Head-to-Head Comparison
University of Florida vs Washington University in St Louis
- Florida Wins
- 17
- Tied
- 11
- Washington St Wins
- 26
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Florida offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Washington University in St Louis achieves a higher graduation rate (94% vs 91%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $21,786 compared to University of Florida's $6,541. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Florida'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
Florida
- Lower cost: Average net price of $6,541, roughly $15,245 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $15,000, the lower of the two
Washington St
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $86,182 ten years after enrollment, 20% more than University of Florida
- Higher grad rate: 94% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 12% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #38
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Florida graduates concentrate in Engineering (15% 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 Washington University in St Louis over University of Florida. Median earnings of $86,182 ten years after enrollment vs $71,588.
Pick University of Florida over Washington University in St Louis. Net price $6,541 vs $21,786.
Pick Washington University in St Louis over University of Florida. THE World Rank #38 vs #125.
Pick Washington University in St Louis over University of Florida. 1% mobility rate vs 0.4%.
Pick Washington University in St Louis over University of Florida. 94% completion rate vs 91%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
University of Florida and Washington University in St Louis are close on paper, but Washington University in St Louis wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Washington University in St Louis is the harder admit. It takes 12% of applicants, while University of Florida takes 24%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,403 to 1,530.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Washington University in St Louis 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 Florida comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $6,541, about $15,245 a year below Washington University in St Louis's $21,786. Graduates of University of Florida also borrow less: median debt of $15,000, against $17,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $60,980 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Florida leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Washington University in St Louis graduates report median earnings of $86,182, compared with $71,588 at University of Florida. That is a 20% advantage. Set against borrowing, Washington University in St Louis has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.2x to 0.21x.
So what: An earnings gap of 20% 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.
Finishing the degree
Washington University in St Louis graduates a larger share of its students, 94% versus 91%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 3% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
Washington University in St Louis does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1%; at University of Florida, it is 0.4%. University of Florida also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 27700% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.9%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Washington University in St Louis 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, Washington University in St Louis sits higher, at #38 versus #125.
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 Florida to keep costs and debt down; pick Washington University in St Louis for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of Florida saves about $15,245 a year, yet Washington University in St Louis graduates earn $14,594 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. University of Florida concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, while Washington University in St Louis leans toward Social Sciences. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Florida's enrollment of 35,629 far exceeds Washington University in St Louis's 7,857.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $21,786 runs well above University of Florida's $6,541.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $17,500, against $15,000 at University of Florida.
- Business and consulting-track students: Washington University in St Louis has less business program depth, and University of Florida offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Washington St holds onto its admits more tightly: 48% of admitted students enroll, versus 42% at Florida — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Washington St offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Florida does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. 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 Florida
Gainesville, FL · Public
The University of Florida has a graduation rate of 91%. This high rate reflects the school's commitment to student success and academic support. With nearly 36,000 students enrolled, it stands as a large public institution that excels in helping students complete their degrees.
According to Opportunity Insights data, the University of Florida ranks well for upward mobility, particularly for students from lower-income backgrounds. While specific mobility rates are not available, the strong graduation rate suggests that many students are able to advance economically after earning their degrees. Graduates tend to see significant earnings growth, with a median income of $71,588 a decade post-graduation.
The net price for attending the University of Florida is $6,541, making it an affordable option for many students. With a median debt of only $15,000, graduates can enter the workforce without overwhelming financial burdens. Students who thrive here often pursue programs in Engineering, Business, Biology, and Health Professions, benefiting from strong career prospects in those fields.
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 Florida is featured on the Colleges With the Highest ROI ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Mechanical Engineering as their top enrolled program field, comprising 15% of Florida's student body and 14% of Washington St's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Florida) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Washington St).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into University of Florida or Washington University in St Louis?
Washington University in St Louis is harder to get into, admitting 12% of applicants compared with 24% at University of Florida.
Which is more affordable, University of Florida or Washington University in St Louis?
University of Florida is more affordable, with an average net price of $6,541 after aid versus $21,786 at Washington University in St Louis.
Do University of Florida or Washington University in St Louis graduates earn more?
Washington University in St Louis graduates earn more: median earnings of $86,182 ten years after enrollment, versus $71,588 at University of Florida.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of Florida or Washington University in St Louis?
Washington University in St Louis has the higher graduation rate, 94% versus 91%.
University of Florida vs Washington University in St Louis: which is better for social mobility?
Washington University in St Louis is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1% versus 0.4%.
Should you choose University of Florida or Washington University in St Louis?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Florida if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Washington University in St Louis if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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