What SAT score do you need for WashU? (Middle 50%: 1500–1550)
First-year students at WashU who sent an SAT scored 1500–1550, with a median of 1530 (Common Data Set 2025–26). WashU admits 12% of applicants and is test optional.
Where your score lands at WashU
First-year students who sent an SAT: 1500–1550, median 1530
Middle 50% of admitted students Median Fewer than half sent a score, so the range runs high
Enter your SAT or ACT to see which tier WashU is for you and whether to send your score.
WashU by the numbers
- Admit rate
- 12%
- Middle 50% SAT
- 1500–1550
- Median SAT
- 1530
- About on the ACT
- 34–35
- Sent an SAT
- 32%
Test optional · checked Nov 9, 2026 · WashU admissions · SAT range from the Common Data Set, 2025–26; admit rate from it or IPEDS
WashU admit rate over 10 years
Applications rose 12%, from 29,259 in 2015 to 32,754 in 2024, and WashU's admit rate went from 17% to 12%.
- 17%
- 12%
Show the numbers
| Fall | Applied | Admitted | Admit rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 32,754 | 3,951 | 12% |
| 2023 | 32,240 | 3,855 | 12% |
| 2022 | 32,014 | 3,764 | 12% |
| 2021 | 33,634 | 4,373 | 13% |
| 2020 | 27,949 | 4,477 | 16% |
| 2019 | 25,426 | 3,522 | 14% |
| 2018 | 31,320 | 4,708 | 15% |
| 2017 | 30,463 | 4,863 | 16% |
| 2016 | 29,197 | 4,827 | 17% |
| 2015 | 29,259 | 4,898 | 17% |
In fall 2024, 1,847 of the 3,951 admitted students enrolled. Applicants and admits from IPEDS, the federal college survey, by fall of entry.
What each SAT score means at WashU
Which tier your score puts them in, and whether it's worth sending.
- Under 1450Far reachHold
- 1450–1520ReachHold
- 1530 and upReachSend
Tiers here use only your SAT and their admit rate. Essays, activities and recommendations still decide most admissions at selective colleges.
WashU SAT sections, ACT and class rank
Scores of enrolled first-year students who sent one, by percentile.
| Test | 25th | Median | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 760 | 780 | 790 |
| SAT Reading and Writing | 730 | 750 | 760 |
| SAT total | 1500 | 1530 | 1550 |
| ACT composite | 33 | 34 | 35 |
Of enrolled first-year students, 32% sent an SAT and 29% sent an ACT. Common Data Set 2025–26.
- Top 10% of their class
- 86%
- of new students who reported a rank
WashU cost and outcomes
What students pay after grants, how many finish, and what they earn.
- Average net price
- $21,786
- per year, after grants
- Graduate in 6 years
- 94%
- Median earnings
- $86,182
- 10 years after starting
- Undergraduates
- 8,979
College Scorecard, 2022–23, from the US Department of Education. Net price averages federal-aid students across family incomes.
Colleges like WashU
Similar SAT ranges and admit rates.
- CornellIthaca, NY · 8.8% admitted1490–1550, median 1530
- Harvey MuddClaremont, CA · 13% admitted1500–1560, median 1510
- NYUNew York, NY · 9.2% admitted1480–1550, median 1520
- AmherstAmherst, MA · 9.0% admitted1500–1560, median 1540
- EmoryAtlanta, GA · 11% admitted1480–1540, median 1510
- WilliamsWilliamstown, MA · 8.3% admitted1490–1550, median 1520
More colleges in Missouri
Sources
- WashU Common Data Set 2025–26
SAT and ACT ranges, early decision, waitlist, GPA and class rank, as the college reported them.
- College Navigator (IPEDS)
Applications, admissions and enrollment by year, from the federal college survey.
- College Scorecard
Net price, graduation rate and earnings, from the US Department of Education.
- WashU admissions
Test policy for 2026–27, checked Nov 9, 2026.
- WashU website
Washington University in St Louis
Updated Nov 9, 2026. Spot a number that's off? Email support@tryashore.com and we'll check it against the source.
Questions
Still have a question? support@tryashore.com
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