Tuition at Washington University in St Louis

Stressed high school junior here - I am kind of freaking out over the tuition at Washington University in St. Louis. It's one of my top choices, but I need some real talk about its financial side. Anyone?

Sure, I understand why you're stressed about this. College tuition can be a big concern. Washington University in St. Louis is indeed a private school and as such, its tuition is on the higher side. Tuition for the 2024-2025 academic year is $32,250 per semester for full-time study, not including other costs like room and board, books, transportation, and personal expenses. Estimated total cost of attendance is around $83,476.

However, don't let these figures completely discourage you. Washington University offers need-based financial aid to its students. In fact, their average financial aid award is $65,000, and they are committed to meeting 100% of the need for admitted students. It's quite common for the sticker price (the listed tuition and fees) to be different from what a student actually pays after financial aid.

Also, WashU has a program called the "WashU Pledge" which covers the cost of tuition, fees, housing, and food for all four years for qualifying students from Missouri and southern Illinois who are entering college for the first time and from families that make below a certain income level.

Always remember to use their Net Price Calculator on their website. It provides you an estimate of what you'd actually pay after factoring in potential financial aid.

It's also a good idea to apply to a range of schools in terms of selectivity and costs, including in-state public schools and other private institutions. Diversification increases the chances of getting an affordable offer.

Please know that the cost of tuition should not deter you from applying to a school you're interested in. There are various financial aid opportunities available and it's all about finding what works best for you! Good luck!