Texas at austin vs Washington university — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Washington university is the more selective of the two (12.1% vs 26.6% acceptance). Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#45 vs #23). Washington university graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($86K vs $75K). Texas at austin has lower sticker-price tuition ($44,908 vs $65,790 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 Texas at austin for: higher retention, lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
Choose Washington university for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Washington university is more selective (12.1% vs 26.6% acceptance); Washington university has a higher median SAT (1530 vs 1395).
Washington university graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($86K vs $75K); Washington university has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.3% vs 88.9%).
Texas at austin has lower sticker-price tuition ($44,908 vs $65,790); Washington university offers a larger average aid package ($75,604 vs $20,219).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Texas at austin | Washington university |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #45 | #23 |
| Rank · THE | — | #69 |
| Acceptance rate | 26.6% | 12.1% |
| Yield rate | 47.4% | 46.7% |
| Median SAT | 1395 | 1530 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 4.20 |
| Number of applications | 72,885 | 32,754 |
| International students | 9% | 27% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $75K | $86K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $88K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $137K |
| Graduation rate | 88.9% | 94.3% |
| Retention rate | 96.7% | 95% |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $44,908 | $65,790 |
| Avg. aid package | $20,219 | $75,604 |
| % of need met | 75% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $19,919 | $26,666 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 53,864 | 16,357 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Texas at austin or Washington university?
It's harder to get into Washington university. Texas at austin accepts 26.6% of applicants, while Washington university accepts 12.1%.
Do Texas at austin or Washington university graduates earn more?
Washington university graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $86K vs $75K.
How much is tuition at Texas at austin vs Washington university?
Sticker-price tuition is $44,908 per year at Texas at austin and $65,790 per year at Washington university.
What SAT score do you need for Texas at austin or Washington university?
The median admitted SAT score is 1395 at Texas at austin and 1530 at Washington university; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Texas at austin or Washington university?
Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #45 for Texas at austin vs #23 for Washington university.
Which university offers more financial aid — Texas at austin or Washington university?
The average aid package is $20,219 at Texas at austin and $75,604 at Washington university.
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