By Kelly Boyer Sagert

(Last Updated – 06/2025)

Washington University in St. Louis (or WashU) is a prestigious private research university located in Missouri. Founded in 1853, it is known for its rigorous academics and collaborative environment. The school offers strong programs across disciplines including business, engineering, medicine, law, and the arts and sciences. With a diverse and intellectually curious student body, WashU combines academic excellence with a supportive campus culture that prepares students for leadership and meaningful impact in their careers.

Total Cost of Attendance

The total cost of attendance at Washington University in St. Louis in 2024-25 was $92,523, which is significantly higher than the national average of $60,420 at private colleges.

Here’s a look at how those costs breakdown:

Financial Aid

Washington University in St. Louis is need-blind when reviewing applications, which means a student’s financial need will not influence an admission decision. In fact, 54% of undergraduates use financial aid to help cover the tuition and other costs. This may be scholarships, grants, student loans, or a combination of these.

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need or merit. Students who qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.

The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:

•  Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, or financial need.

•  Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, or nonprofit organizations.

•  Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

•  Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state, federal, and school deadlines may differ.

You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

•  US Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state

•  College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

•  SoFi Scholarship Finder – Use our handy tool to streamline your search by award type, location, level of study and more.

Recommended: Missouri Student Loan & Scholarship Information

Private Student Loans

Some students take out student loans to help cover WashU tuition and other costs: 16% take out federal loans; 2% get private student loans (with an average amount of $27,740).

Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or -affiliated organizations. While Federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans, which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for, since it generally has better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school during the year, private loans can potentially help you make your tuition payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

The total cost to attend WashU for four years — including tuition and fees, room and board, books, and other expenses — would be $370,092 (based on 2024-25 numbers). This is higher than the national average of $241,680 for four years at a private university.

This student loan and scholarship information may be valuable as you research schools and costs.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

Costs for 2024-25

WashU undergraduate tuition and fees for 2024-25 were $65,790, which is higher than the national average for private schools, which is $41,540.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

Costs for 2024-25

•   Average tuition: $64,500

•   Fees: $646

Tuition and fees for graduate students at WashU for 2024-25 averaged $65,146. This is substantially higher than the average cost of graduate school tuition and fees in the U.S., which is $22,430 per year.

There are graduate loans available to help with these costs.

Cost per Credit Hour

If students take more than 21 units per semester, they will pay additional tuition of $2,688 for each additional credit. Undergraduate students may be eligible to pay the per-credit unit tuition rate if they receive approval to take below the required minimum courseload of 12 units.

Campus Housing Expenses

First-year WashU students are required to live on campus. If you enroll as a freshman, you will live in one of 10 residential communities located on a part of campus known as “South 40.” Most sophomores continue living on the South 40, though some move to the Northside or opt for a Living Learning Community or fraternity housing. Many juniors and seniors choose to live in university-owned apartments located both on and off campus.

Costs for 2024-25

•  Estimated housing and food expenses (on/off campus): $21,854

•  Estimated other living expenses: $3,575

Total living expenses for the 2024-24 academic year were estimated at $25,429.

Washington University in St. Louis Acceptance Rate

The WashU acceptance rate is 12%, which makes the school extremely selective.

Admission Requirements

Here’s what you’ll need to submit to apply to WashU as a first-year student:

•   Application (either the Common Application or Coalition Application)

•   Answers to WashU-specific questions

•   School report and official transcript

•   Teacher evaluation

•   Counselor recommendation

Optional:

•   Self-reported or official SAT or ACT scores

•   Answer to supplemental WashU question

Note: A portfolio is required for students applying to the College of Art, and strongly encouraged for students applying to the College of Architecture. The portfolio should be submitted using SlideRoom.

Here are the application deadlines:

•   Early Decision I: November 1 (with an admission decision released by December 13)

•   Early Decision II: January 2 (with an admission decision released by February 14)

•   Regular Decision: January 2 (with an admission decision released by April 1)

SAT and ACT Scores

Though submitting test scores is optional at WashU, it can be helpful to know the average scores of other students who chose to submit their scores.

Here are the standardized test scores of students who enrolled in Fall 2023 at the 25th and 75th percentiles.

