Washington university vs Southern california — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Southern california is the more selective of the two (9.8% vs 12.1% acceptance). Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#23 vs #62). Southern california graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($92K vs $86K). Washington university has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,790 vs $72,097 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, a higher graduation rate, lower tuition.
Choose Southern california for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, higher retention.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Southern california is more selective (9.8% vs 12.1% acceptance); Washington university has a higher median SAT (1530 vs 1495).
Southern california graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($92K vs $86K); Washington university has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.3% vs 91.8%).
Washington university has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,790 vs $72,097); Washington university offers a larger average aid package ($75,604 vs $71,169).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Washington university | Southern california |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #23 | #62 |
| Rank · THE | #69 | #72 |
| Acceptance rate | 12.1% | 9.8% |
| Yield rate | 46.7% | 43.3% |
| Median SAT | 1530 | 1495 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.20 | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 32,754 | 82,027 |
| International students | 27% | 27% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $92K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $88K | $89K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $137K | $141K |
| Graduation rate | 94.3% | 91.8% |
| Retention rate | 95% | 95.6% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $18,000 |
| Tuition · year | $65,790 | $72,097 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,604 | $71,169 |
| % of need met | 100% | 99.3% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $26,666 | $27,678 |
| Application fee | $75 | $85 |
| Enrollment | 16,357 | 46,566 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Washington university or Southern california?
It's harder to get into Southern california. Washington university accepts 12.1% of applicants, while Southern california accepts 9.8%.
Do Washington university or Southern california graduates earn more?
Southern california graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $92K vs $86K.
How much is tuition at Washington university vs Southern california?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,790 per year at Washington university and $72,097 per year at Southern california.
What SAT score do you need for Washington university or Southern california?
The median admitted SAT score is 1530 at Washington university and 1495 at Southern california; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Washington university or Southern california?
Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #23 for Washington university vs #62 for Southern california.
Which university offers more financial aid — Washington university or Southern california?
The average aid package is $75,604 at Washington university and $71,169 at Southern california.
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