Head-to-head · 2026
Saint Louis Community College vs Washington University in St Louis
Compare average net price ($8,440 at Saint Louis Community College; $21,786 at Washington University in St Louis), ROI score (10.46 vs 9.89), ten-year median earnings ($35,325 vs $86,182), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Saint Louis Community College; 12.1% at Washington University in St Louis) using federal College Scorecard data. Saint Louis Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Saint Louis Community 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 | Saint Louis Community College | Washington University in St Louis |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.46 ✓ | 9.89 |
| Avg net price | $8,440 ✓ | $21,786 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $35,325 | $86,182 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 12.1% |
| Graduation rate | 21.3% | 94.3% ✓ |
| Median debt | $6,725 ✓ | $17,500 |
| Enrollment | 11,788 | 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 $13,346 more per year than Saint Louis Community College ($21,786 vs $8,440). Washington University in St Louis graduates report $50,857 higher median earnings after ten years ($86,182 vs $35,325). On EduGradify's model that puts Saint Louis Community College ahead on projected ROI (10.46 vs 9.89, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Saint Louis Community 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; Saint Louis Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Saint Louis Community College vs Washington University in St Louis, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Saint Louis Community College or Washington University in St Louis the better value?
Saint Louis Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.46 vs 9.89), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Saint Louis Community College is cheaper — average net price $8,440 per year vs $21,786 at Washington University in St Louis. The annual difference of $13,346 adds up to about $53,384 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Washington University in St Louis reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $86,182 vs $35,325 at Saint Louis Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $50,857.
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. Saint Louis Community College reports a B value grade; Washington University in St Louis reports B.