Popular Majors at Washington University in St. Louis

Four WashU schools offer undergraduate degrees and academic programs. Here are 10 of the most popular majors:

1. Computer Science

The B.S. in Computer Science (BSCS) is designed for students planning a career in computing. The program requires core courses (like Introduction to Computer Engineering, and Data Structures and Algorithms), classes that delve into computer systems and methods, along with math courses and electives.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 159

2. Psychology

Psychology is a multi-purpose major and can be a good choice for those considering careers in law, medicine, the health professions, education, business, and more. Students probe everything from the biological bases of behavior to learning and memory to social interactions and attitudes. They also have the opportunity to add a concentration, which is focused study in a specific area.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 155

3. Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering majors get a foundational education in the mechanics of solids and fluids, thermodynamics and heat transfer, the science of materials, and the principles and techniques of mechanical engineering design. Students can further specialize in areas of interest through electives.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 103

4. Finance

The Finance major is part of the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) program offered by the Olin Business School. The program provides a strong foundation in financial principles and prepares students for careers in areas like financial management, banking, insurance, and the securities industry.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 100

5. Econometrics

The Economics program at WashU offers a comprehensive education in economic theory, analysis, and policy, preparing students for a variety of careers and further studies. Students delve into topics like poverty, unemployment, globalization, and economic inequality. The program emphasizes analytical models and their application to real-world issues.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 81

6. Biology

The Biology major provides a broad foundation in the principles of life, from molecular and cellular processes to organismal and ecological interactions, with a focus on evolutionary perspectives. Students can specialize in areas like general biology, ecology and evolution, genomics and computational biology, molecular biology and biochemistry, neuroscience, and environmental biology.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 74

7. Political Science

Political science majors gain a comprehensive understanding of political systems, institutions, and processes, and go on to explore various subfields like American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory. The program equips students with analytical skills and a broad liberal education, preparing them for careers in government, law, business, and other fields.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 61

8. Communication Design

The Communication Design major focuses on visual communication, equipping students with the skills to translate information and ideas across various mediums. It’s a broad field encompassing graphic design, illustration, interaction design, and more. The program emphasizes visual problem-solving, organizational skills, and information theory, preparing students for a range of design roles.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 54

9. Biomedical Engineering

The B.S. in Biomedical Engineering program is an interdisciplinary major that applies engineering principles to solve problems in biology and medicine. Students have opportunities to work with faculty in various research areas, such as biomaterials, imaging, and cell/tissue engineering. Graduates pursue careers in the biomedical engineering industry or related fields.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 48

10. Mathematics

The Mathematics major provides a solid foundation in the fundamental principles of mathematics, covering areas like algebra, analysis, and statistics. Students also explore the quantitative side of numerous fields, including economics, biology, the behavioral sciences, business, and architecture. The department offers opportunities for independent study, research, and internships.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 43

Graduation Rate

The vast majority of WashU students complete their degree in four years. But some students take longer. Here are the graduation rates for students who began at the school in 2017.

•  4 years: 87%

•  6 years: 94%

Post-Graduation Average Earnings

The average annual salary for graduates of Washington University in St. Louis is $84,000. This is significantly higher than the average projected starting salary for the class of 2025 at the bachelor’s degree level, which is $68,680.

By Kelly Boyer Sagert

(Last Updated – 06/2025)

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is a prestigious private research university located in Los Angeles, California. Renowned for its academic excellence, USC offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its 23 schools and academic departments. It is especially recognized for strengths in business, engineering, cinema, and the arts. Located near the heart of L.A., USC provides students with vast cultural, professional, and creative opportunities, making it a leading institution for higher education on the West coast.

Total Cost of Attendance

The total cost of attendance at USC in 2023-24 was $90,453, which is significantly higher than the national average of $60,420 at private colleges.

Financial Aid

USC is need-blind in its admission process, which means a student’s financial need will not influence an admission decision. In fact, around 70% of USC students use financial aid to help cover the tuition and other costs. This may be student loans, scholarships, or grants, or a combination of these.

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need or merit. Students who qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.

The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:

•  Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, or financial need.

•  Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, or nonprofit organizations.

•  Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

•  Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state, federal, and school deadlines may differ.

You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

•  US Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state

•  College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

•  SoFi Scholarship Finder – Use our handy tool to streamline your search by award type, location, level of study and more.

Private Student Loans

Of the USC students who take out student loans, 25% take out federal loans, and 3% get private student loans (with an average amount of $38,338).

Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or -affiliated organizations. While Federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans, which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for, since it generally has better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school during the year, private loans can potentially help you make your tuition payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

The total cost to attend USC for four years — including tuition and fees, room and board, books, and other expenses — would be $361,812 (based on 2023-24 numbers). This is much higher than the national average of $241,680 for four years at a private university.

This student loan and scholarship information may be valuable as you research schools and costs.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

Costs for 2023-24

University of Southern California undergraduate tuition and fees for 2023-24 were $68,237, which represents a 5.4% increase over the prior academic year.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

Costs for 2023-24

•   Average tuition: $66,640

•   Fees: $2,232

Tuition and fees for graduate students at USC for 2023-24 averaged $68,872. This is substantially higher than the average cost of graduate school tuition and fees in the U.S., which is $22,430 per year.

