
1 Brookings Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63130-4899, USA


Washington University in St Louis holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized for validating the quality and standards of higher education institutions. This accreditation ensures that the university meets rigorous criteria regarding academic programs, faculty qualifications, and institutional resources.
In addition to overall institutional accreditation, several of the university's individual schools and professional programs have received specialized accreditation from nationally recognized bodies. These accreditations pertain to units such as business, law, medicine, social work, and engineering, signaling adherence to industry-specific standards and excellence in those fields.
For prospective students, accreditation status is crucial as it impacts credit transferability, qualification recognition, and eligibility for federal financial aid. Washington University in St Louis's dual recognition from both a regional accreditor and specialized program accreditors reflects a comprehensive commitment to academic quality across disciplines.
Washington University in St Louis maintains selective admission standards that emphasize academic achievement and standardized testing performance. Prospective students must have completed a General Educational Development (GED) or equivalent, and a secondary school record is required to support their application. Recommendations from educators or mentors are also necessary components of the admissions process.
Applicants must submit their scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), reflecting the university's commitment to assessing English proficiency. Though not mandatory, submitting additional test scores beyond TOEFL is recommended to strengthen an application.
The university does not operate an open admission policy, meaning admission is competitive rather than universally accessible. College-level program data or credit transfer options such as dual credit or credit through prior college programs are not applicable; however, Advanced Placement (AP) credits are accepted, allowing students to leverage high school achievements.
In terms of standardized testing, Washington University in St Louis attracts students with very high academic credentials. The mean SAT score for admitted students is 1530, placing them in the top 5 percentile nationally, with particularly strong performance in math (780) and writing (750). Similarly, the mean ACT score is 34, also in the top 5 percentile. Despite the high caliber of applicants, the acceptance rate stands at a very low 12%, indicating a highly competitive admissions environment.
The university admits an average number of applicants relative to its applicant pool, with approximately 3,855 offers extended from over 32,000 applicants. Enrolled students reflect a strong academic profile, with about 1,828 matriculates exhibiting scores and backgrounds well above typical national averages.
The application fee at Washington University in St Louis is set to ensure that each prospective student's application is processed effectively. Candidates are required to submit this fee along with their application materials unless they qualify for a fee waiver. The university offers waivers to students who demonstrate financial need, thereby reducing financial barriers for eligible applicants.
Prospective students seeking fee waivers should provide documentation verifying their financial situation, aligning with university policies designed to support diverse applicants. These waivers can be requested during the application process and are granted based on established criteria, helping to make the application process more accessible.
Washington University in St Louis hosts an ROTC branch unit directly on its campus. This means students interested in ROTC training can participate in the program without needing to commute to an external location. The presence of this branch unit facilitates integration of military leadership development alongside the university's academic offerings.
Washington University in St Louis accepts transfer students for the fall and spring terms, providing opportunities for those looking to continue their education mid-academic year. The admission process is notably competitive, reflecting the institution's classification as one of the most difficult to enter. Prospective transfer students can submit credits earned through CLEP exams, both subject-specific and general tests, as well as through DANTES examinations, enabling recognition of prior learning and coursework.
Transfer applicants are encouraged to provide recommendations as part of their application, which the university does accept to support their evaluation process. Additionally, the university acknowledges prior college credits, allowing for a smoother transition and potentially reducing the time required to graduate.
Washington University in St Louis offers a broad range of study abroad opportunities designed to enhance students' academic and cultural experiences. These programs span multiple disciplines and various global regions, providing flexibility and diversity to fit student interests and academic goals. Students can engage in semester-long exchanges, summer sessions, and faculty-led trips, enabling immersive learning in international environments.
The university collaborates with partner institutions worldwide, allowing students to enroll in courses that count toward their degree requirements. This integration ensures that study abroad experiences contribute directly to academic progress. Additionally, the university supports independent study and research abroad, facilitating personalized educational pursuits in global contexts.
Opportunities also include internships and service-learning programs abroad, combining practical experience with cultural engagement. By participating in these varied programs, students develop global awareness, language skills, and professional competencies that enhance their academic and career trajectories.
Median composite SAT score
1530Median composite ACT score
34Percent of students submitting ACT scores
28%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
29%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
Data not availableSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
Data not availableAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
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-Navy
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
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Very hardGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring