,·Private Research University·Est. 1853
“A top-20 research university where academic rigor, world-class faculty, and a tight-knit campus community converge in the heart of St. Louis.”
Washington University in St. Louis — known universally as WashU — is one of America's premier private research universities, consistently ranked among the top 20 nationally by US News & World Report. Founded in 1853, the university has grown into a community of roughly 16,000 students, 3,500 faculty, and countless alumni who have left their mark on medicine, business, law, engineering, arts, and public policy. WashU's Danforth Campus is a stunning Gothic-style quadrangle surrounded by Brookings Hall's iconic limestone towers, mature elms, and lush courtyards — an environment that blends architectural beauty with intellectual energy. Academically, WashU is celebrated for the breadth and depth of its programs. The Olin Business School is a leading undergraduate business program with a renowned MBA. The McKelvey School of Engineering drives research in biomedical, electrical, mechanical, and computer science disciplines. The Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts is one of the nation's top architecture and art schools. Pre-med students benefit from proximity to WashU's world-ranked School of Medicine, one of the top biomedical research institutions on the planet, which offers undergraduates unparalleled research and shadowing access. Student life at WashU is vibrant and community-oriented. The Thurtene Carnival — the nation's oldest and largest student-run carnival, dating back to the early 1900s — is a beloved annual spring tradition. More than 500 student organizations span academic, cultural, athletic, and community service interests. WashU's no-loan financial aid policy and commitment to meeting 100% of demonstrated need for all admitted students make an elite WashU education more accessible than its sticker price suggests. St. Louis itself is a dynamic, affordable, and culturally rich city, offering students world-class museums, the Gateway Arch National Park, and strong internship networks across healthcare, finance, technology, and manufacturing.
Visa, OPT, H-1B alumni outcomes, and acceptance rates by country — sourced from FOIA, USCIS H-1B Hub, and DHS SEVIS.
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Test Optional — You can submit scores if they help your case, but they're not required.
Official SourceEarly Decision I
Binding; decisions released Dec 11; reply due Jan 4
Early Decision II
Binding; decisions released Feb 12; reply due Mar 1
Regular Decision
Decisions released Apr 1; reply due May 1
The deep admissions playbook beyond the headline acceptance rate — round-by-round breakdowns, nationality data, requirements, and contact paths.
Tuition & Fees (All Students)
$68,240
/yr
Beyond the sticker price — every named scholarship, the financial aid policy, need-aware notes, and a personalized net-cost estimate.
How life on campus actually feels — clubs, sports, traditions, housing realities, and how the school integrates with its city.
The academic heart of WashU, serving approximately 3,800 undergraduates across 40 departments in the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Renowned for biology, neuroscience, psychology, economics, and political science. Strong pipeline to WashU's School of Medicine for pre-med students.
One of the nation's leading undergraduate business programs, offering majors in accounting, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and healthcare management. Many master's programs carry STEM designation for extended OPT eligibility.
A highly ranked engineering school with strong research output in biomedical engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. Close collaboration with WashU's world-class medical school creates unique opportunities.
One of the nation's top schools for architecture and art, combining rigorous studio practice with critical theory and research. Students benefit from the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, one of the oldest university art museums in the US.
Consistently ranked #1 or #2 nationally for graduate social work by US News, the Brown School is a powerhouse for social policy, public health, and community development.
4 years
WashU's BME program benefits from close ties to the WashU School of Medicine, one of the top biomedical research institutions in the world. Students have unrivaled access to research labs, clinical shadowing, and industry partnerships.
4 years
Housed in McKelvey School of Engineering. STEM-designated and eligible for 3-year OPT. Active recruiting by Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and top startups.
4 years
Olin's undergraduate business program emphasizes analytics, leadership, and experiential learning. Finance and business analytics tracks attract Wall Street and consulting recruiters.
Where alumni go after graduation — top industries, grad-school continuation, and the qualitative outcomes story.
Sticker price (annual, out-of-state): $87,644
Net-cost estimate is US-resident-only — international applicants are typically excluded from need-based aid at most schools and should treat the sticker price as the planning baseline.
