Washington University in St. Louis
About the university
Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) is a highly regarded private research university in St. Louis, Missouri, with a distinguished history dating back to its founding in 1853. Known for its rigorous academics, WashU offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate and professional programmes across several schools including Arts & Sciences, Engineering, Business, Law, Medicine, Social Work and Fine Arts. The university has a strong research profile with significant funding and an emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, bolstered by a low student‑to‑faculty ratio (~7:1) that facilitates personalised learning and mentorship. WashU’s campus culture combines academic excellence with vibrant student life, active student government and diverse cultural organisations. Its global outlook is reflected in students and faculty from over 110 countries and widespread participation in study abroad and international programmes. Graduates go on to careers in leadership, innovation and research across industries worldwide.
Key information
- Location: St. Louis, MO, USA
- Ranking #38
- QS #167
- US News #24
- National ranking #20
- Institution type: private
Popular faculties
- Arts & Sciences
- Engineering
- Business
- Law
- Medicine
- Social Work
- Architecture & Design
- Computer Science
Programs (29)
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Finance and Accounting
- Marketing
- Tourism and Hospitality
- Law
- Political Science
- International Relations
- Philosophy
- History
- Linguistics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Environmental Science
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Education
- Fine Arts
- Music
Student body
- Total students: 16,000
- Undergraduate: 8,000
- Graduate: 8,000
- International students: 18%
Campus life
Campus life at Washington University in St. Louis is vibrant, diverse and student‑driven, with more than 300 registered student organisations supported by the Washington University Student Union’s substantial budget. Students engage in academic, cultural, recreational and advocacy groups, alongside media outlets including the campus TV station (WUTV) and radio station (KWUR). Large‑scale events such as concerts, speaker series and charity drives (e.g., Relay For Life) bring the community together, while Greek life, intramural sports and collaborative projects enhance social engagement. The campus’s beautiful architecture and green spaces in the St. Louis metropolitan area provide a stimulating environment for both study and social life, and many students also participate in study abroad and interdisciplinary programmes that enrich their global perspective.
Housing & accommodation
Housing cost: $1,000 - $2,000 / per month
Housing options
- On‑campus residence halls
- Apartment‑style housing
- Greek housing
Student clubs and organizations
- Washington University Student Union
- WUTV (TV)
- KWUR (radio)
- Engineering Club
- Debate Team
- Art & Culture Society
- Pre‑Med Society
- Entrepreneurship Club
- Dance Team
- Hackathon & Coding Clubs
- Relay For Life
Sports
- WashU Football
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
- Swimming & Diving
Career & internships
Employment rate: 95%
Partner companies
- Microsoft
- Deloitte
- Amazon
- Boeing
- Centene
- Mastercard
Internships: Washington University in St. Louis emphasises experiential learning and professional development through internships, cooperative placements and industry engagement embedded in many programmes. Its Career Center facilitates connections with employers, hosts career fairs and networking events, and provides personalised support for résumé building, interview preparation and job search strategies. Students frequently secure internships with companies, research institutions and non‑profits in fields such as technology, finance, healthcare, law and engineering, strengthening practical skills and enhancing graduate outcomes.
Admission requirements
Required tests
- SAT
- ACT
- IELTS
- TOEFL
- GRE
Required documents
- High School Diploma/Equivalent
- Academic Transcripts
- English Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Personal Statement
- Letters of Recommendation
Minimum GPA: 3.9
Tuition costs
- $68,000 - $75,000 / per year
- Acceptance rate: 12.00%
- Scholarships available: Washington University in St. Louis offers a range of merit‑ and need‑based scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students. These include Washington University Scholarship, Danforth Scholars Program, and other awards that may cover full or partial tuition, stipends and research support. WashU practices need‑blind admissions for U.S. applicants and meets 100 % of demonstrated financial need for admitted students. International students can compete for merit awards and other funding options; criteria, deadlines and award values vary by level and programme and are detailed on the university’s official financial aid pages.
Quick facts
- Founded: 1853
- Teaching languages: English, english
- Study formats: offline
Contact
- Website: https://wustl.edu
- [email protected]
- +1-314-935-6000