Key takeaways
Understanding the financial landscape at Washington University in St. Louis is crucial for prospective students. With a commitment to generous financial aid and a comprehensive cost structure, WashU aims to support students in navigating their educational expenses effectively.
- Undergraduate tuition for the 2025-2026 academic year is projected to be $68,240, reflecting a $3,740 increase from the previous year (Source: WashU).
- WashU offers a no-loan financial aid policy for families earning under $125,000, ensuring that most financial aid packages do not include loans.
- The total estimated cost of attendance for a first-year undergraduate student living on campus is approximately $94,760, which includes tuition, fees, room and board, and personal expenses.
- Utilizing WashU's Net Price Calculator early in the application process can provide a personalized estimate of costs based on household income and financial profile.
Contents
Paying for college can be daunting, but Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) has earned a reputation for being generous with aid and deeply invested in student success. Whether you’re an undergrad or applying to a professional program, understanding the full cost can help you avoid surprises.
What Is the Tuition and Fees Structure at Washington University?
“According to a news release, undergraduate tuition for students who do not receive financial aid will be $68,240 during the 2025-2026 school year, which is $3,740 more than the current rate of $64,500”
Here’s how the full estimated cost of attendance looks for a first-year undergraduate student living on campus:
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (2025) |
| Tuition | $65,044 |
| Student Activity Fee | $608 |
| Student Health & Wellness Fee | $616 |
| Room and Board (on-campus) | $20,778 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Personal Expenses | $2,500 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $90,746 |
These numbers reflect the standard undergraduate budget, but there may be slight variations depending on your program, housing choice, or meal plan.
WashU does not charge additional tuition for different undergraduate schools (Arts & Sciences, McKelvey Engineering, etc.), so whether you’re studying biology or computer science, tuition stays the same.
Graduate and Professional Program Costs
Graduate and professional programs at Washington University in St. Louis each have their own tuition structure, which means the cost can vary significantly depending on the school and degree type. Most programs charge tuition per credit hour, while a few operate on a flat semester-based rate. These numbers reflect the 2025 academic year and are subject to change annually.
| School / Program | Tuition (2025) |
| Arts & Sciences (Graduate School) | $2,230 per credit hour |
| McKelvey School of Engineering (Master’s) | $2,230 per credit hour |
| Olin Business School (Full-Time MBA) | $69,500 per academic year (flat rate) |
| Olin Business School (MS in Finance, etc.) | $2,590 per credit hour |
| Brown School (Social Work / Public Health) | $23,340 per semester (flat rate) |
| School of Law (JD Program) | $70,000 per academic year |
| School of Medicine (MD Program) | $70,750 per academic year (not including fees) |
| Sam Fox School (Architecture & Design) | $2,230 per credit hour (some programs flat rate) |
Most full-time graduate students enroll in 9-12 credit hours per semester. That puts average semester costs (excluding fees, books, and living expenses) between $20,000 and $30,000 for many programs.
Additional mandatory fees may apply depending on your program. These typically include:
- Student health and wellness fee (~$616 per year)
- Student activity and graduate program fees (varies by school)
- University health insurance (~$2,500 annually, unless waived)
Additional Fees and Miscellaneous Expenses
Beyond tuition and housing, attending Washington University in St. Louis comes with a set of required and optional fees that can add thousands to the yearly cost. These expenses often fly under the radar for applicants—but they show up fast once enrollment begins.
Several fees are mandatory for all full-time students:
| Fee Name | 2025 Estimated Cost |
| Student Health and Wellness Fee | $640 annually |
| Student Activity Fee (Undergrad) | $620 annually |
| Orientation Fee (First-Year Only) | $450 one-time |
| University Health Insurance Plan | $2,700 annually (unless waived) |
| Lab or Studio Course Fees | Varies by department ($50-$300) |
| Technology Fee (selected programs) | $250-$500 per year |
There are also indirect expenses—not billed by the university, but very real. The financial aid office estimates:
| Expense Category | Average Annual Cost (2025) |
| Books and Supplies | $1,300 |
| Personal Expenses | $2,700 |
| Local Transportation | $850 |
| Travel (Domestic/Int’l) | Varies, estimate ~$600-$1,500 |
What Is the Total Cost of Attendance?
The total cost of attendance at Washington University in St. Louis for the 2025-2026 academic year goes well beyond tuition. Here’s the standard cost of attendance for a full-time undergraduate student living on campus:
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost |
| Tuition | $67,200 |
| Student Activity Fee | $620 |
| Student Health & Wellness Fee | $640 |
| Room and Board (on-campus) | $21,450 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,300 |
| Personal Expenses | $2,700 |
| Local Transportation | $850 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $94,760 |
This estimate does not include the cost of the university health insurance plan, which adds approximately $2,700 unless waived. Students with comparable private coverage can opt out, but international students and others without a U.S.-based plan are generally required to enroll.
The total cost may also increase slightly for students in programs with additional course, lab, or technology fees. For example, architecture and science majors often see extra charges between $100 and $500 per semester depending on materials or equipment use.
