US University · Ranked #17
Washington University in St. Louis: Acceptance Rate & Admission Requirements (2026)
Washington University in St. Louis is a highly selective university that admits roughly 9.4% of applicants. Set in St. Louis, Missouri and ranked #17 nationally in our dataset, Washington attracts a deep, accomplished applicant pool, so a strong academic record is the entry ticket rather than the deciding factor. Successful candidates typically pair excellent grades with a clear, well-articulated reason for applying here specifically.
WashU offers an outstanding academic experience with strong pre-med programs, beautiful campus, and generous financial aid in the heart of the Midwest.
This guide breaks down Washington's selectivity, the academic profile of admitted students, how its application deadlines should shape your strategy, and the programs it is best known for — followed by answers to the questions applicants ask most.
Washington University in St. Louis admission statistics
- Acceptance rate
- 9.4%
- SAT range
- 1450–1560
- Average GPA
- 3.9
- In-state
- $62,782
- Out-of-state
- $62,782
- Enrollment
- 8,068
- Type
- Private
- Location
- St. Louis, Missouri
How hard is it to get into Washington University in St. Louis?
An acceptance rate of 9.4% places Washington firmly in the highly selective category. Academic excellence is necessary but not sufficient here: the majority of denied applicants are fully qualified on paper. Decisions turn on the strength of essays, recommendations, and demonstrated depth in a few areas rather than a long list of activities.
Plan for Washington as a reach. Make sure your list includes target and likely schools, and use your essays to show depth and a specific reason this school fits your goals.
Academic profile of admitted students
Admitted students at Washington typically score between 1450 and 1560 on the SAT — this is the middle 50% range, so a quarter of enrolled students scored below 1450 and a quarter above 1560. A score at or above 1560 is competitive even at the more selective end of the pool. Alongside test scores, the average GPA of admitted students is approximately 3.9 on a 4.0 scale, indicating that successful applicants generally earned mostly A's in a rigorous course load.
As a planning benchmark, aim for an SAT around 1505 or higher and a GPA at or near 3.9. Scores meaningfully below the 25th percentile (1450) are not disqualifying on their own, but they put more weight on the rest of the application to compensate.
Washington University in St. Louisapplication deadlines & strategy
- • Early Decision: Nov 1
- • Regular Decision: Jan 4
Washington's Early Decision deadline is Nov 1, with Regular Decision on Jan 4. Early Decision is binding — an admit obligates you to enroll and withdraw other applications. Apply ED only if Washington is your clear first choice and you do not need to weigh competing financial-aid packages; the bump in admit rate is real but it is a commitment, not a tactic.
Whichever round you choose, give recommenders at least three to four weeks of notice and budget time for essay revisions — the strongest applications are rarely written in the final week before Jan 4.
Notable programs at Washington University in St. Louis
- Medicine — a clinical pathway with prerequisite coursework and, in some cases, separate admission.
- Business — often admitted directly into a named school with its own requirements.
- Engineering — typically a more selective track with specific math and science prerequisites.
- Architecture — a recognized area of strength at this institution.
- Social Work — a recognized area of strength at this institution.
Washington is particularly known for Medicine, Business, Engineering, Architecture, and Social Work.
Strong programs matter for admissions because many schools admit by college or major, and a credible, specific interest in one of these areas — reflected in your coursework, activities, and essays — is far more persuasive than a generic application.
Cost of attending Washington University in St. Louis
As a private institution with a single tuition rate for all students, Washington charges the same tuition regardless of residency — approximately $62,782 per year. The sticker price is high, but private schools at this level often have substantial need-based aid, so the net price for many families is considerably lower; run the school's net price calculator before ruling it out on cost alone.
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Washington University in St. Louis: frequently asked questions
- What is the acceptance rate at Washington University in St. Louis?
- Washington University in St. Louis has an acceptance rate of 9.4%, which makes it highly selective. Plan for Washington as a reach. Make sure your list includes target and likely schools, and use your essays to show depth and a specific reason this school fits your goals.
- What SAT score do you need for Washington University in St. Louis?
- Admitted students at Washington University in St. Louis typically score between 1450 and 1560 on the SAT (the middle 50%). Aiming for 1560 or above makes you competitive, while a score below 1450 puts more weight on the rest of your application.
- What GPA do you need to get into Washington University in St. Louis?
- The average GPA of admitted students at Washington University in St. Louis is approximately 3.9 on a 4.0 scale. Competitive applicants generally have mostly A's in a rigorous course load; a GPA at or near 3.9 is the practical target.
- What is the application deadline for Washington University in St. Louis?
- Washington University in St. Louis's application deadlines: Early Decision is Nov 1 (binding); Regular Decision is Jan 4. Submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal problems.
- Is Washington University in St. Louis a public or private university?
- Washington University in St. Louis is a private university. Tuition is the same regardless of residency, but need-based aid can substantially lower the net price.
- How much does it cost to attend Washington University in St. Louis?
- As a private institution with a single tuition rate for all students, Washington charges the same tuition regardless of residency — approximately $62,782 per year. The sticker price is high, but private schools at this level often have substantial need-based aid, so the net price for many families is considerably lower; run the school's net price calculator before ruling it out on cost alone.