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Washington University in St. Louis acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost

Also known as WashU

Washington University in St. Louis accepts 12% of applicants. It is a private university in St. Louis, Missouri, with about 7,857 undergraduates. The sticker price is $92,932 a year, but after aid the average family pays $13,360.

12%Acceptance rate
1500–1570Middle 50% SAT
33–35Middle 50% ACT
$13,360Average cost after aid / year
93%Graduation rate
$82,157Typical early-career earnings

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need for WashU?

Even with a 4.0 unweighted GPA, Admitly estimates a typical applicant has about a 10% chance, so a top GPA is expected and the rest of the application decides most outcomes.

The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.

Chances of getting into Washington University in St. Louis by GPA

Assumes an SAT of 1530, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.

GPAEstimated chance
3.01% Reach
3.31% Reach
3.52% Reach
3.74% Reach
3.98% Reach
4.010% Reach

Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.

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What families actually pay at Washington University in St. Louis

Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $92,932 a year including room and board.

Family incomeCost per year
Under $50k$4,600
$50k – $100k$7,400
$100k – $150k$15,600
$150k – $250k$50,900
Over $250k$55,600

Outcomes

93%Finish their degree
95%Return for second year
$82,157Median earnings, early career

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

Common questions about Washington University in St. Louis

What is the acceptance rate at Washington University in St. Louis?

Washington University in St. Louis admits 12% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need to get into Washington University in St. Louis?

Even with a 4.0 unweighted GPA, Admitly estimates a typical applicant has about a 10% chance, so a top GPA is expected and the rest of the application decides most outcomes. This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.

What SAT or ACT score do you need for Washington University in St. Louis?

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1500–1570 on the SAT and 33–35 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.

How much does Washington University in St. Louis cost after financial aid?

The sticker price is $92,932 a year including room and board, but the average family pays $13,360 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $4,600.

What is the graduation rate at Washington University in St. Louis?

93% of students finish their degree, and 95% return for a second year.

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