Washington University in St. Louis is a private research university recognized for its outstanding medical school, strong pre-med pipeline, and programs in business and architecture. Its well-resourced campus and generous financial aid make it one of the top research universities in the Midwest.
Mascot: Bear
Notable Alumni
Tennessee Williams (iconic playwright)•Harold Ramis (Ghostbusters star and director)•Peter Sarsgaard (acclaimed film actor)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Campus Experience
WashU is sometimes called a 'country club' — the campus is immaculate, the dorms are palatial, and students are driven but not cutthroat. Greek life provides social structure without dominating it. The 'WashU bubble' is real: the gorgeous campus can feel insular from St. Louis, and finding off-campus social life requires more effort than at urban schools.
Collegiate Gothic red granite buildings along Brookings Quadrangle, the iconic Brookings Hall archway, and 169 beautifully landscaped acres consistently place WashU among the nation's most beautiful campuses in Princeton Review rankings.
Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.
Safety
WashU Police Department has 42 commissioned officers plus a Neighborhood Patrol Unit covering off-campus housing areas. The Danforth Campus has very low crime rates.
The Clayton and Skinker-DeBaliviere neighborhoods around WashU are affluent and safe, distinct from St. Louis's higher-crime areas. The campus is well-buffered from north city neighborhoods.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Plan Your Visit
Schedule: Monday-Friday and select Saturdays
Duration: 45-minute info session + 75-minute student-led tour
Additional academic division sessions offered on Mondays and Fridays. Discover WashU Days include full-morning programming plus an Application Fee Waiver. Space is limited -- register early.
Book a TourVirtual campus tour available online for those who can't visit in person. The Danforth Campus is walkable and open.
Tour ResourcesSeptember-October (gorgeous fall color on the Collegiate Gothic campus) or April-May (dogwoods and azaleas blooming). Avoid July-August (St. Louis heat and humidity). WILD (Walk In, Lay Down -- WashU's annual spring concert) is a highlight. Homecoming and Family Weekend in fall bring good energy.
Visitor parking in the East End Garage (enter from Forsyth Blvd or Forest Park Parkway). Pull a ticket at entry, pay before exiting. Also Passport Parking app for hourly visitor spaces across campus. MetroLink light rail: University City/Big Bend station is on campus's northeast corner (~$2.50). From STL airport: ~15 min drive via Forest Park Parkway, or MetroLink directly to campus. Rideshare from STL airport ~$25.
Location
Similar Colleges
Find the right college for you
Explore 161 colleges by degree, filter by acceptance rate, SAT range, and more.
Explore Colleges