Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at Washington University in St Louis

Washington University in St. Louis carries the prestige of a 12% acceptance rate and 1530 average SAT scores, but for electrical engineering, peer programs suggest more modest outcomes than you might expect from such selective admissions. Similar programs in Missouri typically produce first-year earnings around $80,000—solid for engineering, but right at the state median rather than commanding a premium. With an estimated $26,000 in debt, comparable to national norms for this degree, the financial picture looks workable but not exceptional.

What's worth noting is how WashU's estimated outcomes cluster with Missouri's public flagships rather than distinguishing themselves. Mizzou Columbia reports $85,400 in actual first-year earnings for its electrical engineering graduates, while Missouri S&T—a well-regarded technical school—reports $81,200. If WashU's program performs similarly to these peers, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 suggests graduates could manage repayment within a reasonable timeframe, though they're not seeing the salary boost that might justify significantly higher tuition at a private institution.

The limited graduate sample that necessitates these estimates is itself informative—this is a small program at a research university known more for medicine and business. For families paying private school prices, confirm whether WashU's electrical engineering program offers distinct advantages over Missouri's strong public alternatives, where actual outcomes are documented and competitive.