University of California-Santa Cruz vs Washington University in St Louis
Santa Cruz, CA — St. Louis, MO
| Metric | University of California-Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, CA | Washington University in St Louis St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Santa Cruz, CA | St. Louis, MO |
| Type | Public | Private Nonprofit |
| Total Enrollment | 17,940 | 7,857 |
| Acceptance Rate | 65.8% | 12.1% |
| SAT Average | — | 1,530 |
| In-State Tuition | $16,005 | $65,790 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $50,205 | $65,790 |
| Avg Net Price | $17,890 | $21,786 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $16,666 | $17,500 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 74.8% | 94.3% |
| Retention Rate | 87.9% | 95.0% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $49,716 | $78,073 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $68,396 | $86,182 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 552700.0% | 104800.0% |
Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
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University of California-Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA
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Washington University in St Louis
St. Louis, MO
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do University of California-Santa Cruz and Washington University in St Louis compare?▼
University of California-Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz, CA) has an acceptance rate of 65.8%, in-state tuition of $16,005, and median 10-year earnings of $68,396. Washington University in St Louis (St. Louis, MO) has an acceptance rate of 12.1%, in-state tuition of $65,790, and median 10-year earnings of $86,182.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, University of California-Santa Cruz or Washington University in St Louis?▼
Washington University in St Louis graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $86,182 vs $68,396. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of California-Santa Cruz or Washington University in St Louis?▼
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), University of California-Santa Cruz is the more affordable option at $17,890 per year versus $21,786.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?▼
Washington University in St Louis has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 94.3% vs 74.8%.
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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.
Related
Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025