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Saint Louis University vs Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis University is a private university in Saint Louis, MO, and Washington University in St Louis is a private university in St. Louis, MO. Washington University in St Louis is the more selective of the two, admitting about 12% of applicants against 75% at Saint Louis University. Washington University in St Louis is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $21,786 a year against $24,398 at Saint Louis University. About 94% of students graduate at Washington University in St Louis, compared with 80% at Saint Louis University. Ten years after enrolling, Washington University in St Louis alumni earn a median of about $86,182, against $70,783 for Saint Louis University.

Saint Louis University

Saint Louis, MO · Private

Washington University in St Louis

St. Louis, MO · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Saint Louis, MO
St. Louis, MO
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
7,267
7,857
Acceptance rate
75%
12%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.53–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1200–1410
1500–1570
ACT (middle 50%)
25–31
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$24,398
$21,786
Full cost / yr
$71,932
$88,488
In-state tuition
$55,760
$65,790
Out-of-state tuition
$55,760
$65,790
Application fee
$0
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$22,501
$1,716
$30k - $48k
$21,854
$1,928
$48k - $75k
$21,880
$5,578
$75k - $110k
$21,702
$12,603
Over $110k
$27,466
$42,170
Outcomes
Graduation rate
80%
94%
Freshman retention
88%
95%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$60,716
$78,073
Median earnings (10 yr)
$70,783
$86,182
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$17,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
18%
First-generation students
22%
11%
International students
5%
9%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 2
Early action
Dec 1
Nov 2
Regular decision
Jul 28
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 Saint Louis University or Washington University in St Louis harder to get into?
Washington University in St Louis is harder to get into. It admits about 12% of applicants, compared with 75% at Saint Louis University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Saint Louis University 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 $24,398 at Saint Louis University. 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 Saint Louis University and Washington University in St Louis?
Before aid, Saint Louis University costs about $71,932 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, Saint Louis University 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 $22,501 at Saint Louis University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Saint Louis University or Washington University in St Louis?
Washington University in St Louis is the larger of the two, with about 7,857 undergraduates against 7,267 at Saint Louis University.
Does Saint Louis University 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 80% at Saint Louis University.
Do graduates of Saint Louis University 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 $70,783 for Saint Louis University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Saint Louis University and Washington University in St Louis require SAT or ACT scores?
Saint Louis University 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 Saint Louis University and Washington University in St Louis look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1200–1410 at Saint Louis University and 1500–1570 at Washington University in St Louis. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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