WUSTL vs. Union University

Comparable Facts

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

Washington University in St Louis is larger than Union University based on total student enrollment (16,357 students vs. 2,713 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Washington University in St Louis is located in St. Louis, MO (Large Suburban setting); Union University is in Jackson, TN (Small City setting).
• Washington University in St Louis is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Washington University in St Louis 7:1; Union University 9:1.

WUSTL vs. Union University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WUSTL or Union 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 Washington University in St Louis than Union University ($22,408 vs. $28,452).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union University are 41.5% lower than at Washington University in St Louis ($12,780 vs. $21,854).
• Washington University in St Louis is 64.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Union University (about $25,765 more per year; $65,790.00 vs. $40,025.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 64.4% higher at WUSTL than at Union University (about $25,765 more per year; $65,790.00 vs. $40,025.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union University than at Washington University in St Louis (100% vs. 49%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington University in St Louis students is 119.4% larger than aid received by Union University students ($66,080 vs. $30,120).

WUSTL vs. Union University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington University in St Louis (1540) is 260 points higher than at Union University (1280).
• Incoming WUSTL students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 26 at Union University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington University in St Louis 1500/1570; Union University 1160/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington University in St Louis 33/35; Union University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WUSTL - Test optional; Union University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: WUSTL Jan 4, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WUSTL students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.92) than students at Union University (3.8).
• Union University has a higher acceptance rate (60.4%) than WUSTL (12.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 46.7% at WUSTL vs. 30.1% at Union University.

WUSTL vs. Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WUSTL and Union 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 Union University's (61%).
• Graduates from Washington University in St Louis earn a median of about $34,600 more per year than Union University graduates about ten years after starting college ($82,800 vs. $48,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington University in St Louis graduates have a $4,940 lower median loan debt than Union University graduates ($19,900 vs. $24,840).
• Among borrowers, WUSTL graduates have an estimated $51 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Union University graduates ($205 vs. $256).
• More WUSTL graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Union University students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 66%)

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.