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WashU

Washington University in St Louis · St. Louis, Missouri · Private

12%acceptance rate
1500–1550SAT middle 50%
33–35ACT middle 50%
$22,440average net price

WashU admitted 12% of 33,283 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1500–1550 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 94% of students graduate within six years.

Your chances at WashU

Enter a score to see whether WashU is a reach, target or likely school for you.

or
Reach

It admits 12% of applicants, so it’s a reach for everyone, even with perfect scores.

A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more.

Early decision and early action

Early decision applicants were admitted at 27% (1,333 of 4,934), compared with 12% for all applicants.

WashU offers early action but didn’t report its early admit rate.

Early applicants often include recruited athletes and students with stronger applications, so the gap overstates how much applying early helps one student.

What admissions weighs

How WashU rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.

Very important

  • Course rigor
  • Class rank
  • GPA
  • Test scores
  • Essay
  • Recommendations
  • Talent or ability
  • Character

Important

  • Activities
  • First generation

Considered

  • Legacy
  • Where you live
  • State residency
  • Volunteering
  • Work experience
  • Showing interest

Not considered

  • Religion

What it costs

Full price with housing is $88,488 a year. After grants, students paid $22,440 on average.

Average price after grants, by family income:

  • $0–30k$4,391
  • $30–48k$2,321
  • $48–75k$1,863
  • $75–110k$19,344
  • $110k+$42,712

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