Head-to-head comparison
Emory University vs. Washington University in St. Louis
Real published data on acceptance rates, cost, and outcomes. Side by side.
Calculate your odds at bothIs Emory or WashU harder to get into?
Emory is harder to get into than WashU. Emory's 10.7% acceptance rate is lower than WashU's 12.1%.
Which is cheaper, Emory or WashU?
WashU costs less on average. After grants and scholarships, WashU's average net price is $21,786 vs $22,585 at Emory.
Which has higher post-graduation earnings?
WashU graduates earn more on average. Median earnings 10 years after entry are $80,137 at Emory and $86,182 at WashU.
Full Comparison
| Metric | Emory | WashU |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 10.7% | 12.1% |
| SAT mid-50% | 1470–1550 | 1500–1570 |
| ACT mid-50% | 32–35 | 33–35 |
| Cost of attendance | $83,622 | $91,290 |
| Avg net price (after aid) | $22,585 | $21,786 |
| Undergrad enrollment | 7,298 | 8,132 |
| 6-yr graduation rate | 91.1% | 94.3% |
| Median earnings (10yr) | $80,137 | $86,182 |
| Setting | Atlanta, Georgia | St. Louis, Missouri |
Sources: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (IPEDS) and school-published admit cycle data. Last verified May 2026.
The Real Differences
Emory is modestly harder to get into. The 1.4-point gap matters at the margin but doesn't change the overall difficulty tier. Both schools draw similar applicant pools and admit similar profiles.
Net cost is essentially the same at both schools after grants and scholarships, despite different sticker prices. Both schools meet most demonstrated need for in-range income brackets.
Geographic difference matters more than the campus tour suggests. Emory is in Atlanta, Georgia; WashU is in St. Louis, Missouri. Climate, cost-of-living, and proximity to job markets in your target field shape the four-year experience and post-grad pipeline more than most prospective students realize.
Emory has a more international student body (15.8% non-resident students vs 9.0%). For applicants who value global exposure or have international academic interests, that mix shows up in classroom culture and alumni network.
Student Body Composition
The two schools have different student body compositions. Emory is 56.8% women, 15.8% international, and 25.1% Asian-American. WashU is 54.5% women, 9.0% international, and 20.9% Asian-American.
| Demographic | Emory | WashU |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 56.8% | 54.5% |
| International | 15.8% | 9.0% |
| White | 29.9% | 39.7% |
| Asian | 25.1% | 20.9% |
| Hispanic | 12.1% | 13.2% |
| Black | 10.4% | 8.7% |
Personalized estimate
What are your odds at Emory vs. WashU?
Get a probability for both schools calibrated to your full profile, not the headline rate.
Run the calculatorThe Verdict
Pick Emory if
- the Emory and Oxford College campuses
Pick WashU if
- Your odds are realistic at WashU (slightly easier admit)
- Net price matters: WashU costs $799 less per year on average
- Higher median post-grad earnings ($86,182 vs $80,137)
- Higher 6-year graduation rate
- flexibility to pursue multiple majors across schools
Headline numbers favor one school or the other on each axis, but neither is unambiguously “better.” The right answer depends on your major fit, geographic preference, financial need, and personal odds at each. Most applicants who get into one of these schools also get into the other.
Full School Pages
For complete admissions data, supplemental essay strategy, and class profile breakdowns:
Full profile
Emory University
10.7% accept · Atlanta, Georgia
Full profile
Washington University in St. Louis
12.1% accept · St. Louis, Missouri
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard for acceptance rates, test ranges, financial aid, demographics, completion, and earnings.
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) for the underlying federal data.
- Each school's most recent published Common Data Set for cycle-specific admissions stats.
Last verified May 2026. Stats reflect each school's most recent publicly published admit cycle.