At $22,117/yr net price, Washington University in St Louis graduates earn $86,182/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $52,182/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,117 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $88,468 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $86,182/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$52,182/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 94.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,391/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,321/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $1,863/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,344/yr |
| $110,001+ | $42,712/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $112,270 | $81,700 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $99,517 | $15,250 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $91,744 | $19,500 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Master | $85,538 | |
| Law. | Doctoral | $80,755 | $92,540 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $78,896 | $17,500 |
| Systems Engineering. | Bachelor | $78,343 | $23,139 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,995 | $12,503 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Doctoral | $64,990 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $64,379 |
The Risk Factor
94.4% of students at Washington University in St Louis graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
WashU delivers a strong financial return, and the low median debt of $17,500 is the reason. You graduate at a 94% clip, and half of borrowers leave owing less than the cost of a used car, so the debt side of the equation almost never sinks you here.
Computer Science is the clear winner. It pays close to $100k ten years out while carrying some of the lowest debt on campus, so the math works cleanly. Finance and Marketing land in the upper $70k to low $90k range and hold up well. The engineering picture is split: Mechanical Engineering pays less than the others but comes with the lowest debt listed at $12,503, while Systems Engineering pairs a similar salary with the highest debt at over $23,000, making it the weakest debt-to-pay tradeoff of the group.
The main financial risk here is sticker price. If your family earns over $110k, you pay roughly $42,700 a year, and the majors outside CS and finance don't obviously clear that bar over a four-year run. St. Louis anchors WashU's finance and consulting pipelines, but a high-cost degree in a lower-earning field is where you can lose money.
The net price tiers show who wins. Under $75k, you pay between about $1,900 and $4,400 a year, which makes WashU one of the cheapest options you'll find at any income level in that range. Between $75k and $110k, the jump to over $19,000 is steep, and above $110k you pay near full freight.
WashU is a good fit if you land in the lower income tiers or if you're targeting CS, finance, or marketing. If your family earns six figures and you're aiming at a lower-paying field, run the four-year cost against the salary first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Washington University in St Louis worth the high tuition cost?
Washington University in St Louis offers strong ROI with graduates earning $86,182 annually and relatively low median debt of $17,500. The generous financial aid brings net costs down to around $22,117 per year for most students, making the investment more manageable than the sticker price suggests.
Which majors at Washington University in St Louis have the best job prospects?
Business administration graduates earn the highest at $112,270 annually, followed by computer science majors at $99,517. Finance majors also see strong returns at $91,744, while law graduates earn $80,755.
How much student debt do Washington University in St Louis graduates typically have?
The median debt load is $17,500, which is relatively low for a selective private university. Combined with high post-graduation earnings, most graduates can manage their debt payments without significant financial strain.
Does Washington University in St Louis provide good financial aid?
Yes, the average net price of $22,117 is significantly lower than the full tuition, indicating substantial financial aid packages. The school meets demonstrated financial need for most students, though aid is primarily need-based rather than merit-based.