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Columbia College vs Washington University in St Louis

Columbia College is a private college in Columbia, MO, and Washington University in St Louis is a private university in St. Louis, MO. Columbia College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 5% of applicants against 12% at Washington University in St Louis. Washington University in St Louis is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $21,786 a year against $22,715 at Columbia College. About 94% of students graduate at Washington University in St Louis, compared with 44% at Columbia College. Ten years after enrolling, Washington University in St Louis alumni earn a median of about $86,182, against $45,378 for Columbia College.

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Columbia College

Columbia, MO · Private

Washington University in St Louis

St. Louis, MO · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Columbia, MO
St. Louis, MO
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
4,950
7,857
Acceptance rate
5%
12%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.53–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1560
1500–1570
ACT (middle 50%)
34–36
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,715
$21,786
Full cost / yr
$37,207
$88,488
In-state tuition
$25,826
$65,790
Out-of-state tuition
$25,826
$65,790
Application fee
$0
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$23,967
$1,716
$30k - $48k
$21,168
$1,928
$48k - $75k
$21,550
$5,578
$75k - $110k
$23,015
$12,603
Over $110k
$21,545
$42,170
Outcomes
Graduation rate
44%
94%
Freshman retention
75%
95%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$40,747
$78,073
Median earnings (10 yr)
$45,378
$86,182
Median debt at graduation
$23,879
$17,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
45%
18%
First-generation students
49%
11%
International students
3%
9%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 2
Early action
Not reported
Nov 2
Regular decision
Rolling
Jan 4

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Columbia College or Washington University in St Louis harder to get into?
Columbia College is harder to get into. It admits about 5% of applicants, compared with 12% at Washington University in St Louis. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Columbia College or Washington University in St Louis?
Washington University in St Louis is cheaper on average. Students pay about $21,786 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $22,715 at Columbia College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Columbia College and Washington University in St Louis?
Before aid, Columbia College costs about $37,207 a year and Washington University in St Louis about $88,488. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Columbia College or Washington University in St Louis?
Washington University in St Louis. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,716 there, against about $23,967 at Columbia College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Columbia College or Washington University in St Louis?
Washington University in St Louis is the larger of the two, with about 7,857 undergraduates against 4,950 at Columbia College.
Does Columbia College or Washington University in St Louis have a better graduation rate?
Washington University in St Louis has the higher graduation rate, at about 94% against 44% at Columbia College.
Do graduates of Columbia College or Washington University in St Louis earn more?
Washington University in St Louis alumni earn more on average: a median of about $86,182 ten years after enrolling, against about $45,378 for Columbia College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Columbia College and Washington University in St Louis require SAT or ACT scores?
Columbia College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Washington University in St Louis is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Columbia College and Washington University in St Louis look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1560 at Columbia College and 1500–1570 at Washington University in St Louis. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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