Emory vs Washington University - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
The larger international cohort belongs to Emory: 16.7% of students against 9.4% (Washington University).
For an applicant from outside the US the difference is financial: Washington University awards international students $68,438 on average, Emory awards $54,457.
The one that looks dearer ends up cheaper: Washington University lists $94,289 against $90,574 (Emory), but after average aid what remains is $18,685 against $23,245.
The higher mid-range SAT belongs to Washington University: 1540 against 1510, a gap of 30 points.
The indicators describe a university as a whole, and your own course can sit a long way from that average.
Every sentence above comes from a field we hold in canonical. Where the data is missing, or the gap is small enough to be noise, the sentence simply does not appear.
EXPERT TAKE
Emory is the more selective of the two (10.29% vs 12.1% acceptance). Washington University ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#101-150 vs #23). Washington University graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($86K vs $80K). Emory has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,056 vs $69,594 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical - the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Emory for: higher selectivity, higher retention, lower tuition.
Choose Washington University for: a higher world ranking, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Emory is more selective (10.29% vs 12.1% acceptance); Washington University has a higher median SAT (1540 vs 1510).
Washington University graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($86K vs $80K); Washington University has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.3% vs 91.1%).
Emory has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,056 vs $69,594); Washington University offers a larger average aid package ($75,604 vs $67,329).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Emory | Washington University |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #23 |
| Rank · THE | - | #69 |
| Acceptance rate | 10.29% | 12.1% |
| Yield rate | 40.4% | 46.7% |
| Median SAT | 1510 | 1540 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.84 | 4.19 |
| Number of applications | 34,614 | 32,754 |
| International students | 16.7% | 9.4% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $80K | $86K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $58K | $61K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $120K | $137K |
| Graduation rate | 91.1% | 94.3% |
| Retention rate | 96% | 95% |
| Median debt | $18,250 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $68,056 | $69,594 |
| Avg. aid package | $67,329 | $75,604 |
| % of need met | 99.9% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,562 | $26,666 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 15,179 | 16,357 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Emory or Washington University?
It's harder to get into Emory. Emory accepts 10.29% of applicants, while Washington University accepts 12.1%.
Do Emory or Washington University graduates earn more?
Washington University graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $86K vs $80K.
How much is tuition at Emory vs Washington University?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,056 per year at Emory and $69,594 per year at Washington University.
What SAT score do you need for Emory or Washington University?
The median admitted SAT score is 1510 at Emory and 1540 at Washington University; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Emory or Washington University?
Washington University ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Emory vs #23 for Washington University.
Which university offers more financial aid - Emory or Washington University?
The average aid package is $67,329 at Emory and $75,604 at Washington University.
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