Washington University in St. Louis
St. Louis, MO
St. Louis, MO
WashU is the place where learners, thinkers, leaders, and doers inspire each other to ask the right questions, balancing rigor in research and discovery with radical empathy.
If you are looking for a place where your passion for healthcare meets world-class resources, Washington University in St. Louis offers an environment designed for your success. Known for its rigorous yet supportive atmosphere, the University provides a unique home for students who want to explore the intersection of science, patient care, and community impact. Whether you are aiming for medical school or interested in the social side of health, you will find yourself surrounded by peers and mentors who are just as driven as you are.
Academics that open doors
The academic experience at the University is defined by flexibility. You aren't limited to a single track; instead, you can major in anything from biology to music while fulfilling your pre-health requirements. The PreHealth advising team starts working with you in your first year, helping you navigate course selection and clinical opportunities. Because the University is a global leader in research—ranking second in the nation for NIH funding—undergraduates often find themselves working in labs alongside pioneers who are literally changing the way we treat disease.
Student life in the heart of St. Louis
Nestled right next to Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country, you will have easy access to museums, running trails, and the zoo. The residential college system ensures that you have a built-in community from day one, with plenty of student-run organizations focused on everything from medical outreach to performing arts.
A community for the future of health
What truly sets the University apart is its commitment to the local community. Through the "In St. Louis, For St. Louis" initiative, students get involved in real-world public health work that makes a difference in the surrounding neighborhoods. This focus on service ensures that when you leave the University, you aren't just a great student—you are a compassionate leader ready to take on the challenges of the modern healthcare world.
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#20 in National Universities | U.S. News & World Report, 2026 |
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#11 in Best Value Schools | U.S. News & World Report, 2026
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#1 Best Quality of Life | Princeton Review, 2026 |
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#1 Best College Dorms | Princeton Review, 2026 |
The University recently announced an exciting expansion of its undergraduate curriculum with the launch of the Public Health & Society major, debuting in fall 2025. This interdisciplinary program is perfect for students who want to look at health through the lens of sociology, economics, and policy. It’s designed to prepare the next generation of leaders to tackle global health crises and domestic healthcare disparities. If you want to understand the "why" behind health outcomes, this program offers the tools to find the answers.
Learn More.