Head-to-Head Comparison
University of Chicago vs Washington University in St Louis
- Chicago Wins
- 29
- Tied
- 11
- Washington St Wins
- 14
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Chicago offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $14,860 vs Washington University in St Louis's $21,786, University of Chicago delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Chicago's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Chicago
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $91,885 ten years after enrollment, 7% more than Washington University in St Louis
- Lower cost: Average net price of $14,860, roughly $6,926 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $15,000, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.9%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 4% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #12
Washington St
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Chicago graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (40% of degrees); Washington St in Engineering (14%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick University of Chicago over Washington University in St Louis. Median earnings of $91,885 ten years after enrollment vs $86,182.
Pick University of Chicago over Washington University in St Louis. Net price $14,860 vs $21,786.
Pick University of Chicago over Washington University in St Louis. THE World Rank #12 vs #38.
Pick University of Chicago over Washington University in St Louis. 1.9% mobility rate vs 1%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
University of Chicago and Washington University in St Louis are close on paper, but University of Chicago wins the head-to-head, leading on 6 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
University of Chicago is the harder admit. It takes 4% of applicants, while Washington University in St Louis takes 12%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,554 to 1,530.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of Chicago sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, University of Chicago comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $14,860, about $6,926 a year below Washington University in St Louis's $21,786. Graduates of University of Chicago also borrow less: median debt of $15,000, against $17,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $27,704 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Chicago leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of Chicago graduates report median earnings of $91,885, compared with $86,182 at Washington University in St Louis. That is a 7% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Chicago has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.16x to 0.2x.
So what: An earnings gap of 7% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Moving people up
University of Chicago does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.9%; at Washington University in St Louis, it is 1%. University of Chicago also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 4.3% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.9%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, University of Chicago offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, University of Chicago sits higher, at #12 versus #38.
So what: Research rank matters most for students headed to graduate school or hoping to work in faculty labs. For undergraduates going straight into the job market, it is a weak predictor of earnings.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of Chicago to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. University of Chicago concentrates enrollment in Mathematics & Statistics, Computer Science & IT, while Washington University in St Louis leans toward Engineering, Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: Washington University in St Louis has the stronger engineering programs.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $21,786 runs well above University of Chicago's $14,860.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $17,500, against $15,000 at University of Chicago.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Chicago holds onto its admits more tightly: 88% of admitted students enroll, versus 48% at Washington St — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Test scores matter less at Washington St, where only about 61% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit
The University of Chicago has an acceptance rate of just 4%, making it one of the most selective institutions in the country. This means students face stiff competition to gain admission, but those who do become part of a community committed to academic excellence. With a graduation rate of 95%, students are likely to earn their degrees and move on to successful careers.
Graduates from the University of Chicago report impressive earnings. After ten years, their median income reaches $91,885. This level of financial success reflects the school’s strong academic programs, particularly in social sciences, biology, and computer science. While the Pell Grant rate is 15%, indicating that a portion of students come from low-income backgrounds, the institution does not provide specific data on economic mobility.
The cost of attendance is $14,860, and the median debt for graduates stands at $15,000. This relatively low debt compared to earnings suggests that students can manage their finances effectively after graduation. The University of Chicago is ideal for high-achieving students who thrive in a rigorous academic environment and are motivated to leverage their education for financial success.
Washington University in St Louis
St. Louis, MO · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 12%, Washington University in St. Louis attracts driven students looking for a rigorous academic environment. It’s a great fit for those interested in fields like engineering, biology, social sciences, computer science, and business. The graduation rate of 94% reflects a supportive community that helps students succeed and achieve their goals.
Life after graduation looks promising, with alumni reporting an average earnings of $86,182 ten years out. This figure highlights the potential for financial stability in a variety of career paths. While nearly 18% of students receive Pell Grants, the school’s commitment to affordability helps ensure that students from different economic backgrounds can thrive.
On the financial side, the net price after aid stands at $21,786, and the median debt for graduates is $17,500. This manageable debt load suggests that students here often leave school with a solid foundation for their financial futures. Those who tend to thrive are often self-motivated and eager to engage deeply with their studies and the campus community.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Chicago and Washington University in St Louis appear together in 7 rankings. On the Highest-Yield Colleges (Most-Loved), University of Chicago ranks #1 — University of Chicago outranks Washington University in St Louis by 26 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Chicago's top program is Sociology (40% of enrollment), while Washington St leads with Mechanical Engineering (14%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Chicago) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Washington St).
The two schools feed different job markets. University of Chicago is strongest in Mathematics & Statistics, Computer Science & IT, while Washington University in St Louis concentrates in Engineering, Business & Marketing. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into University of Chicago or Washington University in St Louis?
University of Chicago is harder to get into, admitting 4% of applicants compared with 12% at Washington University in St Louis.
Which is more affordable, University of Chicago or Washington University in St Louis?
University of Chicago is more affordable, with an average net price of $14,860 after aid versus $21,786 at Washington University in St Louis.
Do University of Chicago or Washington University in St Louis graduates earn more?
University of Chicago graduates earn more: median earnings of $91,885 ten years after enrollment, versus $86,182 at Washington University in St Louis.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of Chicago or Washington University in St Louis?
University of Chicago has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 94%.
University of Chicago vs Washington University in St Louis: which is better for social mobility?
University of Chicago is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.9% versus 1%.
Should you choose University of Chicago or Washington University in St Louis?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Chicago if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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