Washington university vs Rochester — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Washington university is the more selective of the two (12.1% vs 40.1% acceptance). Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#23 vs #151-200). Washington university graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($86K vs $79K). Washington university has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,790 vs $67,080 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.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Washington university is more selective (12.1% vs 40.1% acceptance); Washington university has a higher median SAT (1530 vs 1488).
Washington university graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($86K vs $79K); Washington university has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.3% vs 85.4%).
Washington university has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,790 vs $67,080); Washington university offers a larger average aid package ($75,604 vs $60,879).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Washington university | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #23 | #151-200 |
| Rank · THE | #69 | #127 |
| Acceptance rate | 12.1% | 40.1% |
| Yield rate | 46.7% | 15.4% |
| Median SAT | 1530 | 1488 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.20 | 3.70 |
| Number of applications | 32,754 | 21,384 |
| International students | 27% | 37% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $79K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $88K | $74K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $137K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 94.3% | 85.4% |
| Retention rate | 95% | 90.7% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $21,000 |
| Tuition · year | $65,790 | $67,080 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,604 | $60,879 |
| % of need met | 100% | 96.1% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $26,666 | $32,304 |
| Application fee | $75 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 16,357 | 11,946 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Washington university or Rochester?
It's harder to get into Washington university. Washington university accepts 12.1% of applicants, while Rochester accepts 40.1%.
Do Washington university or Rochester graduates earn more?
Washington university graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $86K vs $79K.
How much is tuition at Washington university vs Rochester?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,790 per year at Washington university and $67,080 per year at Rochester.
What SAT score do you need for Washington university or Rochester?
The median admitted SAT score is 1530 at Washington university and 1488 at Rochester; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Washington university or Rochester?
Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #23 for Washington university vs #151-200 for Rochester.
Which university offers more financial aid — Washington university or Rochester?
The average aid package is $75,604 at Washington university and $60,879 at Rochester.
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