Tuition for the 2017-2018 academic year will be $50,650, an increase of 3.5 percent ($1,700) from the $48,950 charged for 2016-2017, Provost Holden Thorp announced via a letter sent to students and parents Thursday morning.

This year marks the third consecutive year that tuition has been raised by 3.5 percent. The percent increase in tuition has been steadily declining over the past decade, and this 3.5 percent raise matches the smallest in around 50 years.

The student activity fee—which makes up 1 percent of the total tuition—will be $508, up from $490 for 2016-2017, and the health and wellness fee will be $375, up from $330 for the current academic year.

Modern doubles will range between $10,532-$10,982 for next year, whereas this year’s range was between $9,950-$10,670. Meal plans will also cost $4,206-$5,844 for 2017-2018, compared to the current price range of $4,124-$5,729.

Read Thorp’s letter here:

January 18, 2017

Dear Washington University parents:

As the new year and spring semester begin, I am writing to inform you of the 2017-18 academic year tuition rate. Beginning with the fall semester, the 2017-18 tuition will be $50,650, an increase of $1,700 over the current charge of $48,950. This year’s percentage increase of 3.5 percent matches that of the last two years and remains the university’s lowest in nearly 50 years.

Charges for a double room will range between $10,532 and $10,982, and meal plans will range from $4,206 to $5,844. The student activity fee will be $508. The health and wellness fee will be $375.

We are proud that Washington University attracts academically gifted and creative students from around the world, and that your sons and daughters have chosen to study here. We also are thankful for your trust in us to provide them an outstanding educational experience. We know for many families it takes financial sacrifice for your children to be able to attend. We are committed to being good stewards of your investment.

The tuition you pay allows us to fulfill our mission of providing a world-class university experience inside and outside the classroom. It also enables us to address the very important goal of meeting the financial needs of all of our students, an endeavor that remains one of our highest priorities.

Enclosed for your information is a Frequently Asked Questions document about tuition and the financial resources of the university that we hope you find useful.

My colleagues in Student Financial Services are always ready to answer your questions about financial assistance and the options available to help finance your student’s time here. You can contact Student Financial Services by mail at Campus Box 1041, by fax at (314) 935-4037, by email at [email protected], or by telephone at (888) 547-6670 or (314) 935-5900. If you are visiting campus, you are welcome to drop by the office, located in 75 North Brookings Hall.

As always, we thank you for your continued support in your children’s education as we — the university, our students, families, alumni and friends — work to fulfill Washington University’s commitment to excellence as one of the best universities in the world.

Sincerely,

Holden Thorp

Provost

Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

Rita Levi-Montalcini Distinguished University Professor