Washington University in St Louis campus
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Washington University in St Louis

St. Louis, MO · Private · 7,857 students

Acceptance rate

12.1%

SAT (mid 50%)

1500–1570

Avg net price

$21,786

after aid

Testing

optional

2027 cycle

Sources: the U.S. Department of Education (2024), and Washington University in St Louis’s admissions site.

Your chances

How hard is it to get in?

Getting in is the hard part. Washington University in St Louis admitted 12.1% of applicants in its most recent reported class, one of the lowest rates in the country. Realistically it is a reach for every applicant, no matter how strong.

Admitted students cluster near the top of the testing range: the middle 50% score 15001570 on the SAT and 3335 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention, but they do not decide it.

The real question is not your odds but your move. That is where Spike comes in: it reads your profile against what Washington University in St Louis actually rewards, and tells you what to do next.

Check your own numbers against this class →

Applying

Requirements and deadlines

  • Testingoptional (2027 cycle)

Verified from https://washu.edu.

The essays

Supplemental essay prompts

The current prompts, straight from the application. These change year to year, so most guides you will find are a cycle behind.

  • Please tell us what you are interested in studying at college and why.

    Up to 250 words

Every prompt, with how to approach each →

Verified from https://washu.edu.

Cost and aid

What you will actually pay

The sticker price is about $88,488, but that is not what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $21,786.

Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $86,182.

Verified from https://washu.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.

Quick answers

Washington University in St Louis FAQ

Is Washington University in St Louis test-optional?
For the 2027 application cycle, standardized testing at Washington University in St Louis is optional.
How hard is it to get into Washington University in St Louis?
Very hard. Washington University in St Louis admits 12.1% of applicants, and the middle 50% of admitted students score 1500 to 1570 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.
How much does Washington University in St Louis cost?
The list price is about $88,488, but the average price families actually pay after aid is $21,786.
Is Washington University in St Louis worth it?
Graduates earn a median of $86,182 ten years after enrolling, and 94% graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals, which is exactly what Spike helps you weigh.

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Ask Spike anything about Washington University in St Louis.

Spike answers from Washington University in St Louis’s own site, then helps you figure out your move. Join the waitlist to get in early.