Washington University School of Law

Washington University School of Law provides a top-flight legal education amid a beautiful campus that brings the magic of Oxbridge to the Midwest. Warm students, a city that combines urban opportunities with a low cost of living, and an administration committed to raising the school's profile make WashULaw an attractive choice for many a prospective law student.

History

Washington University School of Law’s proud 150-year history dates to 1867, when a group of St. Louis visionaries officially founded the school. Since that auspicious year, this progressive school has flourished—becoming rich in tradition, innovation, and achievement.

Pursuing excellence in legal education since 1867 WashULaw’s technological advancements, international relations, and diversified coursework have grown over 150 years. Still, its mission remains the same: to equip students with knowledge and skills to ethically and effectively practice law and pursue justice in a dynamic and globally interconnected legal environment.

Admissions

Washington University in St. Louis is recognized for its highly selective admissions process. For the Class of 2025, the university saw a significant increase in interest, receiving 33,634 applications—a 20% rise compared to the previous cycle. Out of those, only 4,374 students were offered admission, resulting in a competitive acceptance rate of approximately 13%. The school aims to enroll around 1,800 students per incoming class. In more recent years, the trend toward greater selectivity has continued. For example, in the Class of 2028, WashU admitted 3,951 out of 32,754 applicants, bringing the acceptance rate down to 12%. The Early Decision process is notably advantageous, with an admit rate of about 25%, compared to just 8% for Regular Decision applicants. While official numbers for the Class of 2029 (Fall 2025 entrants) have yet to be released, it is expected that admissions will remain highly competitive, with an acceptance rate in the 12%–13% range.

Statistics

The academic and demographic profile of WashU’s student body reflects its selective standards and commitment to diversity. Among the Class of 2028, the middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1500 and 1570 on the SAT, and between 33 and 35 on the ACT—demonstrating exceptional academic preparation. Socioeconomic diversity is also a focus for the university, with 25% of students qualifying for Pell Grants and 18% identifying as first-generation college students. In terms of racial and ethnic composition, the Class of 2028 includes 26% Asian, 8% Black or African American, 12% Hispanic, 37% White, and 11% international students. Students represent all 50 U.S. states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, and over 30 countries worldwide. These statistics underscore WashU’s effort to cultivate a dynamic, inclusive, and academically elite student community.

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2023-2024	2024-2025
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	162 - 173 - 174	163 - 173 - 176
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	3.49 - 3.95 - 4	3.45 - 3.96 - 4
Acceptance rate	18%	19.9%
Applications received	5554	823
Acceptances	953	399
Matriculants	285	126

Admissions Process

Washington University School of Law takes a holistic approach to [1] decisions, considering many qualities candidates offer as community members, in addition to the traditional credentials, such as LSAT and GPA. In conjunction with the Center for Empirical Research in the Law, analysis of historical information allows WashULaw to take a data-driven approach to support admission decisions based on factors not traditionally considered or given much weight by the legal education system. Due to this innovative approach, some applicants may be asked to provide additional information or documentation to support their admission based on an expanded set of criteria we will consider in the admission process. The interview process is a critical part of the holistic approach to the admissions process.

Candidates can apply through the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) or may begin with WashULaw's web-based application. There is a nonrefundable $70 fee for applications submitted through LSAC.org, but the school is generous with fee waivers, so be sure to contact Admissions first.

Personal Statements and Addenda

WUSTL Janite Lee Reading Room

WashULaw requires a personal statement of two to three pages. This open-ended essay allows applicants to let the WashULaw Admissions Committee get to know them as individuals. According to the school's website, "Successful applicants have written about significant experiences and sources of personal motivation."

Additionally, applicants may submit other essays for consideration. Examples of additional essays include diversity statements outlining a history of poor standardized testing results and explanations of periods of poor academic performance due to external factors.

