Head-to-head · 2026
Jefferson College vs Washington University in St Louis
Compare average net price ($7,378 at Jefferson College; $21,786 at Washington University in St Louis), ROI score (13.82 vs 9.89), ten-year median earnings ($40,782 vs $86,182), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Jefferson College; 12.1% at Washington University in St Louis) using federal College Scorecard data. Jefferson College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Jefferson College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Jefferson College | Washington University in St Louis |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 13.82 ✓ | 9.89 |
| Avg net price | $7,378 ✓ | $21,786 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $40,782 | $86,182 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 12.1% |
| Graduation rate | 38.3% | 94.3% ✓ |
| Median debt | $9,285 ✓ | $17,500 |
| Enrollment | 2,552 | 7,857 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | — | 1530 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Washington University in St Louis costs $14,408 more per year than Jefferson College ($21,786 vs $7,378). Washington University in St Louis graduates report $45,400 higher median earnings after ten years ($86,182 vs $40,782). On EduGradify's model that puts Jefferson College ahead on projected ROI (13.82 vs 9.89, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Jefferson College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Washington University in St Louis reports 12.1% acceptance; Jefferson College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Jefferson College vs Washington University in St Louis, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Jefferson College or Washington University in St Louis the better value?
Jefferson College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (13.82 vs 9.89), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Jefferson College is cheaper — average net price $7,378 per year vs $21,786 at Washington University in St Louis. The annual difference of $14,408 adds up to about $57,632 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Washington University in St Louis reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $86,182 vs $40,782 at Jefferson College. The annual gap in the federal data is $45,400.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Jefferson College reports a A value grade; Washington University in St Louis reports B.