Virginia 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 16.8% acceptance). Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#201-300 vs #23). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($87K vs $86K). Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($59,512 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 Virginia for: higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
Choose Washington university for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Washington university is more selective (12.1% vs 16.8% acceptance); Washington university has a higher median SAT (1530 vs 1480).
Virginia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($87K vs $86K); Virginia has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.6% vs 94.3%).
Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($59,512 vs $65,790); Washington university offers a larger average aid package ($75,604 vs $37,123).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Virginia | Washington university |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #201-300 | #23 |
| Rank · THE | — | #69 |
| Acceptance rate | 16.8% | 12.1% |
| Yield rate | 40% | 46.7% |
| Median SAT | 1480 | 1530 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 4.20 |
| Number of applications | 58,951 | 32,754 |
| International students | 12% | 27% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $87K | $86K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $79K | $88K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $130K | $137K |
| Graduation rate | 95.6% | 94.3% |
| Retention rate | 97.9% | 95% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $59,512 | $65,790 |
| Avg. aid package | $37,123 | $75,604 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $25,137 | $26,666 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 26,470 | 16,357 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Virginia or Washington university?
It's harder to get into Washington university. Virginia accepts 16.8% of applicants, while Washington university accepts 12.1%.
Do Virginia or Washington university graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $87K at Virginia and $86K at Washington university.
How much is tuition at Virginia vs Washington university?
Sticker-price tuition is $59,512 per year at Virginia and $65,790 per year at Washington university.
What SAT score do you need for Virginia or Washington university?
The median admitted SAT score is 1480 at Virginia and 1530 at Washington university; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Virginia or Washington university?
Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #201-300 for Virginia vs #23 for Washington university.
Which university offers more financial aid — Virginia or Washington university?
The average aid package is $37,123 at Virginia and $75,604 at Washington university.
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