Applicants must answer several Character and Fitness questions regarding criminal charges and academic disciplinary action; any such records must be explained in the addenda to the application. For personal statements and application essays, check out the TLS Guide to Personal Statements.

Resume

Applicants are required to submit a current resume showing all academic, professional, and volunteer experience.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are not required for admission, but they are strongly encouraged. These letters typically come from professors, although employers often provide strong recommendations, especially for applicants returning to law school after a gap in their education. For additional advice on obtaining letters of recommendation, click here.

Interviews

All candidates for admission are required to complete an interview with the admissions staff. Interviews are conducted only by invitation from the Admissions Committee, which bases the invitation to interview on the strength of the application.

Binding Early Decision Program

WashULaw's Binding Early Decision program is designed for candidates who have researched law schools carefully and are certain that Washington University School of Law is their first choice of school. All applicants admitted through the Binding Early Decision Program will be awarded a full tuition scholarship for 3 years. If admitted, applicants must withdraw all applications at other law schools and may not initiate any new applications after being notified of admission. You must apply by December 1st, and you will receive a decision within 2 weeks of receipt of your application materials. For example, you may take the December LSAT and receive a decision within 2 weeks of receipt of your LSAT score. Early Decision applicants are either admitted with full scholarship or transferred to Regular Decision for further review. To read a TLS article about deciding between ED and RD (or Regular Decision), click here.

Tuition and Expenses

For the 2025–2026 academic year, the estimated total cost of attendance at Washington University in St. Louis is approximately $87,000 to $90,000, depending on a student's housing and personal choices. Tuition alone is set at about $65,000 per year. In addition to tuition, students can expect to pay approximately $1,200 for mandatory fees and around $1,600 for books and supplies. Housing and meal plans add a significant cost as well—on-campus room and board typically amounts to about $18,000 annually, although this can vary based on the selected meal plan and residence hall. Personal expenses, including transportation, laundry, and miscellaneous needs, are estimated to add another $2,000 to $3,000 to the total yearly budget.

Washington University offers need-based financial aid and is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students. Many students receive aid packages that significantly reduce the out-of-pocket cost. Additionally, merit-based scholarships are available for a small portion of admitted students and can cover partial to full tuition depending on the award. Prospective students are encouraged to apply for financial aid through the FAFSA and CSS Profile to determine eligibility. Overall, while the sticker price of attending WashU is high, the university aims to make attendance financially accessible through comprehensive aid and scholarship opportunities.

Cost of Attendance

For the 2025–2026 academic year, Washington University in St. Louis estimates the total on-campus cost of attendance for undergraduate students at approximately $92,932, which includes tuition, fees, housing, and meals. Tuition alone is $68,240, reflecting a notable increase from the previous year. Mandatory fees, which include the student activity fee and the health and wellness fee, total $1,354, bringing the subtotal for university charges to around $69,594.

Room and board, based on a standard double room and the most comprehensive meal plan, average an additional $23,338. These costs may vary slightly depending on specific housing and dining choices. In addition to these direct costs, students should budget approximately $1,357 for books and supplies, $1,011 for travel, and $2,695 for personal expenses. These bring the total estimated annual cost of attendance to just under $93,000 before applying any financial aid or scholarships.

Item	Estimated Cost
Tuition	$68,240
Student Activity Fee	$682
Health & Wellness Fee	$672
Total Fees	$1,354
Room & Board (Standard Plan)	$23,338
Books & Supplies	$1,357
Travel	$1,011
Personal Expenses	$2,695
Estimated Total Cost of Attendance	$92,932

Financial Aid

For the 2025–2026 academic year, Washington University in St. Louis continues its strong commitment to accessibility and affordability through generous financial aid policies. The university offers need-blind admissions for domestic students and guarantees to meet 100% of demonstrated financial aid for all admitted students. In the most recent aid cycle, a significant number of first-year students who applied for need-based assistance had their full demonstrated need met through a combination of grants and scholarships. Approximately 44% of all undergraduates receive financial aid in the form of grants or scholarships, with first-year students seeing slightly higher participation at 54%. On average, first-year aid recipients receive a financial package totaling around $61,000.

