University of South Carolina-Columbia vs Washington University in St Louis

Columbia, SC — St. Louis, MO

Metric
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC
Washington University in St Louis
St. Louis, MO
Location Columbia, SC St. Louis, MO
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 29,820 7,857
Acceptance Rate 60.2% 12.1%
SAT Average 1,297 1,530
In-State Tuition $12,688 $65,790
Out-of-State Tuition $35,972 $65,790
Avg Net Price $22,811 $21,786
Median Debt at Graduation $21,500 $17,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 78.3% 94.3%
Retention Rate 92.2% 95.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $50,621 $78,073
Median Earnings (10 yr) $62,177 $86,182
Loan Repayment Rate 751700.0% 104800.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC
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Washington University in St Louis
St. Louis, MO
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of South Carolina-Columbia and Washington University in St Louis compare?
University of South Carolina-Columbia (Columbia, SC) has an acceptance rate of 60.2%, in-state tuition of $12,688, and median 10-year earnings of $62,177. 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 South Carolina-Columbia 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 $62,177. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of South Carolina-Columbia or Washington University in St Louis?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Washington University in St Louis is the more affordable option at $21,786 per year versus $22,811.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Washington University in St Louis has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 94.3% vs 78.3%.

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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