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Washington University in St Louis

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

Washington University in St Louis award
Washington University in St Louis award
US ranking
position: 14
Tuition & fees per year: $69,594
Acceptance rate: 12.00%
Median alumni salary: $57,622
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1530 SAT, 34 ACT
Entrance difficulty: Very hard

What does Washington University in St Louis offer in terms of athletics?

Washington University in St Louis provides a diverse athletics program that emphasizes both competitive sports and student involvement. The university fields numerous varsity teams competing mainly in NCAA Division III, offering opportunities in popular sports such as basketball, soccer, swimming, and track and field. Student-athletes benefit from access to extensive training facilities and professional coaching, fostering both athletic development and academic balance.

Aside from varsity sports, the institution supports a range of club and intramural activities, encouraging wider student participation in physical fitness and recreation. This inclusive approach allows students with varying levels of experience and commitment to engage in organized sports and social competition, promoting community and wellness across campus.

The athletic culture at the university is built on sportsmanship, teamwork, and leadership, aiming to enhance the overall college experience beyond the classroom. Through this comprehensive athletics framework, students can pursue their passion for sports while also cultivating personal growth and lifelong skills.

What student groups and Associations are available at Washington University in St Louis?

Washington University in St Louis offers a variety of student groups catering to diverse interests, including the Asian American Association, Chabad Board, Sports Club - Rock Climbing, and the Outing Club. These organizations provide opportunities for cultural engagement, religious activities, and outdoor recreational experiences, reflecting the broad spectrum of student interests on campus.

Approximately 17% of both male and female students participate in social organizations at the university, indicating a significant level of student involvement outside the classroom.

Who studies at Washington University in St Louis?

Washington University in St Louis attracts a diverse student body from various backgrounds and age groups. Among its students, in-state representation is quite low, comprising just 12%, which is notably in the bottom 5% nationally. Conversely, out-of-state students make up a significant portion, around 76%, placing the university in the top 5% for attracting students from other states. Domestic students account for 88% of the population, with an average level compared to other institutions. The university also has a strong international presence, with students coming from 12 different countries, a figure that ranks in the top 10% nationwide.

The undergraduate population is predominantly young adults, with the majority aged between 18 and 21 years old. Specifically, 3,197 undergraduates are aged 18-19, while 3,636 fall into the 20-21 age bracket. There is also a smaller yet notable portion of undergraduates aged 22 to 24 and beyond, highlighting the presence of non-traditional students. Graduate students tend to be older, primarily clustered between ages 22 and 34, with significant numbers aged 22-24 (3,568) and 25-29 (2,849).

Each incoming class reflects a moderate size, with an average of 1,828 freshmen annually and a smaller transfer student body of 196, which is below the midpoint nationally. Overall enrollment remains steady, with about 2,024 new students each year, a figure placing the university in the top 40% compared to its peers.

Diversity within the student population is evident across racial and ethnic lines. Hispanic and African American students each represent about average shares, with counts of 1,035 and 684 respectively, both around the 50th percentile nationally. White students number 3,117, also ranking near the national average. Asian students, however, represent a higher proportion at 1,640, positioning the university in the top 25% for Asian student enrollment. Students identifying with two or more races form another relatively large group, totaling 486 and placing the institution near the top 30% for this category. Smaller groups include Native American and Pacific Islander students, whose numbers remain modest but contribute to the overall diversity.

How does student life look like at Washington University in St Louis?

Washington University in St Louis offers a vibrant campus life supported by a variety of student activities and resources. The university hosts a campus newspaper, drama productions, a radio station, a television outlet, and a chorus, providing numerous opportunities for student engagement in the arts and media. Although there is no campus band, the presence of these activities suggests a dynamic environment for creative expression.

Health and well-being services are also readily accessible, including a health clinic, psychological counseling, and a veterans affairs office, which contribute to a supportive atmosphere for students' physical and mental health needs. However, legal services and a women's center are not available on campus.

Covering 169 acres, the campus provides ample space for these diverse programs and services. The university maintains a relatively low student-to-faculty ratio of 7 to 1, indicating the potential for close interaction with faculty and a personalized academic experience.

What libraries are available to students at Washington University in St Louis?

Washington University in St Louis offers students access to nine libraries, a number that ranks in the top 5% nationwide. The primary facility is the John M. Olin Library, supported by eight additional libraries, all contributing to a rich academic environment. Together, these libraries house over 2.46 million physical books, placing the university again in the top 5% for volume of printed resources.

Students benefit from an extensive collection of more than 2.88 million ebooks, also ranking in the top 5%, ensuring strong digital availability. The university maintains approximately 63,500 subscriptions to journals and periodicals, which sits comfortably within the top 10% nationally, providing broad research access. While the number of digital subscriptions and databases is more average, students still have access to around 239,000 digital subscriptions and 1,220 databases, supporting a diverse range of academic inquiries.

The libraries operate for about 102 hours each week, featuring established hours and staffed by trained personnel to assist students effectively. Study rooms are available for collaborative or quiet study, and the facilities support both physical and digital access. Although the libraries do not offer all-day access, their resources include access to shared collections beyond the campus network, enhancing research capabilities.

Washington University in St Louis Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

16357

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

1842

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

1149 full time, 440 part time

Veterans affair office

Yes

Washington University in St Louis Library Services and Resources

Main library name

John M. Olin Library

Number of libraries on campus

9

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

No

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

Washington University in St Louis Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

Washington University in St Louis Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshly enrolled students' state of residence

US
International

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

Washington University in St Louis Location & Map

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