A major highlight of WashU’s aid model is its no-loan policy, which replaces student loans with university scholarships and grants—ensuring that graduates can avoid federal debt. This initiative builds on previous efforts like the WashU Pledge and is part of a $1 billion commitment to expanding financial support. Although the total cost of attendance is estimated at nearly $93,000 per year, the average net price—what students actually pay after aid—is closer to $22,000 annually. These measures make a Washington University education significantly more affordable for students from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds.

Scholarship

All students admitted into Washington University School of Law are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships, and most students receive some merit scholarship. A merit scholarship is granted based on a student's past academic record and performance on the LSAT, in addition to other factors.

To encourage diversity among the student body, additional scholarships are available for African-American and Native-American students and a handful of candidates with a demonstrated commitment to public service. Applicants are automatically considered for all scholarships, except those who want consideration for the public interest Webster Society Scholarship must submit an additional essay.[viii]

Public Interest Support

The Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) at Washington University School of Law is designed to help graduates with significant student loan debt manage their monthly payments. The program offers interest-free loans and grants to eligible graduates, which can be used to repay student loans or cover living expenses. LRAP is available to both full-time and part-time graduates who are employed in public interest jobs. To be eligible for LRAP, graduates must have a law degree from Washington University School of Law and be employed in a public interest job that pays less than $50,000 per year.

The Office of Student Financial Services administers LRAP. Don't hesitate to contact the Office of Student Financial Services at (314) 935-5900 or lrapinfo@wustl.edu.

Transfer Admissions

Washington University in St. Louis welcomes transfer students but maintains a highly selective admissions process designed for applicants with strong academic records and well-defined educational goals. For the 2024–2025 cycle, the transfer acceptance rate was approximately 12.2%, with about 215 students admitted out of 1,761 applicants. This represents a decline from earlier years, reflecting increased competitiveness.

Transfer applicants are evaluated holistically, with particular emphasis on cumulative college GPA, which typically ranges between 3.5 and 3.85 among those admitted. The rigor of completed coursework is also a key factor. While there are no universal prerequisites, students applying to specific programs—such as engineering or pre-medical tracks—are expected to have completed relevant coursework in subjects like calculus, chemistry, physics, or English composition.

Washington University only accepts transfer applications for the fall semester, with a submission deadline of March 1. Decision notifications are usually sent around May 1. Application materials include official transcripts from all previous institutions, a personal statement, faculty recommendations, and confirmation of good academic standing.

In recent years, WashU reported a three-year average transfer admit rate of approximately 69% for community college students and about 24% for applicants from other four-year institutions. The middle 50% GPA range for admitted transfer students spans from 3.24 to 3.85. Overall, while WashU does provide opportunities for transfer students, the process remains competitive, and successful applicants typically present strong academic credentials, clear motivations for transferring, and a strong alignment with the university’s academic offerings.

To read a fantastic article about transferring, click here.

Law School Culture

WUSTL

At least among TLS members, Wash U students have few complaints about their fellow students or the school's overall feel. One writes:

It's a pretty laid-back, non-competitive atmosphere, and everyone talks to everyone. I was surprised at how nice everyone was...The horror stories about how douchey law students are were vastly exaggerated...at least at WUSTL.[ix]

Another notes that friendships develop quickly and that the school encourages a friendly ethos through social events:

The atmosphere is very collegial. I was stunned when I got here and met all my classmates because everyone was friendly and open. I didn't expect it, but everyone has a unique story, and each person is interesting. Everyone has been down to earth as well. The school offers a "happy hour" every Friday, sponsored by different student groups, where everyone gathers in the common area and socializes from 4:30-6:30. Also, there is a bar review every Thursday night at a different bar each week that is very well attended.[x]

