Washington University in St. Louis: A Comprehensive Overview
Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) is a private research university committed to leadership in teaching, research, patient care, and service to society. Founded in 1853, WashU has a rich history and a strong commitment to learning, exploration, discovery, and impact. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, the university spans 355 acres across its Danforth and Medical campuses.
Historical Foundation and Evolution
Washington University was established by 17 St. Louis civic leaders who recognized the need for enhanced higher education in the Midwest. Originally named Eliot Seminary, the institution was renamed Washington Institute in honor of George Washington, with the charter granted on his birthday, February 22. The university began as a night school in 1854, offering free tuition in the Benton Schoolhouse. By the end of its first year, it had 270 students, ranging in age from eight to forty-six.
In 1856, the university acquired a three-acre site on Seventeenth Street and Washington Avenue, where its first building was constructed. In 1879, the St. Louis Manual Training School was founded as a division of the university. The university was initially predominantly attended by commuter students. By 1964, more than two-thirds of incoming students came from outside the St. Louis area.
Expansion and Relocation
Driven by the rapid growth of St. Louis, Washington University purchased land for a new campus and, in 1897, formally announced plans to move the Undergraduate Department to a new site northwest of Forest Park. The cornerstone of Busch Hall, the first building on the new Hilltop Campus, was laid on October 20, 1900. Construction of Brookings Hall, Ridgley, and Cupples followed. These buildings were used to accommodate the 1904 World's Fair and the 1904 Summer Olympics and were occupied in 1905.
Integration and Social Change
In 1945, Washington University faced a lawsuit due to its segregationist policies, which denied admission to African American students. Although the first African American student did not begin undergraduate medical studies until 1951, the medical school had already appointed African Americans to its part-time clinical faculty. The School of Social Work began admitting African American students in December 1947, and the graduate school followed a few months later. In the late 1960s, Black students established the Association of Black Collegians (ABC) to support Black students and address issues related to campus policing.
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Modernization and Growth
To better distinguish itself in national media, the university's board of trustees added the phrase "in St. Louis" to its name in 1976. In 2005, Washington University established the "McDonnell International Scholars Academy," to build a global network to address challenges like disease and poverty, through academic collaboration. The Hilltop Campus was renamed the Danforth Campus in 2006 to honor former chancellor William H. Danforth.
Academic Excellence and Rankings
Washington University in St. Louis consistently ranks among the top universities in the United States. In the 2026 edition of Best Colleges, Washington University in St. Louis is ranked No. 20 in National Universities and No. 11 in Best Value Schools. The university has a student-faculty ratio of 7:1 and utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Washington University in St. Louis accepts the Common Application and has a test-optional admissions policy.
Notable Figures and Affiliations
As of 2024, 26 Nobel laureates, 11 Pulitzer Prize winners, 4 United States Poets Laureate, and 6 MacArthur Fellows have been affiliated with the university as faculty or alumni. Washington University joined the Association of American Universities in 1923.
Campus Life and Student Engagement
Washington University offers a vibrant campus life with more than 460 student groups, providing opportunities for students to get involved in various activities. The university supports community organizations through practica and clinics connected to degree programs, including law, social work, medicine, and physical therapy.
Residential Life
On March 5, 1958, the Board of Directors approved plans for four residence halls and a food service building on the South 40, named for its location south of the Hilltop Campus. The project was completed in four phases, which expanded residential capacity and attracted a greater number of applicants from across the nation.
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Student Support and Resources
The university provides various resources to support students' well-being. Kognito, WashU Cares, and the Case Management office are available for all students, faculty, and staff. WashU Cares Case Management works to provide connection meetings for students who return from a Medical Leave of Absence. All Residential College Directors and their RA staff receive training on mental health issues.
Academic Programs and Schools
Washington University comprises nine schools, offering more than 150 undergraduate, 80 master's and professional, and 50 doctoral degree programs. From the Olin Business School to the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, WashU fosters creativity and intellectual exploration across a multitude of disciplines.
Arts & Sciences
The Arts & Sciences school comprises the core disciplines of the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
Brown School
The Brown School is a leader among schools of social work and programs of public health. It is dedicated to equity and impact.
McKelvey School of Engineering
The McKelvey School of Engineering promotes independent inquiry in engineering research and education, emphasizing scientific excellence, innovation, and collaboration.
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Olin Business School
At Olin Business School, students learn to make thoughtful decisions that benefit business and society. Their global-mindedness prepares students to tackle challenges and change the world.
Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts
The Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts is a collaboration in architecture, art, and design education, linking professional studio programs with the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum.
School of Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS)
The School of Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS) is the professional and continuing education division at WashU.
WashU School of Law
The WashU School of Law introduces students to all facets of the law while also empowering them to personalize their curriculum and investigate their areas of interest.
WashU School of Medicine
WashU School of Medicine is a world leader in medical education, research, and patient care. Its graduate programs are considered among the nation’s best.
School of Public Health
After completing the 2022 strategic plan, Here and Next, WashU is establishing its first new school in 100 years. More than a school, the School of Public Health will be an interdisciplinary, collaborative, innovative, data-driven and people-focused home for research and education equipped to meet current and future challenges in public health in St.
Financial Information and Aid
Washington University's tuition and fees are $69,594. Forty-four percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $20,768. The university’s endowment of $12.0 billion is among the fifteen largest in the United States.
Financial Initiatives
In 2021, the university launched a $1 billion plan called Gateway to Success, which includes $800 million for need-blind admission and $200 million to help graduate and professional students pay for school. At his inauguration, Chancellor Martin announced the "WashU Pledge," a program that offers free tuition to full-time students from Missouri and southern Illinois whose families either earn $75,000 or less per year or qualify for Pell Grants.
Research and Innovation
Washington University is a hub of innovation, inspiring entrepreneurial efforts. The university is positioned to meet national and global imperatives in energy, environment security, health, and economic prosperity. The Institute for Public Health works as a connector, convener, and catalyst across all seven of our schools to tackle regional and global public health challenges.
Career Opportunities and Alumni Network
The WashU Career Center hosts an Internship & Job Career Fair twice a year and maintains an online recruiting platform called CAREERlink where students can search for jobs, co-ops, and internships. The university’s alumni network is strong and supportive, providing valuable connections for students.
Governance and Leadership
From its inception, Washington University has been governed by an independent board of trustees. The Board is responsible for the university’s fiduciary oversight, strategic governance, and major institutional decisions. As of 2024, the university is led by Chancellor Andrew D. Martin and Provost Beverly Wendland.
Economic Impact
Washington University has a significant economic impact on the St. Louis region. The total university economic impact is $8.8 billion. The university is the 2nd largest employer in St. Louis, with 22,530 employees in fiscal year 2024. Students from outside the St. Louis area contribute an estimated $212 million boost to the local economy. Additionally, 21.7% of the 166,456 alumni live and work in the St. Louis area.
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