Washington University in St. Louis Tuition and Fees

By Kelly Boyer Sagert

(Last Updated – 08/2022)

Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, is a four-year private research university. Here, find out information about admission requirements, the Washington University acceptance rate, WashU tuition, financial aid, popular majors, and more.

Total Cost of Attendance

Washington University is known for its research and teaching. Students come from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. In fact, 90% of students are from out of state.

In the 2021-2022 academic year, WashU tuition, housing, and fees were as follows:

•  Tuition and fees: $58,866, a 2.6% from the previous year

•  Books and supplies: $1,158, a 1.2% increase from the previous year

•  Room and board (on or off campus): $17,900, a 2.9% increase from the previous year

•  Other fees: $3,696, a 1.1% increase over the previous year

•  Total expenses: $81,620, a 2.6% increase over the previous year

Financial Aid

Washington University is need blind, accepting students based on their qualifications and not their ability to pay.

In the 2020-2021 academic year, 53% of students received financial aid. More specifically:

•  Grant or scholarship aid: 44% of them received this funding with an average amount of $51,288

•  Federal grants: 16% of students received this funding with an average amount of $7,357

•  Pell grants: 16% received this funding with an average amount of $4,954

•  Other federal grants: 7% of students received this funding with an average amount of $4,954

•  State/local: 10% received this funding with an average amount of $2,828

•  Institutional: 42% of students received this funding with an average amount of $50,332

•  Student financial aid:15% of them received this funding with an average amount of $7,887

•  Federal student loans: 14% of students received this funding with an average amount of $4,790

•  Other student loans: 2% received this funding with an average amount of $4,790

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

Recommended: Scholarship Search – College Scholarships Finder Tool

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, and financial need.

•  Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, and non-profit 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 and 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

Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Private Student Loans

In 2020-2021, 2% of Washington University students received private student loans.

Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or state-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 as it generally may have better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school throughout the year, private loans can potentially help you make your 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

With tuition and fees of $58,866 in 2021-2022, four years at this cost equals $235,464, not accounting for price increases.

Here’s some Missouri Student Loan & Scholarship Information for you.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

In the 2021-2022 academic year, WashU tuition and fees were $58,866. Total expenses were $81,620. In comparison, the average total cost for a private four-year university in 2020-2021 was $54,500, making WashU 50% higher.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

In the 2021-2022 academic year, graduate tuition at Washington University was $57,750 with $538 in fees for a total of $58,288. The average graduate school tuition in 2019-2020 was $28,430.

Cost per Credit Hour

Costs per credit hour for evening students in 2022-2023 are $695 for undergraduates and anywhere from $695-$995 for graduate students. The previous year, undergraduate cost per credit hour was $665 with a 4.5% increase in 2022-2023. Graduate cost per credit hour was $665-$995 in 2021-2022.

Campus Housing Expenses

In 2021-2022, campus housing expenses were as follows:

•  Room and board (on or off campus): $17,900, a 2.9% increase from the previous year

•  Other fees were $3,696, a 1.1% increase over the previous year

Off-campus housing connected to the university for undergraduates can go up to $2,800 per month, depending upon the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and whether you have pets. Pricing is similar for graduate off-campus housing. Find details here

Washington University Acceptance Rate

In fall 2021, 33,634 people applied to Washington University. The WashU acceptance rate that year was 13%.

Washington University Admission Requirements

WashU is need-blind during the acceptance process, looking at grades, class rank, a counselor recommendation, a teacher evaluation, a list of extracurricular activities, and the answer to a writing prompt.

In fall 2023, application due dates are as follows:

•  Early decision 1: November 1, 2022

•  Early decision 2: January 4, 2023

•  Regular: January 4, 2023

SAT and ACT Scores

Washington University is test optional for fall 2023 and 2024.

In fall 2021, 25% of applicants submitted SAT scores and 41% submitted ACT scores. Here are 25th and 75th percentile numbers::

Popular Majors at Washington University in St. Louis

In 2021, 1,891 undergraduates received a degree. Here are some of the most popular majors.

1. Computer Science

Washington University now allows students to pursue an integrated joint degree, the Bachelor of Science in Business and Computer Science. Students gain a unique perspective by this combination. In 2021, 9.1% of graduating undergraduates received a computer science degree.

2. Experimental Psychology

Students learn research methodology and how to apply best practices in real-world situations. The goal is to prepare them to be proactive in designing and implementing research. In 2021, 6.5% of graduating undergraduates earned this degree.

3. Finance

Undergraduates in business school can focus solely on a finance major or combine it with another one, such as accounting, economics, entrepreneurship, or marketing, among other options. In 2021, 5.6% of graduating undergraduates earned a finance degree.

4. Biology

Students may select a general biology degree or from one of these specialties: biochemistry, ecology/evolution, genomics/computation, microbiology or neuroscience. In 2921, 5.5% of graduating undergraduates completed a biology program.

5. Mechanical Engineering

Areas of focus include the mechanics of solids and fluids, the science of materials, thermodynamics, heat transfer, mechanical engineering design, biometrics, and more. In 2021, 5% of graduating undergraduates earned this degree.

6. Econometrics

This economics degree helps students prepare for a wide range of business-related careers with econometrics combining economics with statistical analysis. This provides students with quantitative skills. In 2021, 3.9% of graduating undergraduates earned this degree.

7. Political Science

This highly respected program educates undergraduates in theory and methods, and how the two merge in the study of government. U.S. News and World Report ranked this program #12 in the country. In 2021, 3.6% of graduating undergraduates received this degree.

8. Anthropology

Students learn about human diversity, past and present, including where life began. They explore environmental and social conditions that have shaped humanity along with world cultures. In 2021, 3.6% of graduating undergraduates received this degree.

9. Bioengineering

The undergraduate curriculum helps students to prepare for a wide range of fields: from biomedical engineering to medicine, dentistry, and the law. A strong focus is placed on math and science. In 2021, 3.2% of graduating undergraduates earned this degree.

10. International Studies

Recently renamed Global Studies, students in this program gain a broad understanding of the world and its rich, diverse culture, choosing among six concentrations. They have the opportunity to study abroad. In 2021, 3.1% of graduating undergraduates earned this degree.

Graduation Rate

Graduation rates for students beginning in fall 2015 are:

•  4 years: 87%

•  6 years: 93%

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

Median earnings for WashU graduates are $82,732, which is 72.8% higher than the national average for college grads of $47,891.