Washington University in St. Louis SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
WashU is test-optional, but submitted scores are clustered near the top: the middle 50% SAT range is 1500 to 1570. Aim for that range, with 1550+ as a strong target, so your score supports the level of coursework and grades WashU typically sees.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Washington University in St. Louis facts and stats
Washington University in St. Louis enrolls about 8,220 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. WashU has a 95% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 94%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 7:1.
St. Louis, MO
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Key Washington University in St. Louis application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
January 2
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
November 3
Priority Deadline
—
Coming soon
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Because WashU is test-optional, follow this timeline only if you plan to submit SAT or ACT scores: take your first test by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and fall for retakes and possible superscore gains. For the November 3 Early Decision deadline, plan on the October SAT or September ACT as your last retake that should arrive in time.
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What you'll actually pay
WashU is a private not-for-profit, so the same tuition and fees rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $65,790, and 48% of students receive aid. The average merit award is $42,765, creating a strong scholarship opportunity.
WashU’s listed cost of attendance is about $87,644, combining $65,790 in tuition and fees with $21,854 for room and board. About 48% of students receive aid, and the average aid package is $77,091. Merit awards average $42,765, though named scholarship amounts vary by program. Graduates leave with an average debt of $26,666.
Student life at Washington University in St. Louis
69% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 17% of men join fraternities, and 17% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
Avila University
Kansas City, MOAcceptance rate: 87.8%
SAT: 810–960
ACT: 16–21
Mission University
Springfield, MOAcceptance rate: 100%
ACT: 19–23
Global University
Springfield, MOCalvary University
Kansas City, MOAcceptance rate: 71.7%
SAT: 870–1170
ACT: 17–24
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