Washington University in St Louis — ROI, Cost & Payback
Washington University in St Louis charges a net price of $21,786/yr after aid — a 4-year total of $87,144. Graduates earn a median $86,182 ten years after entry, $37,822/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline, clearing the total in 2.3 years — a 20-year net return of $669,296, a strong payback — the degree clears its cost fast. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
Washington University in St Louis's 2.3-year payback ranks #110 of 1,280 US colleges we track — better ROI than 91% of them, and #3 of 71 in Missouri.
| Measure | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Net price (after aid) | $21,786/yr | Scorecard, 2026 |
| Total net cost (4 yrs) | $87,144 | our math |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry | $86,182 | Scorecard, 2026 |
| Earnings premium over HS baseline | $37,822/yr | our math |
| Median debt (completers) | $17,500 | Scorecard, 2026 |
| Payback | 2.3 yrs | our math |
| 20-year net return | $669,296 | our math |
College Scorecard (2026 release), institution-level · payback and returns are our math.
The arithmetic, on Washington University in St Louis's own numbers. Net price $21,786 × 4 years = $87,144 total. Median earnings $86,182 − the $48,360 high-school baseline = $37,822 a year of premium. $87,144 ÷ $37,822 = 2.3 years to break even; twenty years of that premium minus the cost leaves $669,296. Future dollars are not discounted, and the earnings figure blends every major here — your programme can beat or miss it. Full method.
How much debt do Washington University in St Louis students graduate with?
A median $17,500 in federal loans among completers, or 20% of the $86,182 its graduates earn ten years out — our math. The figure excludes private loans and students who left before finishing.
What share of Washington University in St Louis students graduate?
94% finish their degree. Spread the $87,144 bill across that completion rate and the cohort pays $92,706 per graduate produced — our math, and the figure a payback number never shows.
Is Washington University in St Louis expensive compared with other Missouri colleges?
Its $21,786 net price runs $3,700 above the $18,086 median across the 71 Missouri colleges we profile, or $14,800 more across the full degree.