Washington university vs Emory — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Emory is the more selective of the two (10.7% 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 ($64,280 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 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 (10.7% vs 12.1% acceptance); Washington university has a higher median SAT (1530 vs 1520).
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 ($64,280 vs $65,790); 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% | 10.7% |
| Yield rate | 46.7% | 40.4% |
| Median SAT | 1530 | 1520 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.20 | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 32,754 | 34,614 |
| International students | 27% | 19% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $80K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $88K | $84K |
| 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 | $65,790 | $64,280 |
| 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 10.7%.
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 $65,790 per year at Washington university and $64,280 per year at Emory.
What SAT score do you need for Washington university or Emory?
The median admitted SAT score is 1530 at Washington university and 1520 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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