Washington University combines highly selective admissions with exceptional return on investment, ranking at the 97.4th percentile nationally. As a Selective Achievers institution, the university delivers top-tier earnings outcomes while maintaining well-controlled debt levels significantly below peer institutions.
And among the highest we track
With above average performance, reflecting controlled costs and moderate debt levels
With well above average performance, reflecting above-typical enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students for a highly selective institution
With well above average performance, indicating effectiveness in translating educational opportunity into economic advancement
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisExceptional return on investment nationally
Washington University In St Louis ranks #103 nationally with top-tier performance at the 93.7th percentile, leading with exceptional return on investment at the 97.4th percentile. Located in Saint Louis, Missouri, this medium-sized private nonprofit university maintains highly selective admission standards with a 12.0% acceptance rate while delivering outstanding post-graduation outcomes.
Washington University enrolls 15.9% Pell-eligible students and 11.4% first-generation students, reflecting its position as a Selective Achiever institution that combines limited low-income access with strong outcomes. Graduates earn $2,820 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 66.7th percentile nationally.
Median earnings reach $86,182 ten years after enrollment, placing Washington University in the 96.0th percentile for long-term earnings and among the top 5% nationally. Compared to a peer median of $63,066, graduates earn $23,116 more annually, demonstrating the substantial earnings premium associated with this institution.
Washington University delivers exceptional return on investment through strong earnings outcomes combined with controlled debt levels. Graduates earn a median of $86,182 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 96.0th percentile nationally and placing the institution among the top 5% for long-term earnings.
Earnings range from $60,733 at the 25th percentile to $137,446 at the 75th percentile, reflecting varied career paths across disciplines with substantial upside potential. Low-income graduates earn $92,000, ranking among the top 5% nationally, indicating strong outcomes for students from lower-income backgrounds who gain admission.
Students seeking exceptional return on investment at a highly selective institution, particularly those pursuing business, engineering, or computer science. Well-suited for high-achieving students who value prestige alongside strong earnings outcomes and can manage competitive admission standards at a medium-sized private research university.
Washington University admits approximately 12.0% of applicants, meaning roughly 1 in 8 applicants receives an offer of admission. This places Washington University among the most selective universities in the United States, falling within the Highly Selective tier (10-25% acceptance rate).
The peer median admission rate of 70.6% highlights the stark difference between Washington University's selectivity and typical four-year institutions, with Washington University admitting 58.6 percentage points fewer applicants than peer institutions. This level of selectivity means that even exceptionally qualified students face significant uncertainty in the admission process.
Many students who would thrive at Washington University do not receive admission due to the competitive applicant pool and limited enrollment capacity. Students considering Washington University should build comprehensive college lists that include schools with higher acceptance rates but comparable academic quality and career outcomes.
Treating Washington University as a reach school regardless of qualifications represents sound application strategy, given that highly qualified applicants routinely face rejection at institutions with sub-15% acceptance rates.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Washington University's published cost of attendance reaches $83,476 annually, including $62,982 in tuition, $20,778 for room and board, and $1,264 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with an average net price of $22,117—a savings of $61,359 from the sticker price.
This net price falls $5,026 below the peer median of $27,143, indicating stronger affordability than similar institutions despite the high published cost. The substantial gap between sticker price and average net price reflects Washington University's commitment to need-based financial aid, making the institution more accessible than the published cost suggests.
Net prices vary dramatically by family income, ranging from $4,391 for families earning under $30,000 to $42,712 for families earning over $110,000. This progressive pricing structure demonstrates the institution's focus on making attendance possible for students from diverse economic backgrounds, with the most generous aid directed toward lower-income families.
The $38,321 difference between lowest and highest income tiers shows how family financial circumstances significantly impact the actual cost of attendance.
Washington University graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth with exceptional final outcomes. Median earnings progress from $78,073 six years after enrollment to $81,347 at eight years and $86,182 at ten years, representing 10.4% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 822 graduates, providing high confidence in the reported figures and reflecting substantial program diversity. Graduates earn $2,820 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Washington University at the 66.7th percentile for earnings uplift.
Low-income graduates earn $92,000, ranking among the top 5% nationally and demonstrating the institution's effectiveness in serving students from diverse economic backgrounds. Earnings span from $60,733 at the 25th percentile to $137,446 at the 75th percentile, a 2.3:1 ratio reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory.
Approximately 29.5% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating strong preparation for both advanced education and immediate workforce entry.
Banking and Financial Support Services.
160 graduates
Business/Managerial Economics.
68 graduates
Computer Science.
180 graduates
Chemical Engineering, Other.
42 graduates
Mechanical Engineering.
104 graduates
Washington University offers 18 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for ranking analysis. Banking and Financial Support Services ranks #2 nationally and #1 in Missouri, producing 160 graduates with exceptional median earnings of $152,625 and a value score of 99.5.
Business/Managerial Economics ranks #2 nationally and #1 in Missouri, graduating 68 students with median earnings of $106,701 and a value score of 98.0. Computer Science ranks #60 nationally and #1 in Missouri, with 180 graduates earning $99,517 and representing the largest program by enrollment.
Applied Economics ranks #39 nationally and #1 in Missouri, graduating 116 students with median earnings of $80,729. Systems Engineering ranks #5 nationally and #1 in Missouri, producing 70 graduates with median earnings of $78,343.
The university demonstrates particular strength in business and STEM fields, with multiple programs achieving top national rankings.
Consider these schools with similar outcomes but higher acceptance rates:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Missouri University Of Science And Technology Higher acceptance rate (61.1 percentage points higher) and located 93 miles away; similar graduate earnings | MO | 73% | $82,957 | Compare |
Saint Joseph's University Higher acceptance rate (74.4 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | PA | 86% | $86,881 | Compare |
Drexel University Higher acceptance rate (65.6 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | PA | 78% | $84,648 | Compare |
Missouri University Of Science And Technology Same state (93 miles away) with nearly identical earnings | MO | 73% | $82,957 | Compare |
Saint Louis University Same state (4 miles away) (earnings difference: 17.9%); same institution type | MO | 81% | $70,783 | Compare |
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Northwestern University Similar quality tier in Midwest (#102 ranked) | IL | 7% | $89,363 | #102 | Compare |
Comprehensive Analysis
Detailed metrics, charts, and full data breakdown
Financial GPS Tool
Personalized cost and earnings calculator
This is the Washington University In St Louis hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/washington-university-in-st-louis/analysis.
Carnegie Mellon University Similar quality tier (#106 ranked) | PA | 11% | $114,862 | #106 | Compare |
University Of Notre Dame Similar quality tier in Midwest (#94 ranked) | IN | 12% | $99,980 | #94 | Compare |
Duke University Similar quality tier (#93 ranked) | NC | 7% | $97,800 | #93 | Compare |
Rice University Similar quality tier (#90 ranked) | TX | 8% | $89,718 | #90 | Compare |
