Head-to-head · 2026
St Charles Community College vs Washington University in St Louis
Compare average net price ($5,837 at St Charles Community College; $21,786 at Washington University in St Louis), ROI score (18.17 vs 9.89), ten-year median earnings ($42,422 vs $86,182), and admissions context (Open / not reported at St Charles Community College; 12.1% at Washington University in St Louis) using federal College Scorecard data. St Charles Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. St Charles 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 | St Charles Community College | Washington University in St Louis |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 18.17 ✓ | 9.89 |
| Avg net price | $5,837 ✓ | $21,786 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $42,422 | $86,182 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 12.1% |
| Graduation rate | 24.8% | 94.3% ✓ |
| Median debt | $6,187 ✓ | $17,500 |
| Enrollment | 5,017 | 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 $15,949 more per year than St Charles Community College ($21,786 vs $5,837). Washington University in St Louis graduates report $43,760 higher median earnings after ten years ($86,182 vs $42,422). On EduGradify's model that puts St Charles Community College ahead on projected ROI (18.17 vs 9.89, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (St Charles 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; St Charles Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
St Charles Community College vs Washington University in St Louis, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is St Charles Community College or Washington University in St Louis the better value?
St Charles Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (18.17 vs 9.89), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
St Charles Community College is cheaper — average net price $5,837 per year vs $21,786 at Washington University in St Louis. The annual difference of $15,949 adds up to about $63,796 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Washington University in St Louis reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $86,182 vs $42,422 at St Charles Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $43,760.
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. St Charles Community College reports a A+ value grade; Washington University in St Louis reports B.