Washington University vs Houston - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
Houston accepts most of the applications it receives (73.9%), while Washington University turns away the overwhelming majority (12.1%).
For an applicant from outside the US the difference is financial: Washington University awards international students $68,438 on average, Houston awards $4,456.
The one that looks dearer ends up cheaper: Washington University lists $94,289 against $45,970 (Houston), but after average aid what remains is $18,685 against $29,520.
The higher median salary ten years after enrolment belongs to Washington University: $86K against $62K.
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
Washington University is the more selective of the two (12.1% vs 73.92% acceptance). Washington University ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#23 vs #201-300). Washington University graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($86K vs $62K). Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($27,926 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 selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Houston for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Washington University is more selective (12.1% vs 73.92% acceptance); Washington University has a higher median SAT (1540 vs 1240).
Washington University graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($86K vs $62K); Washington University has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.3% vs 64.6%).
Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($27,926 vs $69,594); Washington University offers a larger average aid package ($75,604 vs $16,450).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Washington University | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #23 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | #69 | - |
| Acceptance rate | 12.1% | 73.92% |
| Yield rate | 46.7% | 26.5% |
| Median SAT | 1540 | 1240 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.19 | 3.49 |
| Number of applications | 32,754 | 31,716 |
| International students | 9.4% | 5.7% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $62K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $61K | $39K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $137K | $93K |
| Graduation rate | 94.3% | 64.6% |
| Retention rate | 95% | 87% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $18,194 |
| Tuition · year | $69,594 | $27,926 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,604 | $16,450 |
| % of need met | 100% | 55.1% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $26,666 | $21,819 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 16,357 | 47,980 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Washington University or Houston?
It's harder to get into Washington University. Washington University accepts 12.1% of applicants, while Houston accepts 73.92%.
Do Washington University or Houston graduates earn more?
Washington University graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $86K vs $62K.
How much is tuition at Washington University vs Houston?
Sticker-price tuition is $69,594 per year at Washington University and $27,926 per year at Houston.
What SAT score do you need for Washington University or Houston?
The median admitted SAT score is 1540 at Washington University and 1240 at Houston; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Washington University or Houston?
Washington University ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #23 for Washington University vs #201-300 for Houston.
Which university offers more financial aid - Washington University or Houston?
The average aid package is $75,604 at Washington University and $16,450 at Houston.
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