WUSTL vs. Stanford

Comparable Facts

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

Stanford University is larger than WUSTL based on total student enrollment (18,625 students vs. 16,357 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Washington University in St Louis is located in St. Louis, MO (Large Suburban setting); Stanford University is in Stanford, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• Washington University in St Louis is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Stanford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Washington University in St Louis 7:1; Stanford University 6:1.

WUSTL vs. Stanford Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WUSTL or Stanford? 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 Stanford ($22,408 vs. $25,078).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Stanford University are 2.5% lower than at Washington University in St Louis ($21,315 vs. $21,854).
• Stanford University is 0.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than WUSTL (about $120 more per year; $65,910.00 vs. $65,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.2% higher at Stanford than at Washington University in St Louis (about $120 more per year; $65,910.00 vs. $65,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Stanford University than at Washington University in St Louis (61% vs. 49%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington University in St Louis students is 5.3% larger than aid received by Stanford University students ($66,080 vs. $62,755).

WUSTL vs. Stanford Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Stanford University (1550) is 10 points higher than at WUSTL (1540).
• Incoming WUSTL students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 34) as students at Stanford (34).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington University in St Louis 1500/1570; Stanford University 1510/1580.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington University in St Louis 33/35; Stanford University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WUSTL - Test optional; Stanford - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: WUSTL Jan 4, 2027; Stanford Jan 2, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Stanford students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.96) than students at WUSTL (3.92).
• WUSTL has a higher acceptance rate (12.1%) than Stanford (3.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 46.7% at WUSTL vs. 81.9% at Stanford.

WUSTL vs. Stanford Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WUSTL and Stanford? 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).

• Stanford University's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than Washington University in St Louis's (93%).
• Graduates from Stanford University earn a median of about $40,100 more per year than WUSTL graduates about ten years after starting college ($122,900 vs. $82,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Stanford University graduates have a $7,425 lower median loan debt than WUSTL graduates ($12,475 vs. $19,900).
• Among borrowers, Stanford graduates have an estimated $77 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WUSTL graduates ($128 vs. $205).
• More WUSTL graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Stanford students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 88%)

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.