Diversity

Washington University considers diversity for admissions and scholarship offers. The Washington University Law community is home to some student groups, initiatives organizations, and resources focused on creating communities of diversity and acceptance. According to one TLS poster, this diversity extends beyond racial and ethnic lines:

WUSTL has people from every walk of life. I don't think any culture or type is more predominant than another. Anyone can fit in. Some people wear really expensive clothes to class; others wear hoodies and jeans. Honestly, I probably wouldn't look twice if someone tried to wear pajama pants to class.[xii]

Academics

Washington University School of Law provides a comprehensive education in legal theory and practical skills. In addition to the traditional JD program, the school offers joint degree programs with other graduate schools and advanced post-JD programs. This variety of courses ensures students are trained to excel in legal reasoning and practice techniques.

Curriculum

The first year of Washington University Law is highly structured: 1Ls take three substantive classes each semester that give a broad survey of American common law: Contracts, Property, and Torts in the fall, followed by Civil Procedure, Criminal Law, and Constitutional Law in the spring. First-years are also required to take Legal Research and Writing classes; WUSTL splits these into two courses (Legal Practice and Legal Research Methodologies), both of which span the entire 1L year. A TLS member describes the organization of first-year sections, which become the first and closest social circles for many law students:

During your 1L year, you'll be split into 6 sections of approximately 45 students each (A, B, C, D, E, F). You are then paired with another section to form a "super-section" of about 90-100 students. Your "super-section" has the same 3 core professors, but you don't always have a class with them.[xiii]

After taking 30 structured credits as first-years, students choose their classes for 2L and 3L years. Upper-level students fulfill 56 credit hours by tailoring their studies to fit their interests. Students may take various courses to meet the upper-class writing, ethics, and applied lawyering / professional skills course requirements. Faculty members and administrators guide course selection. In total, 86 credit hours are required to complete the JD.

Grading System

The University School of Law is among the most prestigious law schools in the country. Located in Washington, D.C., the school offers a world-class education to its students. The school provides an excellent learning environment for its students with a faculty that includes some of the nation's top legal scholars.

The school's grading system is based on a 4.0 scale. A student's grade point average (GPA) is calculated by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of credit hours attempted. The school's GPA requirements are as follows:

1.0-1.9 = D 2.0-2.9 = C 3.0-3.9 = B 4.0 = A

The school offers various courses, including constitutional law, criminal law, and civil procedure. In addition to its academic offerings, the school also provides opportunities for students to participate in extracurricular activities, such as moot court and student government. The school's clinics and externships provide students with real-world experience in the legal field.

The American Bar Association accredits the University School of Law. The school is also a member of the Association of American Law Schools.

Professors

Washington University Law's greatest strength is its faculty. They are nationally and internationally recognized experts in fields ranging from international law and constitutional law to corporate and other private law fields. They come from a broad array of practice and disciplinary backgrounds and utilize diverse methodologies, such as empirical studies, law and economics, and critical race theory. Many law faculty have graduate degrees in other fields and have joint appointments with other schools and departments at Washington University, including political science, business, economics, history, architecture, philosophy, and environmental engineering. Complementing their extensive research and scholarship, law professors head the law school's three centers and one institute, devoted to empirical research, innovation and economic growth, work and social capital, and international law.

According to Leiter, frequently cited law professors at Wash U include Pauline Kim (Labor and Employment) and Francis Foster (Wills, Trusts, and Estates), and Brian Tamanaha (Jurisprudence). Tamanaha is also popular among students, having "developed a huge group of fans" despite being new to the university. TLS posters describe the average professor as approachable and friendly, and say that few professors still employ an entirely Socratic teaching demeanor.

WUSTL

Clinics and Externships

WashULaw students are guaranteed placement in the school's top-ranked clinical program. Students can work directly with practicing lawyers, judges, and legislators in 18 clinical and externship programs worldwide, from St. Louis to Washington, D.C. and New York City to Africa and South America. The clinics are in various specialty areas, including a Prosecution Law Clinic and a Low Income Tax Clinic.

