Head-to-Head Comparison
Washington University in St Louis vs Western Governors University
- Washington St Wins
- 13
- Tied
- 25
- Western Governors Wins
- 16
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Western Governors University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Washington University in St Louis achieves a higher graduation rate (94% vs 48%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $21,786 compared to Western Governors University's $12,548 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Western Governors University'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
Washington St
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $86,182 ten years after enrollment, 42% more than Western Governors University
- Higher grad rate: 94% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
Western Governors
- Lower cost: Average net price of $12,548, roughly $9,238 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $11,116, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Washington St graduates concentrate in Engineering (14% of degrees); Western Governors in Business & Marketing (28%). 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 Western Governors University. Median earnings of $86,182 ten years after enrollment vs $60,615.
Pick Western Governors University over Washington University in St Louis. Net price $12,548 vs $21,786.
Pick Washington University in St Louis over Western Governors University. 94% completion rate vs 48%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Washington University in St Louis and Western Governors University split the core measures almost evenly. Neither comes out a clean winner, so the choice rests on which of these dimensions you care about most.
What it costs
On price, Western Governors University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $12,548, about $9,238 a year below Washington University in St Louis's $21,786. Graduates of Western Governors University also borrow less: median debt of $11,116, against $17,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $36,952 before any change in aid. Choosing Western Governors University 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 $60,615 at Western Governors University. That is a 42% advantage. Set against borrowing, Western Governors University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.18x to 0.2x.
So what: An earnings gap of 42% 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 48%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 46% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Western Governors University to keep costs and debt down; pick Washington University in St Louis for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: Medium. Both schools report 4 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Western Governors University saves about $9,238 a year, yet Washington University in St Louis graduates earn $25,567 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. Washington University in St Louis concentrates enrollment in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, Social Sciences, while Western Governors University leans toward Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Computer Science & IT. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $21,786 runs well above Western Governors University's $12,548.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $17,500, against $11,116 at Western Governors University.
- Business and consulting-track students: Washington University in St Louis has less business program depth, and Western Governors University offers the stronger options.
- Engineering-focused students: Washington University in St Louis has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Western Governors University's enrollment of 155,088 far exceeds Washington University in St Louis's 7,857.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Washington St offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Western Governors does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
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
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.
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of 155,088 students, Western Governors University in Salt Lake City stands out as a solid choice for those seeking flexibility in their education. It caters well to non-traditional students, particularly in fields like Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, Education, and Engineering. The online format allows for self-paced learning, which is ideal for working adults or those balancing multiple responsibilities.
Looking at life after graduation, students can expect a median earning of $60,615 ten years post-degree. This figure suggests that graduates are finding solid job opportunities. While the graduation rate is 48%, the income potential indicates that those who complete their programs are likely to see a good return on their investment, despite the challenges that might come with juggling work and studies.
On the practical side, the net price after aid comes in at $12,548, with a median debt of $11,116. This suggests that many students can manage their educational expenses without overwhelming debt. Those who thrive here are typically self-motivated individuals who appreciate the autonomy of an online learning environment, making it a good fit for those ready to take charge of their education and career paths.
Rankings They Appear On
Washington University in St Louis is featured on the Best Colleges in Missouri ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Washington St's top program is Mechanical Engineering (14% of enrollment), while Western Governors leads with Business Administration (28%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Washington St) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Western Governors).
The two schools feed different job markets. Washington University in St Louis is strongest in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, Social Sciences, while Western Governors University concentrates in Health Professions, Computer Science & IT, Education. 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
Which is more affordable, Washington University in St Louis or Western Governors University?
Western Governors University is more affordable, with an average net price of $12,548 after aid versus $21,786 at Washington University in St Louis.
Do Washington University in St Louis or Western Governors University graduates earn more?
Washington University in St Louis graduates earn more: median earnings of $86,182 ten years after enrollment, versus $60,615 at Western Governors University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Washington University in St Louis or Western Governors University?
Washington University in St Louis has the higher graduation rate, 94% versus 48%.
Should you choose Washington University in St Louis or Western Governors University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Western Governors University 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.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do Washington St and Western Governors stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.
