Washington and Lee University
Private nonprofit four-year university in Lexington, VA that costs an average of $25,279 a year after financial aid, admits 14% of applicants and graduates 96% of full-time students.
Private nonprofitTown (distant)1,881 undergraduates
Cost of Washington and Lee University
| Total cost of attendance (per year) | $91,700 |
|---|---|
| Tuition and fees, in-state | $71,365 |
| Housing and food (on campus) | $19,605 |
| Books and supplies | $1,900 |
| Average net price after aid | $25,279 |
Net price by family income
| Family income | Average net price / year |
|---|---|
| $0–30,000 | $28 |
| $30,001–48,000 | $690 |
| $48,001–75,000 | $3,023 |
| $75,001–110,000 | $10,627 |
| $110,001+ | $39,474 |
Net price is what students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Get your own estimate with Washington and Lee University's net price calculator ↗.
Admissions
| Acceptance rate | 14% |
|---|---|
| Average SAT | 1,498 |
| SAT reading (25th–75th percentile) | 710–760 |
| SAT math (25th–75th percentile) | 720–780 |
| ACT composite (25th–75th percentile) | 33–34 |
| Test scores | Considered but not required |
Graduation, earnings and debt
| Graduation rate | 96% |
|---|---|
| First-year retention | 97% |
| Median earnings 6 years after enrolling | $86,500 |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $102,966 |
| Rank in Virginia (earnings) | 1st of 51 similar colleges |
| Median debt of graduates | $17,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $199 (10-year plan) |
| Students with Pell grants | 14% |
| Students with federal loans | 15% |
Majors and programs at Washington and Lee University
Earnings one year after graduation and median debt, by program. Click a program for details and comparisons.
Bachelor's degree programs (33)
| Program | Graduates (2 yrs) | Earnings after 1 yr | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics | 109 | $94,764 | $19,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 205 | $83,963 | $21,500 |
| Political Science and Government | 128 | $56,207 | $19,387 |
| Accounting and Related Services | 88 | — | $19,500 |
| Area Studies | 1 | — | — |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology | 13 | — | — |
| Biology | 44 | — | — |
| Chemistry | 18 | — | — |
| Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | 21 | — | — |
| Computer Science | 38 | — | — |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | 5 | — | — |
| East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | 15 | — | — |
| Engineering | 16 | — | — |
| Engineering Science | 16 | — | — |
| English Language and Literature | 39 | — | — |
| Fine and Studio Arts | 22 | — | — |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences | 18 | — | — |
| Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | 7 | — | — |
| History | 46 | — | — |
| Journalism | 20 | — | — |
| Mathematics | 30 | — | — |
| Medieval and Renaissance Studies | — | — | — |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | 1 | — | — |
| Music | 6 | — | — |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | 34 | — | — |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | 45 | — | — |
| Philosophy | 16 | — | — |
| Physics | 13 | — | — |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | 17 | — | — |
| