#27 Overall

Washington University Olin Business School

St. Louis, MO · 2 years · Official Site

Acceptance Rate30%
Avg. GMAT700
Avg. GPA3.45
Class Size160
Avg. Salary$148,000
Employment92%
Annual Tuition
$65,400
Program Length
2 years

Data reflects 2026 admissions cycle

“St. Louis's best-kept secret. WashU name recognition outside the Midwest lags behind the outcomes.”

Program Overview

Washington University Olin is a strong program trapped in a city that doesn't get enough credit. St. Louis is home to 9 Fortune 500 companies (Centene, Emerson Electric, Reinsurance Group of America), a major healthcare corridor, and a growing fintech scene. Olin's 160-person class benefits from these corporate relationships, and the school's customer analytics and healthcare concentrations are nationally recognized.

The WashU brand is strong in the Midwest and among healthcare employers nationally, though it fades on the coasts. Olin invests heavily in experiential learning, with consulting projects, international immersion trips, and a career center that provides more individual attention than you'll get at programs twice the size.

Culture & Community

Olin's 160-person class fosters close relationships. The culture is collaborative and intellectual, reflecting WashU's broader academic reputation. Students describe the environment as supportive without being coddling. St. Louis is cheap, walkable in the university area, and offers better food and nightlife than most outsiders expect. The Central West End neighborhood near campus is a highlight.

Academics & Curriculum

Olin's customer analytics program is the academic standout. Courses in predictive modeling, marketing analytics, and customer intelligence are taught by faculty who are leaders in the field. The healthcare management concentration draws on WashU's top-ranked medical school and the BJC HealthCare system. The school also offers strong finance and consulting preparation, with a case competition culture that hones analytical and presentation skills.

Career Outcomes

Olin's employment report shows 30% of graduates entering consulting, 20% healthcare, 18% finance, and 15% tech. Deloitte, Accenture, and EY are primary consulting recruiters, with MBB hiring selectively. Healthcare placement benefits from WashU's medical school connections. Median base salary is $148,000 with total first-year compensation around $170,000.

Who Should Apply

Olin fits candidates targeting consulting, healthcare, or analytics who want a supportive community and strong ROI from a respected private university. If the Midwest is your target market, or if healthcare management is your goal, Olin's connections and curriculum align well.

What to Watch Out For

WashU's brand recognition drops sharply outside the Midwest and healthcare circles. St. Louis is affordable but not a major recruiting hub. If you're targeting coastal tech or Wall Street, higher-ranked programs will serve you better.

Known For

ConsultingHealthcareCustomer AnalyticsFinance

Best For

ConsultingHealthcareAnalytics

Aiming for a 700+ GMAT? Start your prep today.

Get GMAT Prep Resources →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at WashU Olin?

WashU Olin's acceptance rate is approximately 30% for the class of 2026. The school enrolls about 160 full-time MBA students from roughly 1,200 applications.

What GMAT score do I need for WashU Olin?

The average GMAT at Olin is 700, with the middle 80% ranging from 670 to 730. Olin evaluates candidates comprehensiveally with emphasis on leadership and career clarity.

What is WashU Olin known for?

Olin is best known for its customer analytics program (nationally ranked), healthcare management concentration (powered by WashU's top medical school), and strong consulting placement.

What is the average salary after WashU Olin?

Olin graduates earn a median base salary of $148,000 with total first-year compensation averaging about $170,000. Consulting and healthcare drive the strongest placement numbers.