For students planning to study abroad in the USA, Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) is a top choice. It is known for its academic excellence, research-driven curriculum, and strong faculty support. The university provides international students with a diverse and inclusive environment, making it one of the most welcoming institutions in the country.
Applying to an American university can be overwhelming, especially when considering factors such as acceptance rates, tuition fees, available courses, and living costs. This guide will provide everything an international student needs to know about Washington University in St. Louis, helping them make informed decisions for their future education.
Overview of Washington University in St. Louis
Washington University in St. Louis was founded in 1853 and is a private research university offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines. It has consistently ranked among the top universities in the USA for its strong academics and student-focused approach.
Key Facts About Washington University in St. Louis
| Feature | Details |
| Location | St. Louis, Missouri, USA |
| Established | 1853 |
| University Type | Private |
| Total Enrollment | ~16,000 students |
| International Students | ~3,500 from 100+ countries |
| Campus Size | 169 acres |
| Popular Fields of Study | Engineering, Business, Law, Medicine, Social Sciences |
| QS World University Ranking (2024) | #26 |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 7:1 |
| Research Budget | $1 billion+ per year |
The university is well known for interdisciplinary research, global engagement, and providing students with hands-on learning opportunities.
Washington University in St. Louis Acceptance Rate
Admission to Washington University in St. Louis is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate below 13% in recent years. The university receives thousands of applications from talented students worldwide, making the selection process extremely rigorous.
Acceptance Rate Over the Years
| Year | Applications Received | Students Accepted | Acceptance Rate |
| 2021 | 33,800 | 4,362 | 12.9% |
| 2022 | 35,619 | 4,543 | 12.8% |
| 2023 | 36,798 | 4,485 | 12.2% |
| 2024 (Projected) | 38,000+ | ~4,500 | ~11.8% |
Admission Requirements for International Students
| Admission Criteria | Recommended Scores/Details |
| GPA Requirement | 3.9+ on a 4.0 scale |
| SAT Score | 1480+ (out of 1600) |
| ACT Score | 33+ |
| TOEFL Score | 100+ |
| IELTS Score | 7.5+ |
| Letters of Recommendation | At least 2 from teachers/employers |
| Extracurricular Activities | Research, internships, leadership roles |
A well-rounded application, with strong academic records, extracurricular achievements, and a compelling personal statement, can improve a student’s chances of securing admission.
Washington University in St. Louis Global Rankings
WashU is one of the top-ranked universities in the USA and globally. It is highly regarded for its business, medical, law, and engineering programs.
University Rankings (2024)
| Ranking System | Rank |
| QS World University Rankings | #26 |
| Times Higher Education (THE) | #22 |
| U.S. News & World Report (USA) | #15 |
| Best Global Universities (U.S. News) | #19 |
Washington University in St. Louis is particularly well known for research innovation, small class sizes, and faculty mentorship.
Tuition Fees and Cost of Living at Washington University in St. Louis
Studying at WashU can be expensive, but the university provides financial aid and scholarships for international students.
Annual Tuition Fees (2024-25)
| Program Type | Annual Tuition Fees (USD) |
| Undergraduate Programs | $62,700 – $70,000 |
| Graduate Programs | $50,000 – $78,000 |
| MBA (Olin Business School) | $82,000 |
| Doctoral (PhD) Programs | $40,000 – $60,000 |
Estimated Cost of Living in St. Louis for International Students
| Expense | Monthly Cost (USD) | Annual Cost (USD) |
| On-campus Housing | $1,200 – $2,500 | $14,400 – $30,000 |
| Off-campus Housing | $900 – $2,200 | $10,800 – $26,400 |
| Food & Groceries | $350 – $700 | $4,200 – $8,400 |
| Transport (Public Transit) | $80 – $150 | $960 – $1,800 |
| Health Insurance | – | $3,000 |
| Books & Supplies | – | $1,500 |
International students can reduce costs by applying for scholarships, living in shared accommodations, and using student discounts for public transport and food.
Popular Courses at Washington University in St. Louis
WashU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, focusing on research, innovation, and career-oriented learning.
Top Undergraduate Programs
| Program | Duration |
| Biomedical Engineering | 4 years |
| Business Administration | 4 years |
| Computer Science | 4 years |
| Political Science | 4 years |
| Psychology | 4 years |
Top Graduate Programs
| Program | Duration |
| MBA (Olin Business School) | 2 years |
| Master’s in Data Science | 2 years |
| Master’s in Law (LLM) | 1 year |
| Master’s in Public Health | 2 years |
| PhD in Molecular Biology | 4-5 years |
The university is known for small class sizes, advanced research facilities, and excellent faculty support.
Scholarships and Financial Aid for International Students
Washington University in St. Louis provides merit-based and need-based scholarships for international students.
Available Scholarships for International Students
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Amount |
| WashU Merit Scholarships | High-achieving international students | $10,000 – $30,000 per year |
| Olin Business School Scholarships | MBA students | Partial to full tuition |
| McDonnell International Scholars Academy | Graduate students | Full tuition + stipend |
| Fulbright Scholarship | Graduate students | Full tuition + living expenses |
Applying for multiple scholarships and assistantship programs can significantly reduce tuition and living expenses.
How to Apply to Washington University in St. Louis?
International students can apply through the Common Application (undergraduate) or WashU’s official portal (graduate programs).
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Choose Your Program – Explore courses on WashU’s official website.
- Check Eligibility – Ensure you meet GPA, test scores, and English proficiency requirements.
- Prepare Required Documents:
- Academic transcripts
- English test scores (TOEFL, IELTS)
- Personal Statement & Resume
- Recommendation Letters
- Submit the Application – Apply before the Early Decision (Nov 1) or Regular Decision (Jan 2) deadlines.
- Attend an Interview (if required) – Some programs require additional assessments.
- Wait for Admission Decision – Offers are released between March and April.
Conclusion
Washington University in St. Louis is an excellent choice for international students looking to study abroad in the USA. It offers world-class education, research opportunities, and a strong global network. With proper financial planning, scholarship applications, and strong academic records, students can successfully gain admission and achieve their study abroad goals.