Washington University vs Emory - 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 (#23 vs #101-150). 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 Washington University for: a higher world ranking, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Emory for: higher selectivity, higher retention, lower tuition.
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 | Washington University | Emory |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #23 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | #69 | - |
| Acceptance rate | 12.1% | 10.29% |
| Yield rate | 46.7% | 40.4% |
| Median SAT | 1540 | 1510 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.19 | 3.84 |
| Number of applications | 32,754 | 34,614 |
| International students | 9.4% | 16.7% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $80K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $61K | $58K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $137K | $120K |
| Graduation rate | 94.3% | 91.1% |
| Retention rate | 95% | 96% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $18,250 |
| Tuition · year | $69,594 | $68,056 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,604 | $67,329 |
| % of need met | 100% | 99.9% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $26,666 | $24,562 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 16,357 | 15,179 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Washington University or Emory?
It's harder to get into Emory. Washington University accepts 12.1% of applicants, while Emory accepts 10.29%.
Do Washington University or Emory graduates earn more?
Washington University graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $86K vs $80K.
How much is tuition at Washington University vs Emory?
Sticker-price tuition is $69,594 per year at Washington University and $68,056 per year at Emory.
What SAT score do you need for Washington University or Emory?
The median admitted SAT score is 1540 at Washington University and 1510 at Emory; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Washington University or Emory?
Washington University ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #23 for Washington University vs #101-150 for Emory.
Which university offers more financial aid - Washington University or Emory?
The average aid package is $75,604 at Washington University and $67,329 at Emory.
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