Chatham vs. W&J

Comparable Facts

Compare Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA with Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Chatham University is larger than W&J based on total student enrollment (2,309 students vs. 1,309 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chatham University is located in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting); Washington & Jefferson College is in Washington, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Chatham University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington & Jefferson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chatham University 10:1; Washington & Jefferson College 11:1.

Chatham vs. W&J Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Chatham or W&J? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Washington & Jefferson College than Chatham ($22,702 vs. $31,280).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Chatham University are 7.5% lower than at Washington & Jefferson College ($13,600 vs. $14,710).
• Chatham University is 51.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than W&J (about $15,234 more per year; $44,626.00 vs. $29,392.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 51.8% higher at Chatham than at Washington & Jefferson College (about $15,234 more per year; $44,626.00 vs. $29,392.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Chatham University as at Washington & Jefferson College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Chatham University students is 49.3% larger than aid received by Washington & Jefferson College students ($30,095 vs. $20,152).

Chatham vs. W&J Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Chatham or W&J? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between W&J and Chatham.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Chatham University (1180) is 50 points higher than at W&J (1130).
• Incoming Chatham students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at W&J).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chatham University 1070/1295; Washington & Jefferson College 1010/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chatham University 21/30; Washington & Jefferson College 19/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Chatham - Test optional; W&J - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Chatham students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at W&J (3.54).
• W&J has a higher acceptance rate (80.6%) than Chatham (62%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Chatham vs. 12.6% at W&J.

Chatham vs. W&J Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Chatham and W&J? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Washington & Jefferson College's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Chatham University's (60%).
• Graduates from Washington & Jefferson College earn a median of about $20,200 more per year than Chatham graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,900 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Chatham University graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than W&J graduates ($20,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Chatham graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than W&J graduates ($211 vs. $279).
• More W&J graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Chatham students, three years after graduation. (79% vs. 62%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.