Updated April 19, 2026
Washington University in St. Louis University — Acceptance Rate and Statistics
What is attending Washington University in St. Louis like?
Located on a picturesque, neo-gothic campus near St Louis, Missouri and adjacent to one of the nation’s largest urban parks, Washington University in St. Louis is known for its stellar academic programs. A mid-sized private research university, WashU consistently ranks among the top universities in the country in terms of value, quality of life, and dorm quality.
Academics are central at Washington University in St. Louis. The school offers more than 250 majors and numerous specialized programs. The University’s pre-med and business programs are especially renowned. The PreHealth track, closely affiliated with the University’s top-ranked medical school, presents undergrads with ample opportunities for hands-on, graduate-level research, and their comprehensive advising program boasts an 85% acceptance rate to medical school. In addition, the Olin School of Business is considered one of the best undergraduate business programs in the nation, and is especially strong in business analytics and entrepreneurship.
Though academically rigorous, WashU’s students note that the student body’s commitment to excellence does not result in a cutthroat atmosphere, but, rather, one of collaboration. Likely contributing to this sense of community is the University’s unique, village-style first- and second-year residential hub, “South 40”, a 40-acre section of campus comprising ten residential communities with their own fitness center, dining facilities, recreation and meeting spaces, and music practice rooms.
Washington University in St. Louis 2024-2025 Admissions Data
Washington University in St. Louis Admissions Statistics
Washington University in St. Louis has a competitive admissions process, with just 12% of students receiving an admissions offer last year — a statistic in line with the University’s historic acceptance rate trends. If you’d like to apply, you can choose from the Early Decision I, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision deadlines.
While Early Decision often provides prospective students with an advantage in admissions, this is especially true at Washington University. In past years, the percentage of the class accepted through ED has risen from roughly ⅓ (Class of 2016) to ⅔ (Class of 2028). In other words: most students accepted to WashU applied ED.
That said, it is important to bear in mind that if you apply during the earlier cycles, you’ll be required to attend Washington University in St. Louis.
2024-2025 Washington University in St. Louis (Class of 2029) Acceptance Rate*
| Admission Cycle | Number of applicants | Waitlisted | Number admitted | Acceptance rate |
| All Applicants | 33,283 | Not Yet Released | 3,968 | 12% |
Washington University in St. Louis Acceptance Rate History*
| Year | Number of applicants | Number admitted | Acceptance rate |
| 2023-2024 (Class of 2028) | 32,754 | 3,951 | 12% |
| 2022-2023 (Class of 2027) | 32,240 | 3,855 | 12% |
| 2021-2022 (Class of 2026) | 33,214 | 3,764 | 11% |
| 2020-2021 (Class of 2025) | 27,949 | 4,477 | 16% |
Washington University in St. Louis Class of 2029 Middle 50% score range of admitted students (25th and 75th percentiles)*
| SAT Composite | 1490-1550 |
| ACT Composite | 33-35 |
*What does this mean? The middle 50% score range refers to students from the 25th to the 75th percentile of admitted students. So if 100 students were admitted and we ranked their SAT scores from lowest to highest, we’d be looking at 50 students’ stats (from student 25 through student 75).
What is Washington University in St. Louis looking for?
WashU asks that students apply directly to one of the University’s five academic schools, which will serve as their home base during their time at the University: Architecture, Art, Arts & Sciences, Business, and Engineering.
Like many universities, their admissions office follows a holistic process, and looks at a number of factors to make their admissions decisions. The University offers helpful insight into their process in their 2025-2026 Admissions Bulletin, and notes that, among other factors, they assess students’ academic achievements and preparation, their personal characteristics and backgrounds, and their involvement and accomplishments outside of the classroom.
In addition, they provide a “Common Questions” page addressing frequently asked questions about the admissions process.
You can demonstrate your unique perspective through your essays, academic profile, letters of recommendation, and activities.
Other colleges you may be interested in:
| College Name | Number of applicants (Class of 2029) | Number admitted (Class of 2029) | Acceptance rate (Class of 2029) |
| Rice University | 36,777 | 2,852 | 8% |
| Johns Hopkins University | 49,112 | 2,525 | 5% |
| Duke University | 53,223 | 1,953 | 5% |
PrepMaven can help you in the admissions process
Thinking of applying to Washington University in St. Louis? PrepMaven can help you along the way. Whether you’re looking to boost your test scores, write a killer personal statement, or improve your GPA, we can be a helpful resource. With tutors who are graduates of top universities, valedictorians, National Merit Finalists, and National AP Scholars, we’re here to help you no matter what step you’re at in the admissions process.
Give us a call at 609-945-2264 or fill out our website form to learn how our flexible packages can work for you.
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Grace
Grace graduated magna cum laude from Princeton and received her MA with distinction from Georgetown. During her time at Princeton, she worked as a peer writing tutor, providing tailored feedback to students and alumni to aid the clarity and efficacy of essays, grant proposals, and fellowship applications. Since then, she has continued to work as a writing tutor, coaching countless students through the process of crafting effective college applications. She currently works in Washington, DC in policy and political communications.