⚠ Editorial Disclaimer: This page is an independent color reference resource. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the brand listed above or any of its parent companies. All color values are documented for educational and design reference purposes only. Trademarks and brand identities belong to their respective owners.

Washington University Color Palette

Q: What is the primary HEX color code for Washington University?

The primary color in the Washington University palette is #A51417. This value is documented here for reference. For official brand use, consult Washington University's own brand guidelines.

Q: Does #A51417 meet WCAG accessibility contrast requirements?

When using #A51417 as a background, white (#FFFFFF) text typically meets WCAG 2.1 AA requirements. Always verify with a dedicated contrast checker tool.

Q: Why does Washington University use red as its primary color?

Red tones are associated with passion in color psychology. For a brand in their industry, this helps communicate the right signal to global audiences.

Q: Can I use the Washington University color palette in my design project?

The hex codes and RGB values documented here are factual technical specifications for editorial and educational reference. Commercial use implying affiliation with Washington University may raise trademark concerns — always review Washington University's brand guidelines first.

Explore how Washington University leverages its distinctive Red palette to stand out in the competitive university landscape. Every shade serves a strategic purpose.

Washington University Primary

HEX#A51417

RGB165, 20, 23

Washington University Accent

HEX#FFFFFF

RGB255, 255, 255

The Visual Identity of Washington University

Color Systems & Brand Psychology

Primary Hue

Washington University's primary color #A51417 sits in the red spectrum — a spectrum that design research links to feelings of energy and bold action among global audiences.

Industry Psychology

Color research in their industry consistently shows that red hues perform well for conveying energy. By anchoring its identity in this spectrum, Washington University aligns itself with values its global audiences already trust.

Strategic Usage

Designers and developers implementing Washington University's colors should treat these hex codes as exact specifications. Color drift — even subtle shifts in value — weakens the recognition cues that Washington University has built with global audiences through repeated exposure across digital and print media.

UI Design & Application Guide

Thinking of using the Washington University color palette in your next project? Here is a professional guide on how to apply these colors effectively for web and mobile interfaces.

Header One

HEX: #A51417 Primary Brand Color

When using #A51417 as a background, strict accessibility standards (WCAG) recommend using #FFFFFF for your typeface to ensure maximum readability.

Call to Action

Get Started

Button Component

Accent Usage

Use Washington University Red as a high-visibility accent color on clean white surfaces to draw attention.

Dark/Brand Background

Professional Tip: Designers using Figma or Adobe XD should create a specific color style named Washington University Primary to ensure consistency across all university mockups.

Technical Color Data Table

For developers and designers, accuracy is non-negotiable. Below are the precise conversions.

Color Name	HEX Code	RGB Values	CSS Variable
Washington University Primary	#A51417	rgb(165, 20, 23)	var(--washington-university-primary)
Washington University Accent 1	#FFFFFF	rgb(255, 255, 255)	var(--washington-university-color-2)

CSS Implementation

Copy this CSS snippet to your :root to instantly implement the Washington University brand styles.


 :root {

   --washington-university-primary: #A51417;
  --washington-university-color-2: #FFFFFF;

 }

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary HEX color code for Washington University?

The primary color in the Washington University palette is #A51417. This value is documented here for reference purposes. For official brand implementation, always consult Washington University's own brand guidelines.

Does #A51417 meet WCAG accessibility contrast requirements?

WCAG 2.1 AA requires a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text. When using #A51417 as a background, white (#FFFFFF) text typically achieves the required ratio. Always verify with a contrast checker tool before production use, as contrast depends on your exact background color.

Why does Washington University use red as its primary color?

Red tones are widely associated with passion in color psychology research. For a brand operating in their industry, this association helps communicate the right emotional signal to global audiences — though the final palette decision reflects many factors including competitive differentiation and historical brand equity.

Can I use the Washington University color palette in my design project?

The colors documented on this page (RGB values, HEX codes) are factual technical specifications and may be referenced for editorial, educational, or personal design inspiration. However, using Washington University's colors in a way that implies endorsement, affiliation, or commercial association with Washington University may raise trademark concerns. For commercial projects, review Washington University's brand guidelines and, if needed, consult a legal advisor.