Washington university vs Virginia — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Washington university is the more selective of the two (12.1% vs 16.8% acceptance). Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#23 vs #201-300). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($86K vs $87K). Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($59,512 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, a larger aid package.
Choose Virginia for: higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Washington university is more selective (12.1% vs 16.8% acceptance); Washington university has a higher median SAT (1530 vs 1480).
Virginia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($87K vs $86K); Virginia has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.6% vs 94.3%).
Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($59,512 vs $65,790); Washington university offers a larger average aid package ($75,604 vs $37,123).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Washington university | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #23 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | #69 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 12.1% | 16.8% |
| Yield rate | 46.7% | 40% |
| Median SAT | 1530 | 1480 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.20 | — |
| Number of applications | 32,754 | 58,951 |
| International students | 27% | 12% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $87K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $88K | $79K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $137K | $130K |
| Graduation rate | 94.3% | 95.6% |
| Retention rate | 95% | 97.9% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $65,790 | $59,512 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,604 | $37,123 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $26,666 | $25,137 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 16,357 | 26,470 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Washington university or Virginia?
It's harder to get into Washington university. Washington university accepts 12.1% of applicants, while Virginia accepts 16.8%.
Do Washington university or Virginia graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $86K at Washington university and $87K at Virginia.
How much is tuition at Washington university vs Virginia?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,790 per year at Washington university and $59,512 per year at Virginia.
What SAT score do you need for Washington university or Virginia?
The median admitted SAT score is 1530 at Washington university and 1480 at Virginia; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Washington university or Virginia?
Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #23 for Washington university vs #201-300 for Virginia.
Which university offers more financial aid — Washington university or Virginia?
The average aid package is $75,604 at Washington university and $37,123 at Virginia.
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