WUSTL vs. Sewanee

Comparable Facts

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

Washington University in St Louis is larger than Sewanee based on total student enrollment (16,357 students vs. 1,724 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Washington University in St Louis is located in St. Louis, MO (Large Suburban setting); The University of the South is in Sewanee, TN (Distant Rural setting).
• Washington University in St Louis is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. The University of the South is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Washington University in St Louis 7:1; The University of the South 9:1.

WUSTL vs. Sewanee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WUSTL or Sewanee? 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 University in St Louis than Sewanee ($22,408 vs. $34,815).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at The University of the South are 26.7% lower than at Washington University in St Louis ($16,028 vs. $21,854).
• Washington University in St Louis is 17.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Sewanee (about $9,670 more per year; $65,790.00 vs. $56,120.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.2% higher at WUSTL than at The University of the South (about $9,670 more per year; $65,790.00 vs. $56,120.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at The University of the South than at Washington University in St Louis (98% vs. 49%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington University in St Louis students is 77.8% larger than aid received by The University of the South students ($66,080 vs. $37,171).

WUSTL vs. Sewanee Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington University in St Louis (1540) is 210 points higher than at Sewanee (1330).
• Incoming WUSTL students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 29 at Sewanee).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington University in St Louis 1500/1570; The University of the South 1260/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington University in St Louis 33/35; The University of the South 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WUSTL - Test optional; Sewanee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WUSTL Jan 4, 2027; Sewanee Feb 1, 2027.
• Sewanee has a higher acceptance rate (56.9%) than WUSTL (12.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 46.7% at WUSTL vs. 17.9% at Sewanee.

WUSTL vs. Sewanee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WUSTL and Sewanee? 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 The University of the South's (86%).
• Graduates from Washington University in St Louis earn a median of about $33,000 more per year than Sewanee graduates about ten years after starting college ($82,800 vs. $49,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of the South graduates have a $900 lower median loan debt than WUSTL graduates ($19,000 vs. $19,900).
• Among borrowers, Sewanee graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WUSTL graduates ($196 vs. $205).
• More WUSTL graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Sewanee students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 83%)

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.