Washington University in St. Louis Acceptance Rate

Washington University in St. Louis, a prestigious private research university, is known for its highly selective undergraduate admissions process. For the Class of 2028, the university reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 11.5%, reflecting its continued competitiveness. This selectivity is driven by a growing applicant pool, with over 32,000 students applying for a limited number of spots, as well as the university's rising national and international reputation. WashU is transparent with its admission statistics, often publishing detailed data through its official admissions website and the Common Data Set, providing prospective students with clear insights into their chances of admission.

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 11.5% for the Class of 2028, with around 32,000 applicants and approximately 3,680 admitted students, consistent with recent years of increasing selectivity.
• Early Decision Rate: Estimated at 27.0%, significantly higher than the regular decision rate, as WashU prioritizes students who commit early, with about 60% of the incoming class filled through Early Decision.
• International Student Rate: Approximately 8.0%, reflecting a highly competitive process for international applicants, who make up a growing portion of the applicant pool but face additional admission challenges.

Over the past decade, Washington University in St. Louis has seen a steady decline in acceptance rates, indicative of increasing competitiveness. The emphasis on Early Decision admissions has contributed to this trend, as the university fills a substantial portion of its class with committed applicants. Additionally, the rise in international applications has intensified competition, particularly for students from overseas. Compared to peer institutions like Northwestern University or the University of Chicago, WashU's selectivity aligns closely, positioning it among the top-tier universities in the Midwest. For the most accurate and up-to-date data, prospective students are encouraged to visit the official WashU admissions website at admissions.wustl.edu or review the university's Common Data Set reports.