There are graduate loans available to help with these costs.

Cost per Credit Hour

The cost per credit hour (or unit) is $2,354 for both undergraduate and graduate students at USC. Undergraduate students take 12-18 units per semester; graduate students take 15-18 units per semester.

Campus Housing Expenses

While USC does not require freshmen to live on campus, the school offers a wide range of on-campus housing options for first-year students, including residence halls, suites, and apartment-style living.

Costs for 2023-24

•  Estimated housing and food expenses (on/off campus): $19,198

•  Estimated other living expenses (on/off campus): $1,818

Total living expenses for 2023-24 came to an estimated $21,015 for students who chose to live on or off campus.

You can find out more about housing at USC here .

University of Southern California (USC) Acceptance Rate

The USC acceptance rate is 10%, which makes the school highly selective.

Admission Requirements

Here’s what you’ll need to apply to USC as a first-year student:

•   The Common Application

•   Official high school transcript

•   Letter of recommendation from school counselor or teacher (some programs may require additional letters of recommendation)

•   SAT/ACT test scores (optional)

•   Portfolio, résumé, and/or additional writing samples (if required by your intended major)

•   Fall grades (when available)

Here are the application deadlines:

•   Early Action (majors not requiring a portfolio/audition): November 1

•   Early Decision (Marshall School of Business only): November 1

•   Regular Decision (majors requiring a portfolio or audition): December 1

•   Regular Decision (majors not requiring a portfolio/audition): January 10

SAT and ACT Scores

Though submitting test scores is optional at the University of Southern California, it can be helpful to know the average scores of other students who chose to submit their scores.

Here are the standardized test scores of students who enrolled in Fall 2023 at the 25th and 75th percentiles.

Popular Majors at USC

With 23 schools and divisions, USC offers a wide variety of majors and minors, including a large number of interdisciplinary majors.

Here’s a look at 10 of the most popular majors at USC.

1. Business Administration

This major combines a strong grounding in business fundamentals with expertise in select functional areas, along with extensive exposure to the liberal arts. Core requirements include accounting, strategy, behavior and leadership, marketing, statistics, data science, and operations management.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 1,221

2. Engineering

The USC Viterbi School of Engineering offers a variety of undergraduate engineering majors leading to a Bachelor of Science degree. These include aerospace engineering, astronautical engineering, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, and computer engineering.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 453

3. Computer Science

This is an interdisciplinary program designed to provide students with a professional and academic understanding of the subject. Students begin by gaining the fundamentals of computation, programming, data structures, software engineering, and artificial intelligence, then move on to more specialized electives.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 353

4. Communication

Students who choose this major focus on how people use communication to build systems, persuade others, resist compliance, and examine real-world problems. They complete foundational classes in social science, rhetoric, and cultural studies before moving on to a wide choice of electives, including media, economics, sports, health, and technology.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 260

5. Human Biology

This degree program is designed for students who want to focus on human applied physiology, biomedicine, nutrition and metabolism, and/or human evolution. It provides an excellent pre-professional education for those who want to go to study medicine, physical therapy, dentistry, nursing, nutrition, and other fields related to biology.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 235

6. Architecture

The Bachelor of Architecture is a five-year degree program that begins with an intensive study of architecture in the first year, then offers a mix of architectural and general university studies throughout the program. Students are also required to complete an off-campus comprehensive design studio project in the fifth year.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 174

7. Psychology

Training is provided in five key areas of psychology: cognitive, developmental, clinical, biological, and social. Students explore theoretical issues and analyze how they apply to societal needs.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 173

8. Economics

Economics majors study how individuals, businesses, and governments make choices about allocating resources. They learn about markets, supply and demand, inflation, unemployment, and economic policy. Courses include microeconomics, macroeconomics, statistics, and econometrics.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 159

9. Political Science

Political science majors study the systems and processes of government, public policy, and political behavior, both domestically and internationally. Students learn about political theory, comparative politics, international relations, and American politics. They also develop critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills. Many students supplement their academic studies with internships and study abroad programs.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 109

10. Public Policy

The B.S. in Public Policy program is an interdisciplinary major that focuses on the analysis of society’s political, social, and economic issues. Students can pick from one of five tracks: health policy and management; public policy and law: philanthropy, nonprofits and social innovation; public policy and data analytics; or urban environmental and sustainability policy. This major prepares students for graduate study and/or professional careers.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 89

Graduation Rate

Most USC students complete their degree in four years. But some students take longer. Here are the graduation rates for students who began at USC in 2017.

•  4 years: 77%

•  6 years: 92%

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

The average starting annual salary for University of Southern California graduates is $72,261. This is slightly higher than the average projected starting salary for the class of 2025 at the bachelor’s degree level, which is $68,680.