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Washington University in St. Louis

Address: Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
Phone: +1 314-935-5000
Email: admissions@wustl.edu
Website: www.wustl.edu


About Washington University in St. Louis

Ranked within the top 100 universities in the world in the QS World University Rankings, Washington University in St. Louis, also known as WashU or WUSTL, is a private research university. It’s situated in St Louis, Missouri, and was founded in 1853 and named after George Washington. It currently has approximately 14,385 students from 90 countries, and awarded almost 4,500 degrees in 2016-17. The university runs three campuses and the Tyson Research Center, a 2,000-acre outdoor laboratory.

Why Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) is famous for several reasons that span its academic excellence, research contributions, and historical significance.

1. Academic Prestige:

  • Rankings: WashU is consistently ranked among the top universities in the U.S. and globally. It is known for its rigorous academic programs in fields such as law, medicine, business, and engineering. The Washington University School of Medicine is one of the top medical schools in the country and is widely known for its groundbreaking research.
  • Selective Admission: With a low acceptance rate, WashU attracts high-achieving students, maintaining a reputation as one of the most selective universities in the U.S.

2. Research Excellence:

  • WashU is a leading research institution and is heavily involved in groundbreaking work in medicine, genetics, and public health. Its medical school, in particular, is a hub for biomedical research, collaborating with institutions worldwide. The university is also known for major research centers like the McDonnell Genome Institute, which has played a role in genomics research, including the Human Genome Project.
  • The Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement promotes research on public policy, leadership, and social impact.

3. Alumni Influence:

  • WashU has produced numerous influential alumni, including Nobel Prize winners, politicians, entrepreneurs, and scientists. Among its notable alumni are former U.S. Secretary of Defense William Cohen and Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter and Square.

4. Innovation in Medicine:

  • The Washington University Medical Center is internationally recognized for its contributions to medical research and clinical care, particularly in the fields of oncology, genetics, and neurological diseases.

5. Campus and Facilities:

  • WashU's Danforth Campus is known for its architectural beauty, blending Collegiate Gothic and modern styles. The university has state-of-the-art facilities that support research, teaching, and student life.

6. Cultural and Civic Engagement:

  • The university has a strong tradition of civic involvement and cultural engagement. It hosts important academic and cultural events, often involving global leaders in policy, science, and the arts. The university’s Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum is one of the oldest teaching museums in the U.S.

These factors make Washington University in St. Louis a prominent and highly respected institution both in the U.S. and internationally.

For the 2023-2024 academic year, undergraduate tuition and fees are approximately $60,590 per year. Including room and board, books, supplies, and personal expenses, the total estimated cost of attendance is around $81,754 per year. Detailed information can be found on the WashU Financial Services page​ (Cost and Fee)​.

International students must demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test. Specific score requirements and additional details can be found on the WashU Admissions page​ (Language)​.

  • Undergraduate: Requires the Common Application or Coalition Application, high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, essays, and letters of recommendation.
  • Graduate: Typically includes a completed application, transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and GRE scores for some programs. More details can be found on the WashU Graduate Admissions page​ Apply

Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) offers a diverse range of highly regarded programs across multiple disciplines. Some notable specialties include:

  • Engineering: The McKelvey School of Engineering offers top programs in biomedical, computer, and mechanical engineering.
  • Business: The Olin Business School is renowned for its MBA and business administration programs.
  • Medicine: The School of Medicine is consistently ranked among the top medical schools in the country.
  • Law: The School of Law offers robust programs in various legal disciplines.
  • Social Work and Public Health: The Brown School is known for its leading programs in social work and public health​ (WU Course Listings)​​ (Washington University in St. Louis)​​ (Washington University in St. Louis)​.

WashU is a leading research institution with significant contributions in fields such as medicine, engineering, social sciences, and the humanities. The university houses numerous research centers and institutes, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation​ Research

WashU offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across its eight schools. Detailed information on specific programs can be found on the Study Program

WashU provides a range of scholarships for first-year, transfer, and international students. These include merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and specific scholarships for various academic and extracurricular achievements. More information is available on the WashU Financial Aid page​ (Scholarship)​.

The Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) at WashU offers comprehensive support, including visa and immigration advising, orientation programs, and cultural adjustment assistance. More details can be found on the OISS page​ (International Student Help)​.

WashU's Career Center offers extensive support for job placement and career development, including job fairs, resume workshops, and internship placements. The university's strong alumni network also provides valuable connections in various industries​ (Jobs)​.

Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) is renowned for its leading faculty across diverse disciplines. Some of its top professors include:

  1. Gary Weil – A professor of medicine and molecular microbiology, Weil is an expert in infectious diseases, particularly parasitic worm infections. His work has led to advancements in the global fight against onchocerciasis (river blindness) and lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), improving diagnosis and treatment methods that have benefitted millions globally​(WashU Med).

  2. Xuming He – A distinguished statistician, He is the inaugural Kotzubei-Beckmann Distinguished Professor of Statistics and Data Science. His groundbreaking research in robust statistics, Bayesian inference, and quantile regression has made significant impacts across various fields, positioning WashU as a leader in data science​.

  3. Elizabeth Pollina – An assistant professor of developmental biology, Pollina is recognized for her innovative research on aging and longevity, particularly in neurons. She was named a Rita Allen Foundation Scholar in 2024 for her contributions to understanding DNA repair mechanisms in the nervous system​(The Source).

  4. Will Ross – The associate dean for diversity and a professor of medicine, Ross has dedicated his career to addressing health disparities and promoting diversity in healthcare. He received the 2024 Louis W. Sullivan Award for his efforts to diversify the medical workforce and support students from underserved communities​(In St. Louis, For St. Louis).

These professors are representative of the high caliber of faculty at WashU, contributing to its reputation for excellence in research and education.

WashU has been associated with several Nobel laureates, highlighting its contributions to groundbreaking research and innovation. Notable laureates include researchers in medicine and chemistry​ (Nobel Prize)​.