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University of Missouri-Kansas City vs Washington University in St Louis

University of Missouri-Kansas City is a public university in Kansas City, MO. Washington University in St Louis is a private university in St. Louis, MO. Washington University in St Louis admits about 12% of applicants and University of Missouri-Kansas City about 72%, making Washington University in St Louis the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $13,310 a year at University of Missouri-Kansas City after aid, and about $21,786 at Washington University in St Louis. About 94% of students graduate at Washington University in St Louis, compared with 56% at University of Missouri-Kansas City. Ten years after enrolling, Washington University in St Louis alumni earn a median of about $86,182, against $59,637 for University of Missouri-Kansas City.

University of Missouri-Kansas City

Kansas City, MO · Public

Washington University in St Louis

St. Louis, MO · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Kansas City, MO
St. Louis, MO
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
6,817
7,857
Acceptance rate
72%
12%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.56–4
3.53–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1290–1550
1500–1570
ACT (middle 50%)
20–28
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$13,310
$21,786
Full cost / yr
$25,320
$88,488
In-state tuition
$12,587
$65,790
Out-of-state tuition
$30,227
$65,790
Application fee
Not reported
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,576
$1,716
$30k - $48k
$10,472
$1,928
$48k - $75k
$12,613
$5,578
$75k - $110k
$16,019
$12,603
Over $110k
$18,877
$42,170
Outcomes
Graduation rate
56%
94%
Freshman retention
75%
95%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$50,298
$78,073
Median earnings (10 yr)
$59,637
$86,182
Median debt at graduation
$18,750
$17,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
26%
18%
First-generation students
34%
11%
International students
4%
9%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 2
Early action
Not reported
Nov 2
Regular decision
Jun 15
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 University of Missouri-Kansas City 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 72% at University of Missouri-Kansas City. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Missouri-Kansas City or Washington University in St Louis?
University of Missouri-Kansas City is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,310 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $21,786 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.
What is the full cost of attendance at University of Missouri-Kansas City and Washington University in St Louis?
Before aid, University of Missouri-Kansas City costs about $25,320 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, University of Missouri-Kansas City 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 $10,576 at University of Missouri-Kansas City. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Missouri-Kansas City or Washington University in St Louis?
Washington University in St Louis is the larger of the two, with about 7,857 undergraduates against 6,817 at University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Does University of Missouri-Kansas City 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 56% at University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Do graduates of University of Missouri-Kansas City 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 $59,637 for University of Missouri-Kansas City. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Missouri-Kansas City and Washington University in St Louis require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Missouri-Kansas City 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 University of Missouri-Kansas City and Washington University in St Louis look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1290–1550 at University of Missouri-Kansas City 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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