Throughout the entire St Louis area, Washington University is the most expensive and it is in most cases the hardest to get into.  Sure, there are other good universities and colleges here.  Some might have an even better reputation for their individual schools or specialized curriculums.   But Wash U's prestige is second to none in this corner of the Midwest and it rates very high on the national collegiate map.

With an enrollment of 11,000 Washington University offers a full range of academic programs including its School of Business, Engineering, Law School, and Medical School.   Its Medical School in particular ranks among the nation's best.   Founded in 1853 Washington University's boasts 18 Nobel Prize winners who served on  its faculty.
 
 

Internet links for Washington University
Washington University's official web site
Graduate Programs at Washington University
Washington University's School of Medicine's web site
Survey of engineering programs and research