Washington university vs North carolina — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Washington university is the more selective of the two (12.1% vs 15.3% acceptance). Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#23 vs #35). Washington university graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($86K vs $72K). North carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($41,203 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 selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose North carolina for: higher retention, 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 15.3% acceptance); Washington university has a higher median SAT (1530 vs 1439).
Washington university graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($86K vs $72K); Washington university has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.3% vs 91.2%).
North carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($41,203 vs $65,790); Washington university offers a larger average aid package ($75,604 vs $20,705).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Washington university | North carolina |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #23 | #35 |
| Rank · THE | #69 | #70 |
| Acceptance rate | 12.1% | 15.3% |
| Yield rate | 46.7% | 45.5% |
| Median SAT | 1530 | 1439 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.20 | 4.50 |
| Number of applications | 32,754 | 66,535 |
| International students | 27% | 9% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $72K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $88K | $69K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $137K | $112K |
| Graduation rate | 94.3% | 91.2% |
| Retention rate | 95% | 96.6% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $65,790 | $41,203 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,604 | $20,705 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $26,666 | $20,382 |
| Application fee | $75 | $85 |
| Enrollment | 16,357 | 32,680 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Washington university or North carolina?
It's harder to get into Washington university. Washington university accepts 12.1% of applicants, while North carolina accepts 15.3%.
Do Washington university or North carolina graduates earn more?
Washington university graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $86K vs $72K.
How much is tuition at Washington university vs North carolina?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,790 per year at Washington university and $41,203 per year at North carolina.
What SAT score do you need for Washington university or North carolina?
The median admitted SAT score is 1530 at Washington university and 1439 at North carolina; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Washington university or North carolina?
Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #23 for Washington university vs #35 for North carolina.
Which university offers more financial aid — Washington university or North carolina?
The average aid package is $75,604 at Washington university and $20,705 at North carolina.
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