History
In 1853, prominent St. Louis merchant Wayman Crow and his pastor, William Greenleaf Eliot Jr., concerned about the lack of institutions of higher learning in the growing midwest, led the founding of Washington University in St. Louis.
Education
As a research university dedicated to challenging faculty and students to create new knowledge for an ever-changing world, Washington University in St. Louis offers the highest quality academic programs.
Research
Student research projects are supported by faculty mentors and other university resources. Faculty successfully win backing for their research from many sources, including the federal government, state governments, corporations, foundations, nonprofit agencies, individuals and the university itself.
Career
The Career Center at Washington University helps students translate their studies and interests into careers of passion and purpose, while connecting employers with talented students who are the leaders of tomorrow.
Washington University in St. Louis Key Statistics & Highlights
- #32 Ranking
- 1 Courses
- 1,803 Academic Staff
- 14,243 Students
- 3,133 Students (int'l)
- Private Institution Type
Student services
Washington Universitys pursuit of new knowledge begins even before students enter college and continues at every level through post-doctoral training.Virtually all faculty members engage in important research activities, including scholarly and creative endeavors that complement their strong commitment to teaching.These activities contribute to a mentoring environment in which undergraduates and graduate students may work alongside their professors on new discoveries and new understandings.
Housing services
The Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing Opportunity Council provides a list of tenant rights, which you should be familiar with if you will be renting an apartment.If you decide to rent an apartment or other housing off campus, it is strongly recommended that you purchase renter’s insurance. Renter’s insurance covers your personal property in case of fire, damage or theft. You can find an insurance agent by searching online.
Library services
The Washington University Libraries are a powerful network of academic resources featuring 12 libraries (10 on the Danforth Campus, one at West Campus, one at the Medical School); vast print and electronic collections; and expert librarians whose first priority is helping students and faculty find the information they need.
ICT services
Washington university information technology (WASHU IT) provides the university community with technology that supports and advances the university’s academic, research and clinical missions.
Campus life
The Danforth Campus sits at the convergence of the city of St. Louis, Clayton and University City, and the Medical Center is in the bustling Central West End neighborhood.
Sports facilities
WashU Rec is responsible for recreational facilities and programming on the Danforth Campus and is dedicated to providing students, faculty and staff a first-rate health, wellness and recreation experience.
Student clubs
- Alpha Phi Omega (APO)
- American Red Cross Club.
- Beat Therapy.
- Black Graduate Council.
- Black Law Students Association (BLSA)
- Books and Basketball.
- Campus Kitchen.
- Campus Y.
Accreditation
Washington University in St. Louis has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a Commission of the North Central Association (NCA) since 1913.Accreditation ensures Washington Universitys compliance with all rules and requirements issued by the HLC/NCA concerning changes of and additions to WUSTLs academic programs.
Washington University in St. Louis Overview
Washington University in St. Louis Rankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Top 1.4% United States
Top 0.7% Worldwide
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
Best Global Universities Rankings
32
By U.S. News & World Report
Dropped 1 places compared to 2026
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 31 | 32 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
QS World University Rankings
162
By TopUniversities
Climbed 5 places compared to 2026
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend QS World University Rankings
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 176 | 167 | 162 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
World University Rankings
No 2027 Ranking
By Times Higher Education
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2027 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend World University Rankings
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 69 | 67 | - |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Academic Ranking of World Universities
No 2026 Ranking
By Shanghai Jiao Tong University
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2026 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend Academic Ranking of World Universities
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 23 | 26 | - |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Washington University in St. Louis Campus Locations
#1 Main Campus
United States Country
Saint Louis City
Washington University in St. Louis Student Reviews & Awards
4.4
Based on 8 reviews
- 5 Star 4 Reviews
- 4 Star 3 Reviews
- 3 Star 1 Review
- 2 Star 0 Reviews
- 1 Star 0 Reviews
Registration Process
I am a prospective Fall 2023 student and so far I have been impressed with how smooth the whole registration and onboarding service has been. I would highly recommend this school to international graduate students.
Prospective PhD Statistics candidate
I have applied and awaiting for admission decision
Excellent
My experience in the English program at WashU was excellent. The campus was great, though it took some getting used to. I found the program challenged me to think critically and write clearly, which was invaluable. Best decision I ever made!
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