


Washington University in St. Louis is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Institutional accreditation applies to the university as a whole; it is distinct from accreditation or approval of a particular professional program.
Relevant professional programs may also hold specialized accreditation. For example, applicants to engineering, business, architecture, law or clinical fields should check the current status of the specific degree they intend to pursue. That is especially important when a credential may be required for professional licensure.
Institutional accreditation is one condition associated with participation in federal student aid programs, but it does not by itself establish an individual student's aid eligibility. It also does not require another college to accept transfer credits; receiving institutions make their own credit decisions.
First-year admission to Washington University is selective. Applicants generally submit an undergraduate application, a secondary-school record, recommendations and required written responses. A completed college-preparatory course of study is expected, while admission is based on a review of the full application rather than a published universal GPA cutoff.
In the reported admissions cohort, the university admitted about 12% of first-year applicants. Among enrolled students who submitted scores, the median SAT composite was 1530 and the median ACT composite was 34. Those figures describe score submitters, not a minimum needed for admission: roughly one-third of enrolled first-year students submitted SAT scores, and a smaller share submitted ACT scores.
Testing rules can change by application cycle, so applicants should check the policy for their intended entry term before deciding whether to send SAT or ACT results. Applicants educated in a language other than English should also review current English-proficiency requirements and any stated exemptions. The university offers multiple first-year admission rounds, including early and regular options; deadlines and any binding commitments differ by round.
Requirements can vary for transfer applicants and for applicants to particular academic programs. Students considering art, design or architecture should check whether their chosen course of study calls for a portfolio or other supplemental material.
Washington University's reported standard undergraduate application fee is $75. An application fee is paid to have an application reviewed; it is not an enrollment deposit or a payment toward tuition.
Fee waivers are available to eligible applicants with financial need. Applicants should use the waiver option provided through their application platform and follow the university's instructions for any supporting confirmation. Because application platforms and fee-waiver procedures can change, the practical time to check eligibility is before submitting the application and attempting payment.
Graduate and professional programs may set their own fees and waiver rules. An applicant to one of those programs should use that program's admissions instructions rather than assume the undergraduate fee applies.
Washington University students can pursue Army ROTC through an on-campus unit. Air Force ROTC participation is available through a cooperating institution rather than an Air Force unit operated on the Washington University campus.
ROTC combines college coursework with military training and may offer scholarships to students who meet branch-specific requirements. Scholarship eligibility, medical and fitness standards, enrollment procedures and eventual service obligations are determined by the applicable military branch and program. Students should confirm how training locations and schedules fit their academic program before enrolling.
Washington University admits transfer applicants and considers applications for fall and spring entry. Transfer admission is a separate decision from whether previously completed courses will count toward a Washington University degree.
Applicants should expect to provide college transcripts and information about their prior coursework; high school records may also be required. The university reviews academic preparation and the fit between prior courses and the intended program. Applicants should check the current transfer application for term-specific deadlines, required recommendations and any school-specific materials.
Credit from another accredited institution can be considered, but the number of credits accepted and their use toward a major or graduation requirement depend on an evaluation. A student deciding between colleges should request a formal transfer-credit review rather than assume that a course with a similar title will meet a specific requirement. Reported enrollment included 167 new transfer students, a substantially smaller entry group than the first-year cohort.
Washington University offers study-abroad options that can include semester, academic-year and shorter programs. Opportunities differ by undergraduate school and major, and may involve university arrangements, exchange partners or approved outside providers.
Academic planning is consequential: a program must meet the relevant school's approval rules for overseas coursework to apply as intended toward a degree. Students should discuss course equivalencies, major sequencing and graduation timing with their academic adviser and study-abroad office before committing to a program.
Costs and aid treatment can also differ among programs. Applicants should compare the program budget - including travel, housing and insurance - with the aid that can actually be used for that specific option. International internships or research placements may have additional eligibility requirements.
47% of admitted students enrolled (1,847 of 3,951)
Regular application deadline
January 4Application fee
$75Early Decision
Yes, deadline November 2Early Action
Yes, deadline November 2Median composite SAT score
1530Median composite ACT score
34Percent of students submitting ACT scores
29%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
32%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
Considered but not requiredSecondary school rank
Considered but not requiredSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
Considered but not requiredAdmission test scores
Considered but not requiredTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
Neither required nor recommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, SpringData last updated on November 5, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.