Other clinics include the Appellate Clinic, which allows students to argue cases before the Eighth Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals, and the Civil Justice Clinic, which deals largely with family issues in the St. Louis area. External placements include the Congressional and Administrative Clinic, which sends dozens of 2Ls and 3Ls each year to the nation's capital to work for a member of Congress, government agency, or non-governmental advocacy or research organization. One way to individualize the clinical experience is through the Semester-in-Practice externship, where students can explore their niche. The school helps students find a full-time placement in a nonprofit, government, or in-house corporate law office in their preferred area of practice and in the geographic location of their choice.

Interdisciplinary Focus and Joint Degrees

WashULaw's location on the main campus of one of the nation's top universities gives students easy access to a wealth of resources. The university offers several joint degree programs, including a JD/MBA in concert with Olin Business School and a JD/MSW with the premier Brown School of Social Work. Law students may count up to 9 credit hours toward the JD outside the formal joint degree programs.

In addition to its joint degree programs, WashULaw offers an Interdisciplinary Environmental Law Clinic in which environmentally-conscious law students collaborate with science graduate students to help solve community issues. The law school also brings in noted academics from various fields through its Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Work and Social Capital. There are many other opportunities for interdisciplinary engagement outside the School of Law. For example, three law students co-teach an undergraduate course on Women & the Law each semester.

Study Abroad

Washington University Law offers myriad study abroad opportunities, including exchange programs with 12 law schools in 10 countries scattered among three continents. A Summer Institute for Global Justice, operated in conjunction with Utrecht University and Case Western Reserve University, takes students to the Netherlands for a six-week, six-credit program on international and comparative law. WUSTL students may also participate in the study abroad programs of other ABA-approved law schools.

Law students who want truly international careers may be drawn to the Transnational Law Program, which allows students to earn a J.D. as well as an LL.M. from Utrecht University, Queen's University Belfast (Northern Ireland), the University of Trento (Italy), or the Catholic University in Portugal. WashULaw students spend four years total completing both degrees: five semesters in St. Louis and three in Europe.

WashULaw also enables students to take advantage of ad hoc study abroad opportunities at schools with whom the law school does not have an exchange agreement. Many foreign law schools have a "visiting foreign student" status, whereby students may attend classes at a lower tuition rate. Law school students have taken advantage of these programs to spend a semester at schools in the United Kingdom, Korea, Japan and China.

Graduate Programs

WashULaw offers a wide variety of graduate law degrees for both American and foreign-trained lawyers. LL.M. degrees in Taxation and Intellectual Property & Technology Law give lawyers specialized training in technical disciplines; the former can be combined with a J.D. in six or seven semesters. An LL.M. in US Law is aimed at lawyers who received law degrees from foreign institutions and want to learn about the American legal system for educational or professional reasons. While earning an American LL.M. does not allow foreign lawyers to sit for the bar in most states, it does qualify them for the bar exams in New York and California, two of the most popular destinations for foreign-trained attorneys. Applicants to this program do not need to take the LSAT, but they must prove English proficiency.

Two additional graduate programs cater to very different situations. The Master of Legal Studies is a non-professional degree for people like patent agents who want some exposure to legal training. The J.S.D. is an advanced, independent, research-driven degree intended for those with original research ideas and serious interest in legal academia.

Student Activities

While law school academics take up plenty of time, WashULaw students stay busy outside of the classroom and library with almost four dozen student organizations, as well as many competition options. Some of these activities are professional in focus, like the Criminal Law Society or the Public Interest Law Society; others are just for fun, like the Fitness Club or the Sidebar Wine Society. Students can seek out the thrill of competition in both intramural and external moot courts that range from general appellate contests to specialties like Environmental or Intellectual Property Law, and in Client Counseling, Negotiation, and Mediation competitions.

