Washington University in St Louis vs Saint Louis University: which has better ROI?
Washington University in St Louis has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $87,144 in 2.3 years versus 4.4 years at Saint Louis University, on median earnings of $86,182 vs $70,783 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Washington University in St Louis | Saint Louis University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $21,786 | $24,398 |
| Total net cost | $87,144 | $97,592 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $86,182 | $70,783 |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $25,000 |
| Payback | 2.3 yrs | 4.4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $669,296 | $350,868 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Washington University in St Louis or Saint Louis University?
Washington University in St Louis, at $21,786 a year after aid versus $24,398 — a gap of $2,612 a year, or $10,448 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Washington University in St Louis or Saint Louis University graduates earn more?
Washington University in St Louis graduates report a median $86,182 ten years after entry, $15,399 more than the $70,783 at Saint Louis University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Washington University in St Louis or Saint Louis University?
Washington University in St Louis: its completers carry a median $17,500 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Saint Louis University, a difference of $7,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
94% of students finish at Washington University in St Louis, against 80% at Saint Louis University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.