Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL or WashU) is a private research university located in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, boasting a high academic reputation and history. Founded in 1853, the university started with a vision to address the lack of higher education in the Midwest.

It is consistently ranked among the top 20 universities in the U.S.

It is commonly referred to as WashU or WUSTL, which can sometimes cause confusion due to its name.

It has no relation to Washington State or Washington D.C. Interestingly, when the school changed its name in 1856, Washington State had not even been established yet!

To avoid confusion, they added "in St. Louis" in 1976.

The school's origins date back to 1853, when a merchant named Wayman Crow and his pastor, William Greenleaf Eliot, joined forces to establish it, feeling that there was a lack of higher education in the St. Louis area.

Initially, it started under the name Eliot Seminary, but they changed it because they thought George Washington's name sounded more prestigious.

The campus is really beautiful! The main campus, Danforth Campus, is located in Clayton, and the Gothic-style buildings are very charming.

The medical school campus is near Forest Park, giving it a close-to-nature feel.

The student population is quite large, with over 7,000 undergraduates and a similar number of graduate students.

There is a vibrant atmosphere on campus, with students and professors actively engaged in research and learning.

Academically Excellent Education

WashU is one of the top academic institutions in the U.S.

  • Small class sizes: The student-to-faculty ratio is 7:1, allowing for many opportunities to interact with professors.
  • Diverse majors: It offers excellent programs in humanities, sciences, engineering, business, and arts. In particular, the medical school, law school, and Olin Business School are recognized globally.
  • Interdisciplinary studies: Students can study across various majors, allowing them to explore different fields.

Cutting-edge Research Opportunities

WashU is a research-focused university that provides students with various research opportunities.

  • Medical and scientific research: The medical school is particularly strong, leading in healthcare and life sciences research.
  • Undergraduate research support: The environment is conducive for undergraduates to easily participate in research, gaining practical experience.
  • Research funding: There is ample research funding provided by the university.

Beautiful Campus

The WashU campus is truly beautiful!

  • Danforth Campus: With many Gothic Revival style buildings, it has a cinematic atmosphere.
  • Green spaces and gardens: The campus is filled with greenery, allowing for both study and relaxation.

Warm and Collaborative Community

WashU is a school where the keywords "collaboration" and "community" fit well.

  • Collaboration among students: There is a strong atmosphere of helping each other and growing together rather than competition.
  • Diverse backgrounds: An environment is created where students from around the world can mingle and learn together.
  • Active support services: Counseling, mentoring, and career support for students are systematically provided.

Convenient Location

Located in the city of St. Louis, life is convenient, and transportation is good.

  • Central West End: Close to the city, it is great for enjoying cultural activities and shopping.
  • Cost of living: Compared to universities in major cities, the cost of living is relatively affordable, allowing for a pleasant college experience.

Strong Alumni Network

Graduating from WashU means becoming part of a strong alumni network.

  • Alumni connections: There are many opportunities to network with alumni active around the world.
  • Career support: Thanks to WashU's reputation and alumni network, it is relatively easy to find good career opportunities.

Diversity and Inclusion

WashU is a university that values diversity and inclusion.

  • Support for international students: Various programs are offered to help international students adapt.
  • Diverse clubs and activities: With over 450 student organizations, it is easy to find personal interests.

The school's colors are red and green, which some say are similar to Stanford's. And while the name is a bit long, it's convenient and cute to shorten it to WashU.

Note that some people confuse it with Saint Louis University (SLU), which operates a global campus, so it should be referred to as 'Washington University in St. Louis'.