What Financial Aid Options Are Available for WashU Students?
Here’s a breakdown of the main types of aid available to undergraduates:
| Type of Aid | Description |
| Need-Based Grants | Awarded based on family income and assets; do not need to be repaid |
| Merit Scholarships | Based on academic excellence, leadership, or talent; awarded regardless of financial need |
| No-Loan Financial Aid Policy | Most packages for families earning under ~$125,000/year are loan-free |
| Federal and State Grants | Pell Grants, SEOG, and state-based aid available for eligible U.S. citizens |
| Work-Study and Campus Employment | Students may be eligible to work on campus as part of their financial aid package |
| Named Scholarships | Competitive awards like the Danforth or Rodriguez Scholars; require separate applications |
How to Apply for Financial Aid and Meet Deadlines?
Applying for financial aid at Washington University in St. Louis is a multi-step process, and meeting each deadline is essential if you want to receive your full package on time. WashU’s aid is generous, but it’s only available to students who complete the required forms on schedule. The university uses a combination of federal, institutional, and sometimes state information to calculate how much aid you qualify for—and it’s entirely separate from your admission application. To be considered for need-based financial aid, you’ll need to complete the following forms:
| Form / Requirement | Who Needs It? | Where to Submit? |
| Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) | U.S. citizens and permanent residents | studentaid.gov |
| CSS Profile | All first-year domestic and international applicants | cssprofile.collegeboard.org |
| WashU IDOC Documents (tax returns, etc.) | Only if requested | through the College Board’s IDOC system |
Federal and Private Student Loan Availability
Federal student loans are available to U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens who complete the FAFSA. Here’s how they break down for undergraduates:
| Loan Type | Annual Limit (Dependent Students) | Interest Rate (2025–2026 est.) | Notes |
| Direct Subsidized Loan | Up to $3,500 (1st year) | ~5.5% | No interest while enrolled |
| Direct Unsubsidized Loan | Up to $2,000-$5,500 | ~5.5% | Interest accrues immediately |
| Parent PLUS Loan | Up to full cost of attendance | ~8.0% | Requires parent credit approval |
How Does Campus Life Affect Total Costs?
“The silver plan costs $1.39/point. The gold plan costs $1.32/point. Each point is one dollar that can be used in the dining hall. You can also fill your card with bearbucks, which is money that can be used at dining halls and a handful of other places off campus”
Living on campus is mandatory for most first- and second-year students, and WashU offers a range of housing styles—from traditional dorms to suite-style options. While the base housing rate is included in the estimated $21,450 room and board cost for 2025-2026, upgraded dorms or apartment-style housing can raise that number. Meal plans are also tiered: students who choose premium or unlimited dining plans may pay $1,000-$1,500 more per year than those on standard plans.
Here’s a simplified view of how different lifestyle choices influence actual spending:
| Campus Living Factor | Estimated Cost Range (2025-2026) | Notes |
| Housing (standard vs premium) | $11,000-$14,000 annually | Based on dorm type or on-campus apartment |
| Meal Plan (basic to unlimited) | $6,800-$8,300 annually | Required for most residents |
| Student Events & Clubs | $300-$700 per year | Travel, dues, and tickets for events like WILD or ThurtenE |
| Laundry, Toiletries, Snacks | $500-$900 annually | Not included in aid estimates |
| Local Transportation | $850-$1,200 annually | Metro pass included, but Uber, flights, gas cost extra |
| Travel Home (holidays, breaks) | $600-$2,000+ annually | Varies widely by distance and ticket availability |
What Should You Know About WashU Admission and Financial Planning?
First, understand the admissions timeline. WashU offers Early Decision I, Early Decision II, and Regular Decision. While the acceptance rate is typically higher for early applicants, applying early also means committing before you can compare financial aid offers—so if cost is a major concern, Regular Decision gives you more flexibility.
Here’s how the application and aid timelines line up for 2025-2026:
| Admission Round | Admission Deadline | CSS Profile & FAFSA Due | Binding? |
| Early Decision I | November 3 | November 18 | Yes |
| Early Decision II | January 2 | January 13 | Yes |
| Regular Decision | January 2 | February 2 | No |
WashU meets 100% of demonstrated financial need and offers a no-loan policy for most families earning under $125,000. But you must submit all documents—including tax returns via IDOC—on time. Missing a deadline could mean a delayed or reduced aid package.
Families should also factor in the real cost of attendance, which includes more than just tuition. Total estimated costs for 2025-2026 are over $94,000, including housing, fees, books, and personal expenses.
Source: WashU Student Financial Services
The best way to prepare is to use the Net Price Calculator early in your application process. It gives a customized estimate based on your household income and financial profile.
Finally, WashU offers additional financial planning support once you’re admitted. This includes one-on-one aid consultations, payment plans, and budgeting resources for enrolled students. International applicants are eligible for limited aid and should complete the International Student Application for Financial Assistance rather than the FAFSA.
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Top Tips from Our Expert
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Ana Lucía Torres, Senior Learning Advisor
Sources: Washington University, Reddit
