West virginia vs Washington university — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
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 (#501-600 vs #23). Washington university graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($86K vs $56K). West virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,608 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 West virginia for: lower tuition.
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 89% acceptance); Washington university has a higher median SAT (1530 vs 1122).
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 $65,790); Washington university offers a larger average aid package ($75,604 vs $16,730).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | West virginia | Washington university |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #23 |
| Rank · THE | — | #69 |
| Acceptance rate | 89% | 12.1% |
| Yield rate | 26.5% | 46.7% |
| Median SAT | 1122 | 1530 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.70 | 4.20 |
| Number of applications | 20,150 | 32,754 |
| International students | 5% | 27% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $56K | $86K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $53K | $88K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $84K | $137K |
| Graduation rate | 64.7% | 94.3% |
| Retention rate | 83.4% | 95% |
| Median debt | $22,500 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $28,608 | $65,790 |
| Avg. aid package | $16,730 | $75,604 |
| % of need met | 63% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $36,010 | $26,666 |
| Application fee | $65 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 23,643 | 16,357 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into West virginia or Washington university?
It's harder to get into Washington university. West virginia accepts 89% of applicants, while Washington university accepts 12.1%.
Do West virginia or Washington university graduates earn more?
Washington university graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $86K vs $56K.
How much is tuition at West virginia vs Washington university?
Sticker-price tuition is $28,608 per year at West virginia and $65,790 per year at Washington university.
What SAT score do you need for West virginia or Washington university?
The median admitted SAT score is 1122 at West virginia and 1530 at Washington university; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — West virginia or Washington university?
Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for West virginia vs #23 for Washington university.
Which university offers more financial aid — West virginia or Washington university?
The average aid package is $16,730 at West virginia and $75,604 at Washington university.
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