Washington University's published cost of attendance reaches $83,476 annually, including $62,982 in tuition, $20,778 for room and board, and $1,264 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with an average net price of $22,117—a savings of $61,359 from the sticker price.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $88,488 |
| Tuition and Fees | $65,790 |
| Room and Board | $21,854 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,304 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$66,702 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $21,786 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $1,716 |
| $30–48k | $1,928 |
| $48–75k | $5,578 |
| $75–110k | $12,603 |
| $110k+ | $42,170 |
Washington University's published cost of attendance reaches $83,476 annually, including $62,982 in tuition, $20,778 for room and board, and $1,264 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with an average net price of $22,117—a savings of $61,359 from the sticker price. This net price falls $5,026 below the peer median of $27,143, indicating stronger affordability than similar institutions despite the high published cost.
The substantial gap between sticker price and average net price reflects Washington University's commitment to need-based financial aid, making the institution more accessible than the published cost suggests. Net prices vary dramatically by family income, ranging from $4,391 for families earning under $30,000 to $42,712 for families earning over $110,000. This progressive pricing structure demonstrates the institution's focus on making attendance possible for students from diverse economic backgrounds, with the most generous aid directed toward lower-income families.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Washington University graduates maintain manageable debt levels that compare favorably to peer institutions and support long-term financial stability. Median debt reaches $17,500, falling $6,681 below the peer median of $24,181 and ranking at the 81st percentile nationally for debt performance.
Student debt ranges from $10,000 at the 25th percentile to $27,000 at the 75th percentile, showing controlled borrowing across the student population. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.20 indicates that typical graduates owe roughly 20 cents for every dollar of annual income, well within sustainable repayment parameters.
Parent PLUS borrowing averages $22,229 with monthly payments of $293, representing additional family investment in education financing. The combination of below-peer debt levels, strong earnings outcomes, and favorable debt-to-earnings ratios creates positive conditions for post-graduation financial stability.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Washington University delivers exceptional return on educational investment through the combination of top-tier earnings and well-controlled costs. Graduates earn $2,820 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 66.7th percentile nationally for value creation.
Median earnings of $86,182 place the institution in the 96th percentile nationally, while debt levels fall $6,681 below peer medians, creating a highly favorable investment profile. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.20 indicates manageable repayment obligations that preserve graduates' financial flexibility in their early career years.
Earnings growth of 10.4% from six to ten years after enrollment demonstrates continued income progression that further improves the investment equation over time. Parent PLUS debt averaging $22,229 represents additional family investment but remains manageable given graduate earning potential.
Washington University demonstrates strong commitment to affordability through need-based financial aid, with 15.9% of students qualifying for Pell grants indicating meaningful enrollment of lower-income students. The $61,359 average savings from sticker price to net price represents a 74% discount, showing substantial institutional investment in student affordability.
Net prices by income reveal particularly generous support for families earning under $75,000, who pay between $1,863 and $4,391 annually. Even families in the highest income bracket pay $42,712, still representing a $40,764 discount from published costs.
This aid concentration toward lower-income families aligns with the institution's 15.9% Pell share, indicating successful targeting of resources toward students with the greatest financial need. The progressive aid structure enables enrollment of students from diverse economic backgrounds despite the institution's high published cost, supporting the university's role in providing educational access to academically qualified students regardless of family income.
