Washington University in St. Louis
Washington University in St. Louis at a Glance
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.
| Full Name | Washington University in St Louis |
| Location | Saint Louis, MO 63130-4899 |
| Type | Private |
| Website | wustl.edu/ |
| Total Enrollment | 18,292 |
| Undergrad Enrollment | 8,821 |
| Female Students | 55.3% |
How Much Do APs Matter at Washington University in St. Louis?
APs are considered but not decisive at Washington University in St. Louis. Focus on GPA and overall application strength.
What Washington University in St. Louis Values in Admissions (CDS Data)
From the Common Data Set — what Washington University in St. Louis officially says matters in admission decisions.
| 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 |
Best AP Classes to Take for Washington University in St. Louis
Based on Washington University in St. Louis's most popular majors and admission priorities, these AP courses are most valuable:
- AP U.S. History
- AP Government
- AP Economics (Macro/Micro)
- AP Calculus BC
- AP Physics C: Mechanics
- AP Physics C: E&M
- AP Chemistry
- AP Biology
- AP Chemistry
- AP Statistics
- AP Computer Science A
- AP Computer Science Principles
- AP Calculus BC
AP Strategy for Washington University in St. Louis Applicants
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
The most popular fields of study, ranked by the number of degrees awarded.
Student Demographics
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.
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 |
GPA Profile of Admitted Students at Washington University in St. Louis
High school GPA distribution of enrolled freshmen, from the Common Data Set.
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 |
Financial Aid & Student Debt
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington University in St. Louis
More About Washington University in St. Louis
Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. Washington University in St. Louis is not affiliated with DeepColleges.