Washington University vs West Virginia - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
These are two different admissions games: Washington University admits 12.1% of applications, West Virginia admits 89%.
The more international environment is at Washington University (9.4% international students) than West Virginia (1.7%).
Real money goes to international students at Washington University ($68,438 on average), while West Virginia stops at $21,636.
The order of prices reverses once aid is counted: Washington University starts at $94,289 against $47,480 and ends at $18,685 against $30,750 (West Virginia).
None of these figures decides on its own; what decides is which course you want to be on, and on what budget.
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 89% acceptance). Washington University ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#23 vs #501-600). Washington University graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($86K vs $56K). West Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,608 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 West Virginia for: lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Washington University is more selective (12.1% vs 89% acceptance); Washington University has a higher median SAT (1540 vs 1110).
Washington University graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($86K vs $56K); Washington University has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.3% vs 64.7%).
West Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,608 vs $69,594); Washington University offers a larger average aid package ($75,604 vs $16,730).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Washington University | West Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #23 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #69 | - |
| Acceptance rate | 12.1% | 89% |
| Yield rate | 46.7% | 26.5% |
| Median SAT | 1540 | 1110 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.19 | 3.70 |
| Number of applications | 32,754 | 20,150 |
| International students | 9.4% | 1.7% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $56K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $61K | $36K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $137K | $84K |
| Graduation rate | 94.3% | 64.7% |
| Retention rate | 95% | 83.4% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $22,500 |
| Tuition · year | $69,594 | $28,608 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,604 | $16,730 |
| % of need met | 100% | 63% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $26,666 | $36,010 |
| Application fee | $75 | $65 |
| Enrollment | 16,357 | 23,643 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Washington University or West Virginia?
It's harder to get into Washington University. Washington University accepts 12.1% of applicants, while West Virginia accepts 89%.
Do Washington University or West Virginia graduates earn more?
Washington University graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $86K vs $56K.
How much is tuition at Washington University vs West Virginia?
Sticker-price tuition is $69,594 per year at Washington University and $28,608 per year at West Virginia.
What SAT score do you need for Washington University or West Virginia?
The median admitted SAT score is 1540 at Washington University and 1110 at West Virginia; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Washington University or West Virginia?
Washington University ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #23 for Washington University vs #501-600 for West Virginia.
Which university offers more financial aid - Washington University or West Virginia?
The average aid package is $75,604 at Washington University and $16,730 at West Virginia.
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