louis ED I/II admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
Deadline
Date
Early Decision
Nov 1
Early Decision II
Jan 2
Regular Decision
Jan 2
Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS)
Feb 1
Early Decision: Washington University in St. Louis offers binding Early Decision. If accepted, you must enroll and withdraw all other applications. Only apply ED if Washington University in St. Louis is your clear first choice.
Financial Aid & Student Debt
16.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
Students from low-income families
$17,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Federal loans only
$78,073
Median Earnings (6yr)
6 years after enrollment
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington University in St. Louis
What is WashU's acceptance rate?
WashU has an acceptance rate of 12.0%, making it extremely selective. This rate reflects freshman applicants for the most recent admissions cycle.
What SAT score do I need for WashU?
The middle 50% SAT range at WashU is 1500-1570. For the ACT, the middle 50% range is 33-35. Scoring above the 75th percentile puts you in a strong position, but scores alone don't determine admission.
What are the most popular majors at WashU?
The most popular majors at WashU by degrees awarded are: Business/Marketing (16.8%), Social Sciences (13.2%), Engineering (10.6%), Biological Sciences (10.3%), Computer Science (8.6%). These percentages reflect undergraduate degrees conferred in the most recent reporting year.
How much do WashU graduates earn?
WashU graduates earn a median salary of $86,182 ten years after enrollment, based on federal data. Actual earnings vary significantly by major — STEM and business graduates typically earn more, while arts and education graduates earn less.
Is WashU worth the cost?
With median earnings of $86,182 (10yr post-enrollment) and median debt of $17,500, The earning potential strongly outweighs the typical debt, making WashU a solid investment for most students. Always compare the net price (after aid) to expected earnings in your intended field.
Can I transfer to WashU?
WashU accepts transfer students, though the process is highly selective. Transfer applicants typically need a strong college GPA (3.5+), relevant coursework, and compelling reasons for transferring. The transfer acceptance rate is generally lower than freshman admission at selective schools.
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