Journals

Academic journals provide editing and writing experience, as well as an attractive resume line. WashULaw currently publishes four journals: the general-interest Washington University Law Review, the symposium-based Journal of Law and Policy, the Global Studies Law Review, and the newest addition, the Jurisprudence Review.

Journal members are selected on the basis of first-year grades and a mandatory writing competition held at the end of spring semester (there is a separate competition for transfer and LL.M. students). Students who finish 1L year in the top 3% of their class and complete the writing competition "in good faith" can automatically join their first-choice publication; others are evaluated solely on write-on performance. The writing competition comprises an editing exercise and a case comment of about 20 pages (including endnotes). One student writes that while competition for Law Review is stiff, "almost everyone I know who completed the write-on got something" among the remaining journals.[xx]

Facilities

Washington University's campus, which takes its architectural cues from the quintessentially academic feels of Oxford and Cambridge, rivals the visual appeal of many Ivy League universities. Though the law school's Anheuser-Busch Hall was built in 1997 and Seigle Hall in 2008, their Collegiate Gothic architecture does not disappoint, blending in well with the rest of the university's Danforth Campus. The interiors are also impressive and surprisingly modern given the buildings' Old World looks.

Anheuser-Busch Hall's 175,000 square feet house classrooms, offices, two courtrooms, and the Law Library. This library contains 700,000 print volumes, extensive online database subscriptions, and a reading room that one TLS member likens to "something out of Harry Potter."[xxi] The building features high-speed fiber optic network access and an advanced video-on-demand network; classrooms and courtrooms have advanced projection and recording technology. Plenty of commons space, including a large, glass-roofed courtyard, gives students room to relax and socialize. The in-house Law Café was completely renovated in 2014 and offers coffee, breakfast, and lunch, with occasional evening hours.

Seigle Hall, directly adjacent to Anheuser-Busch Hall, houses several seminar and lecture-style classrooms, along with offices for the four student publications, the Center for Empirical Research in the Law (CERL), the Whitney R. Harris World Law Institute, and the law school's graduate programs. Although it's another building, students will never have to hoof it far across campus between classes - Seigle Hall is about 30 feet from Anheuser-Busch Hall.

Employment Prospects

Washington University in St. Louis maintains an excellent reputation for strong post-graduation outcomes across both undergraduate and graduate programs. For the Class of 2023, the university reported a knowledge rate of 87%, indicating that the majority of graduates had clear post-graduation plans—whether pursuing full-time employment, graduate studies, or other professional activities. Among undergraduate business students in the BSBA Class of 2023, 96% secured full-time jobs shortly after graduation. The average and median starting salaries for these graduates were approximately $90,000, with students entering fields such as finance and consulting often earning even more.

Graduate students also reported strong employment results. Graduates from the Full-Time MBA Class of 2024 earned a median base salary of around $130,000, with an average signing bonus of $8,200. About 81% of MBA graduates were employed within three months of completing their degree. Specialized master’s programs, such as those in finance, analytics, or supply chain management, saw average starting salaries of around $71,000, with 82% of graduates receiving job offers within six months.

Law School graduates have consistently reported high rates of long-term, full-time employment in a variety of sectors, including private law firms, government agencies, judicial clerkships, and public interest roles. Doctoral recipients from WashU also show strong career outcomes, with about 70% entering academia, industry, government, or nonprofit sectors.

The university’s six-year graduation rate stands at approximately 94%, and its career development resources—including one-on-one coaching, employer networking events, job fairs, and internship assistance—significantly contribute to these positive outcomes. Overall, Washington University’s graduates are well-prepared to transition into the workforce or continue their education, supported by a strong foundation of academic rigor and career readiness.

