College Comparison
Harvard University vs Washington University in St Louis
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Cambridge, MA
Saint Louis, MO
Total Enrollment
30,259
16,357
Undergrad Enrollment
8,844
8,220
Student-Faculty Ratio
7:1
7:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
3.6%
12.1%
Average GPA
4.00
3.96
SAT Range
1510–1580
1500–1570
ACT Range
34–36
33–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$85
$75
Total Applicants
54,008
32,754
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$73,849
$81,274
Avg Net Price
$16,816
$22,117
Tuition (In-State)
$52,659
$59,420
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$52,659
$59,420
Room & Board
$21,190
$21,854
% Receiving Aid
56.0%
49.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$68,015
$66,080
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
97.0%
92.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
87.0%
87.0%
Retention Rate
98.0%
95.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$101,817
$86,182
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Explore by Location
Harvard is in Cambridge, MA
Washington in St Louis is in Saint Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Harvard University is $16,816 per year, compared to $22,117 at Washington University in St Louis. Harvard University is $5,301 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Harvard University typically score between 1510-1580 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Washington University in St Louis, the typical SAT range is 1500-1570. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Harvard University has a graduation rate of 97%, while Washington University in St Louis has a graduation rate of 92%. Harvard University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Harvard University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1, while Washington University in St Louis has a ratio of 7:1. Washington University in St Louis offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Harvard University, 56% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $68,015. At Washington University in St Louis, 49% of students receive aid with an average grant of $66,080.
The median earnings for Harvard University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $101,817, compared to $86,182 for Washington University in St Louis graduates. Graduates from Harvard University tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
Harvard University is located in Cambridge, MA in a city: midsize setting. Washington University in St Louis is located in Saint Louis, MO in a suburb: large setting.

