Washington University vs Texas at Austin - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
The lower acceptance rate belongs to Washington University: 12.1% against 26.6% (Texas at Austin).
Average aid for an international student is $68,438 (Washington University) and $21,838 (Texas at Austin).
The one that looks dearer ends up cheaper: Washington University lists $94,289 against $60,460 (Texas at Austin), but after average aid what remains is $18,685 against $40,241.
Ten years on, graduates of Washington University earn noticeably more: $86K against $75K.
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 26.64% acceptance). Washington University ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#23 vs #45). Washington University graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($86K vs $75K). Texas at Austin has lower sticker-price tuition ($44,908 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 Texas at Austin 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 26.64% acceptance); Washington University has a higher median SAT (1540 vs 1395).
Washington University graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($86K vs $75K); Washington University has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.3% vs 88.9%).
Texas at Austin has lower sticker-price tuition ($44,908 vs $69,594); Washington University offers a larger average aid package ($75,604 vs $20,219).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Washington University | Texas at Austin |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #23 | #45 |
| Rank · THE | #69 | - |
| Acceptance rate | 12.1% | 26.64% |
| Yield rate | 46.7% | 47.4% |
| Median SAT | 1540 | 1395 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.19 | - |
| Number of applications | 32,754 | 72,885 |
| International students | 9.4% | 4.5% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $75K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $61K | $51K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $137K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 94.3% | 88.9% |
| Retention rate | 95% | 96.7% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $20,500 |
| Tuition · year | $69,594 | $44,908 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,604 | $20,219 |
| % of need met | 100% | 75% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $26,666 | $19,919 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 16,357 | 53,864 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Washington University or Texas at Austin?
It's harder to get into Washington University. Washington University accepts 12.1% of applicants, while Texas at Austin accepts 26.64%.
Do Washington University or Texas at Austin graduates earn more?
Washington University graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $86K vs $75K.
How much is tuition at Washington University vs Texas at Austin?
Sticker-price tuition is $69,594 per year at Washington University and $44,908 per year at Texas at Austin.
What SAT score do you need for Washington University or Texas at Austin?
The median admitted SAT score is 1540 at Washington University and 1395 at Texas at Austin; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Washington University or Texas at Austin?
Washington University ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #23 for Washington University vs #45 for Texas at Austin.
Which university offers more financial aid - Washington University or Texas at Austin?
The average aid package is $75,604 at Washington University and $20,219 at Texas at Austin.
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