Private Practice

Many graduates from Washington University’s School of Law enter private legal practice, reflecting the school’s strong national placement and reputation. These positions typically involve work at law firms ranging from large international firms to regional and boutique practices. Graduates pursuing this path often secure positions in practice areas such as corporate law, litigation, intellectual property, healthcare, and real estate. Private sector employment remains one of the most lucrative options, with starting salaries frequently exceeding $190,000 at top-tier firms, especially for those who work in major legal markets like New York, Chicago, or Washington, D.C. The law school’s extensive alumni network and robust on-campus recruiting efforts play a key role in helping students secure competitive positions in this sector.

Clerkships

WUSTL

Judicial clerkships are another prestigious and competitive path pursued by Washington University law graduates. These positions involve working directly with judges at the federal, state, or appellate court levels, assisting with legal research, drafting opinions, and managing case files. Clerkships are highly sought-after because they provide invaluable experience in legal reasoning and writing, often serving as a stepping stone to other elite positions in litigation or academia. WashU students regularly secure clerkships across the country, including placements with federal district and circuit courts. The law school provides tailored advising and support for clerkship applicants, including faculty mentorship and connections to former clerks, enhancing students’ chances of securing these coveted roles.

Government and Public Interest

In recent years, WUSTL has sent about 8-10% of each class to government employment not counting judicial clerkships, and another 4-6% to public interest organizations. Government employment can range from prosecutor and public defender offices to federal agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency and Securities & Exchange Commission. Public interest organizations usually provide legal services to a population who would not otherwise be able to afford them, or advocate for a set of issues.

Although some government and public interest employers come to on-campus and regional interview programs, the hiring process is not as streamlined as it is for many law firms. Making connections is key, as is building a resume that demonstrates a long-term interest in service-oriented work. To the latter end, those who want to work for the government after graduation should pursue government internships or externships, or consider participating in the Congressional & Administrative Clinic. Similarly, those who want to work in non-profit public interest should consider a clinic and take advantage of the summer public interest stipend program. Students work directly with the Center for Career Development throughout their three years to secure top employment in these areas.

Housing and Transportation

For those comparing Wash U to other urban law schools, cost of housing will almost definitely weigh in favor of the St. Louis school. One TLS member writes:

For those of you coming in from NYC/DC/LA etc., you are going to be absolutely blown away by the low cost of living. I pay $500 a month ($1,000 total, since I have a roommate) for a fully-furnished, really nice apartment with new furniture, appliances, and a washer/dryer unit in the apartment. The most I've heard of anyone spending is $1,000 a month, but [that person has] a really swanky place in Central West End. You can easily keep your rent in the $500-600 range if you take on a roommate, and if you're paying over $750 a month, you're in the expensive range.[xxxi]

The city offers a range of neighborhoods that should suit most tastes. Many law students choose University City for its convenience: the university and a metro stop are within easy walking distance. Central West End, slightly farther away from campus, attracts a large number of law students with its shopping, dining, and nightlife options. Other popular areas include Clayton, a quiet suburb within a few minutes' drive of the law school, and a revitalized Downtown area with plenty of restaurants and bars as well as Busch Stadium, home of the beloved Cardinals.

Though most students live in non-university affiliated apartments, Wash U's Quadrangle Housing maintains some graduate and professional housing in the University City, Central West End, and Skinker DeBalievere neighborhoods.

A car is not a necessity thanks to a light rail and bus system -Wash U students get a free pass - and the availability of housing within walking or biking distance of the university. Parking is readily available in many neighborhoods, although those interested in neighborhoods like Central West End and Downtown should be mindful of some parking and traffic issues.

