WUSTL vs. Fisk University

Comparable Facts

Compare Washington University in St Louis in St. Louis, MO with Fisk University in Nashville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Washington University in St Louis is larger than Fisk University based on total student enrollment (16,357 students vs. 1,059 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Washington University in St Louis is located in St. Louis, MO (Large Suburban setting); Fisk University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Washington University in St Louis is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Fisk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Washington University in St Louis 7:1; Fisk University 12:1.

WUSTL vs. Fisk University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WUSTL or Fisk University? 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 Fisk University than WUSTL ($18,595 vs. $22,408).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fisk University are 33.5% lower than at Washington University in St Louis ($14,540 vs. $21,854).
• Washington University in St Louis is 154.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fisk University (about $39,932 more per year; $65,790.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 154.4% higher at WUSTL than at Fisk University (about $39,932 more per year; $65,790.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fisk University than at Washington University in St Louis (87% vs. 49%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington University in St Louis students is 189.7% larger than aid received by Fisk University students ($66,080 vs. $22,811).

WUSTL vs. Fisk University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WUSTL or Fisk University? 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 Fisk University and WUSTL .

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington University in St Louis (1540) is 210 points higher than at Fisk University (1330).
• Incoming WUSTL students have a 13 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 21 at Fisk University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington University in St Louis 1500/1570; Fisk University 1140/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington University in St Louis 33/35; Fisk University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WUSTL - Test optional; Fisk University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WUSTL Jan 4, 2027; Fisk University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WUSTL students have a 0.82 point higher average high school GPA (3.92) than students at Fisk University (3.1).
• Fisk University has a higher acceptance rate (37.4%) than WUSTL (12.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 46.7% at WUSTL vs. 8.8% at Fisk University.

WUSTL vs. Fisk University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WUSTL and Fisk University? 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 University in St Louis's six-year graduation rate (93%) is higher than Fisk University's (45%).
• Graduates from Washington University in St Louis earn a median of about $46,900 more per year than Fisk University graduates about ten years after starting college ($82,800 vs. $35,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington University in St Louis graduates have a $6,100 lower median loan debt than Fisk University graduates ($19,900 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, WUSTL graduates have an estimated $63 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fisk University graduates ($205 vs. $268).
• More WUSTL graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fisk University students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 38%)

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.