Washington State vs. WVU

Comparable Facts

Compare Washington State University in Pullman, WA with West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Washington State University is larger than WVU based on total student enrollment (25,685 students vs. 23,643 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Washington State University is located in Pullman, WA (Distant Town setting); West Virginia University is in Morgantown, WV (Small City setting).
• Washington State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. West Virginia University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Washington State University 15:1; West Virginia University 19:1.

Washington State vs. WVU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Washington State or WVU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at West Virginia University than Washington State ($15,169 vs. $18,171).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Washington State University are 6.6% lower than at West Virginia University ($13,622 vs. $14,582).
• Washington State University is 32.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than WVU (about $3,287 more per year; $13,391.00 vs. $10,104.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.7% higher at Washington State than at West Virginia University (about $1,342 more per year; $29,950.00 vs. $28,608.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at West Virginia University than at Washington State University (94% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by West Virginia University students is 13.6% larger than aid received by Washington State University students ($12,363 vs. $10,886).

Washington State vs. WVU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Washington State or WVU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between WVU and Washington State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington State University (1120) is the same as at WVU (1120).
• Incoming Washington State students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 23) as students at WVU (23).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington State University 1020/1210; West Virginia University 1010/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington State University 20/26; West Virginia University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Washington State - Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind); WVU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: Washington State Jan 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washington State students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at WVU (3.45).
• WVU has a higher acceptance rate (89%) than Washington State (86.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.7% at Washington State vs. 24.8% at WVU.

Washington State vs. WVU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Washington State and WVU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Washington State University's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than West Virginia University's (57%).
• Graduates from Washington State University earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than WVU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,400 vs. $50,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington State University graduates have a $3,572 lower median loan debt than WVU graduates ($20,429 vs. $24,001).
• Among borrowers, Washington State graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WVU graduates ($211 vs. $248).
• More Washington State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WVU students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 59%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.