Quality of Life

St. Louis residents enjoy the amenities and entertainment options of a big city - the Greater St. Louis area has almost three million residents - without the high cost of living and traffic problems that plague many urban centers. While the city is somewhat notorious for violent crime, Wash U students on TLS do not report feeling unsafe in any of the areas frequented by law school students, and seem to enjoy St. Louis. A forum user has this to say:

It's not a booming cosmopolitan metropolis, but it holds its own in having fun things to do: tons of museums, Forest Park, three major professional sports teams (well, two and a half, considering the Rams), some beautiful theaters, and enough of nightlife to keep a law student busy and not bored.[xxxii]

Though not a world cultural capital, St. Louis has good food in lots of variety - with one possible exception:

I've tried just about every Mexican place around here that I've seen or heard of, and have yet to find anything better than "meh." If you're looking for something along the lines of Texas or SoCal, prepare to be disappointed. But with that said, we do a lot of other ethnic foods really well. If you want good Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, Ethiopian, Brazilian, or Japanese/Sushi, you're in luck. The Hill [a neighborhood] is awesome for Italian. And if you want a good BBQ, try Pappy's.

While the areas around WUSTL and SLU have their fair share of college bars, St. Louis nightlife also offers some diversity, as one TLS member attests:

There's a hip collection of bars in the Tower Grove Park area on Manchester, which is just southeast of Forest Park. Kind of the indie-rock crowd. The Delmar Loop is pretty urban/progressive/yoga-ish as well. And there are some other dive bar establishments on South Grand Ave. Further east of Manchester is a couple of gay bars. Downtown on Washington Ave. there's more of an urban-chic crowd, but it's more of a late-night clubbing atmosphere. Central West End is kind of a yuppie-chic crowd, but everything around here closes early (1am). Laclede's Landing by the river has some sports-oriented bars and pubs. And downtown Clayton has some more suburban, lower-key bars.[xxxiii]

As with any law school or city, there is no substitute for visiting. Three years is a long time, and an experience as stressful as law school is best done in a comfortable place, so anyone seriously considering attending Wash U should check the place out in person.

Synopsis

Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) is a highly selective private research university known for its academic rigor, strong financial aid policies, and impressive post-graduation outcomes. For the Class of 2025, the undergraduate acceptance rate was around 13%, with early decision applicants seeing a significantly higher admit rate. Tuition for the 2025–2026 academic year is $68,240, and the total cost of attendance approaches $93,000 annually. However, generous financial aid—including a no-loan policy and full-need support—makes WashU accessible to a wide range of students, with average net costs reduced to around $22,000 for those receiving aid.

Transfer admissions remain competitive, with an overall admit rate of about 12%, and successful applicants typically present GPAs in the 3.5 to 3.85 range. WashU admits transfer students only for the fall semester, with a March 1 deadline.

Employment prospects for graduates are consistently strong. Undergraduate business majors report average starting salaries of $90,000, and MBA graduates earn median salaries around $130,000. Law graduates pursue diverse and prestigious roles, with many entering high-paying private practice or securing elite judicial clerkships. The university also maintains high placement rates for specialized master’s and doctoral students across academic, industry, and public sectors.

Overall, WashU offers a competitive, supportive academic environment paired with strong career outcomes and financial accessibility, making it one of the top choices for high-achieving students nationwide.

Contact Information

Washington University School of Law
Admissions Office
Campus Box 1120, One Brookings Drive
St. Louis, MO 63130-4899
Phone: (314) 935-4525
E-mail: applylaw@wustl.edu
Website: apply.law.wustl.edu

Summary

Established	1867
Location	St. Louis, MO
Dean	Stefanie Lindquist
2025 US News Ranking	14th
LSAT Median Score	173
GPA Median Score	3.96
Bar Passage Rate	91.9% (2025)
Employment Rate	89.6% (2025)
Cost	$70,844
Average Debt	$93,380
Application Deadline	August 10, 2025

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Reference

https://wustl.edu/
Rank #14
LSD Law
LSAC Guide
Guide to Fee Waivers
LSAC Guide
How to Learn to Do Well on a Law School Exam
Success in Law School - A Unique Perspective
The Guide to Law School Loans

Interview: Mathiew Le, Former Assistant Dean of Admissions & Financial Aid, University of Washington School of Law
Interview: Janet Laybold, Former Associate Dean, Admissions, Career and Student Services, Washington University School of Law

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