Washington University in St. Louis is founded as Eliot Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri.

Washington University in St. Louis, often affectionately known as WashU or WUSTL, stands as a premier private research university with a truly global reach. Its prestigious reputation is well-earned, frequently placing it among the world's most distinguished institutions by leading educational publications.

At the very core of this academic powerhouse lies the sprawling 169-acre Danforth Campus. This vibrant central hub, serving as the academic home for the majority of Washington University's undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, straddles the border between St. Louis County and the charming city of Clayton, Missouri. Visually stunning, the Danforth Campus is renowned for its predominantly Collegiate Gothic architecture, creating a timeless and inspiring environment for learning and discovery. Its picturesque borders include the expansive Forest Park and the dynamic cities of St. Louis, Clayton, and University City, offering students a rich urban and natural backdrop.

Expanding Horizons: Beyond the Danforth Campus

While the Danforth Campus is iconic, WashU's footprint extends further within the greater St. Louis area, encompassing several vital satellite locations. These include the West Campus in Clayton, the North Campus nestled in the West End neighborhood of St. Louis, and the immensely significant Medical Campus, situated in the bustling Central West End neighborhood of St. Louis.

The Medical Campus: A Hub of Innovation and Healing

The Washington University Medical Campus is a testament to the institution's commitment to health and scientific advancement. Spanning an impressive 17 city blocks and 164 acres, this vast center is home to the esteemed Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. It serves as a nexus for cutting-edge medical research and patient care, housing numerous affiliated hospitals, specialized clinics, state-of-the-art patient care centers, and groundbreaking research facilities. Its location in St. Louis' Central West End is particularly advantageous, placing it amidst some of the region’s finest shopping and diverse culinary experiences.

A Legacy of Excellence: History and Global Community

Founded in 1853 and thoughtfully named in honor of George Washington, the university has, over its long history, cultivated a truly international and diverse community. Today, Washington University in St. Louis proudly hosts students and faculty hailing from all 50 U.S. states and more than 120 countries, fostering a rich tapestry of perspectives and experiences. To avoid any potential geographical confusion, particularly with universities sharing similar names, the Board of Trustees made the clarifying addition of "in St. Louis" to the university's official name in 1976.

The university's academic structure is robust, comprising seven distinct graduate and undergraduate schools. These schools collectively encompass an incredibly broad range of academic fields, from the humanities and arts to engineering, law, and medicine, providing a comprehensive educational experience. As a distinguished member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, WashU is officially classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," a testament to its profound contributions to scholarship and innovation.

Unparalleled Research and Academic Achievements

Washington University in St. Louis boasts an impressive record of academic and research excellence. As of 2020, a remarkable 25 Nobel laureates across fields such as economics, physiology and medicine, chemistry, and physics have been affiliated with the university. Significantly, ten of these laureates conducted the major part of their pioneering research directly at WUSTL, underscoring its role as a hotbed for transformative discoveries. Its research prowess is further validated by external recognition; in 2019, Clarivate Analytics ranked Washington University an astonishing 7th in the world for its concentration of most cited researchers. The institution's commitment to advancing medical science is also clear, as it received the 4th highest amount of NIH (National Institutes of Health) medical research grants among medical schools in 2019, highlighting its leadership in health-related investigations.

FAQs About Washington University in St. Louis

What is Washington University in St. Louis?
Washington University in St. Louis (WashU or WUSTL) is a highly esteemed private research university, consistently ranked among the most prestigious universities globally, known for its strong academic programs and significant research output.
Where is WashU located?
Its main campus, the Danforth Campus, is primarily located between St. Louis County and Clayton, Missouri. The university also has a West Campus in Clayton, a North Campus in the St. Louis West End, and a large Medical Campus in the Central West End of St. Louis.
What are its notable achievements and academic strengths?
WashU is classified as an R1 research university, signifying very high research activity. It boasts 25 Nobel laureates affiliated with the university (as of 2020), ranks highly for most cited researchers, and receives substantial NIH medical research grants. It offers a broad range of academic fields across seven graduate and undergraduate schools.
Why was "in St. Louis" added to its name?
The phrase "in St. Louis" was added to the university's name in 1976 by its Board of Trustees to prevent confusion over its location with other institutions that might have similar names.