Explore alternatives based on outcomes, location, cost, and admission difficulty
Given Washington University's 12% acceptance rate, most applicants face significant admission uncertainty. Smart students build balanced college lists including alternatives with stronger outcomes, better admission odds, or improved affordability.
These schools offer higher acceptance rates while delivering comparable career outcomes.
For similar outcomes with better admission odds, consider Saint Joseph's University (86% acceptance, $86,881 median earnings) or Drexel University (78% acceptance, $84,648 median earnings), both offering comparable career prospects with far more accessible admission. Missouri University of Science and Technology provides strong STEM outcomes at $82,957 median earnings with 73% acceptance rates and in-state location.
Strong options in the same region with comparable academic profiles.
Students wanting to remain in Missouri should consider Missouri University of Science and Technology (73% acceptance, $82,957 earnings) 93 miles away, offering strong STEM programs with more accessible admission. Saint Louis University (81% acceptance, $70,783 earnings) sits just 4 miles away with similar institutional character.
Schools with comparable admission profiles — useful for building a balanced list.
Other highly selective options include University of Pennsylvania (6% acceptance, $111,371 earnings) for stronger financial outcomes, or Emory University (11% acceptance, $80,137 earnings) with nearly identical selectivity but different geographic and cultural environment in Atlanta.
Stronger graduate earnings at comparable price points.
Elite universities with similar prestige and academic caliber
