WUSTL vs. CBU

Comparable Facts

Compare Washington University in St Louis in St. Louis, MO with Christian Brothers University in Memphis, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Washington University in St Louis is larger than CBU based on total student enrollment (16,357 students vs. 1,772 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Washington University in St Louis is located in St. Louis, MO (Large Suburban setting); Christian Brothers University is in Memphis, TN (Large City setting).
• Washington University in St Louis is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Christian Brothers University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Washington University in St Louis 7:1; Christian Brothers University 9:1.

WUSTL vs. CBU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WUSTL or CBU? 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 Christian Brothers University than WUSTL ($16,754 vs. $22,408).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Christian Brothers University are 49.4% lower than at Washington University in St Louis ($11,055 vs. $21,854).
• Washington University in St Louis is 71.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than CBU (about $27,370 more per year; $65,790.00 vs. $38,420.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 71.2% higher at WUSTL than at Christian Brothers University (about $27,370 more per year; $65,790.00 vs. $38,420.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Christian Brothers University than at Washington University in St Louis (100% vs. 49%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington University in St Louis students is 111.6% larger than aid received by Christian Brothers University students ($66,080 vs. $31,234).

WUSTL vs. CBU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WUSTL or CBU? 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 CBU and WUSTL .

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington University in St Louis (1540) is 340 points higher than at CBU (1200).
• Incoming WUSTL students have a 13 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 21 at CBU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington University in St Louis 1500/1570; Christian Brothers University 1020/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington University in St Louis 33/35; Christian Brothers University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WUSTL - Test optional; CBU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WUSTL Jan 4, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WUSTL students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.92) than students at CBU (3.67).
• CBU has a higher acceptance rate (86.7%) than WUSTL (12.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 46.7% at WUSTL vs. 13.4% at CBU.

WUSTL vs. CBU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WUSTL and CBU? 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 University in St Louis's six-year graduation rate (93%) is higher than Christian Brothers University's (52%).
• Graduates from Washington University in St Louis earn a median of about $32,200 more per year than CBU graduates about ten years after starting college ($82,800 vs. $50,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington University in St Louis graduates have a $7,100 lower median loan debt than CBU graduates ($19,900 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WUSTL graduates have an estimated $74 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CBU graduates ($205 vs. $279).
• More WUSTL graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CBU students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 53%)

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.