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Washington University in St Louis vs Western Governors University

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

13
Washington Wins
19
Tied / N/A
14
Western Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Suburban
Setting
Suburban
Plains
Region
Rocky Mountains
7,857
Enrollment
155,088
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

12%
Acceptance Rate
N/A
1530
SAT Average
N/A
34
ACT Midpoint
N/A
1500-1570
SAT Range
N/A

Cost & Financial Aid

$65,790
In-State Tuition
$8,658
$65,790
Out-of-State Tuition
$8,658
$21,786
Average Net Price
$12,548
$1,716
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$12,064
$1,928
Net Price ($30-48K)
$12,436
$5,578
Net Price ($48-75K)
$12,578
$42,170
Net Price ($110K+)
$12,734
18%
Pell Grant Rate
39%
12%
Federal Loan Rate
43%

Academics

94%
Graduation Rate
48%
95%
Retention Rate
65%
73%
Full-Time Faculty
75%
$16,945
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$6,375
11%
First-Gen Students
47%

Student Body

53%
Female
69%
40%
White
50%
13%
Hispanic
16%
9%
Black
14%
21%
Asian
4%
0.76
Diversity Index
0.70

Outcomes

$78,073
Earnings (6yr)
$69,572
$81,347
Earnings (8yr)
$68,924
$86,182
Earnings (10yr)
$60,615
$17,500
Median Debt
$11,116
0.2x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.18x
84%
Earning Above HS
71%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

103.72%
Mobility Rate
N/A
5350.8%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
N/A
193.8%
From Bottom 20%
N/A
$180,200
Parent Median Income
N/A

Social Capital

1.83
Economic Connectedness
N/A
0.00
Friending Bias
N/A
11.1%
Volunteering Rate
N/A

Research (Times HE)

#38
World Rank
N/A
58.9
Teaching Score
N/A
63
Research Score
N/A
88.6
Citations Score
N/A

The Overviews

Washington University in St Louis

St. Louis, MO · Private nonprofit

12% accept 94% grad $86,182 earnings $21,786 net

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

48% grad $60,615 earnings $12,548 net

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.

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