WUSTL vs. University of Richmond

Comparable Facts

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

Washington University in St Louis is larger than University of Richmond based on total student enrollment (16,357 students vs. 3,722 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

WUSTL vs. University of Richmond Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WUSTL or University of Richmond? 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 University of Richmond ($22,408 vs. $30,037).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Richmond are 21.6% lower than at Washington University in St Louis ($17,140 vs. $21,854).
• Washington University in St Louis is 0.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Richmond (about $560 more per year; $65,790.00 vs. $65,230.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.9% higher at WUSTL than at University of Richmond (about $560 more per year; $65,790.00 vs. $65,230.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Richmond than at Washington University in St Louis (56% vs. 49%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington University in St Louis students is 29.5% larger than aid received by University of Richmond students ($66,080 vs. $51,039).

WUSTL vs. University of Richmond Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington University in St Louis (1540) is 70 points higher than at University of Richmond (1470).
• Incoming WUSTL students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 34) as students at University of Richmond (34).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington University in St Louis 1500/1570; University of Richmond 1410/1530.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington University in St Louis 33/35; University of Richmond 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WUSTL - Test optional; University of Richmond - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WUSTL Jan 4, 2027; University of Richmond Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WUSTL students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.92) than students at University of Richmond (3.71).
• University of Richmond has a higher acceptance rate (22.2%) than WUSTL (12.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 46.7% at WUSTL vs. 23.5% at University of Richmond.

WUSTL vs. University of Richmond Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WUSTL and University of Richmond? 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 University of Richmond's (83%).
• Graduates from Washington University in St Louis earn a median of about $8,900 more per year than University of Richmond graduates about ten years after starting college ($82,800 vs. $73,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington University in St Louis graduates have a $1,248 lower median loan debt than University of Richmond graduates ($19,900 vs. $21,148).
• Among borrowers, WUSTL graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Richmond graduates ($205 vs. $218).
• More WUSTL graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Richmond students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 75%)

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.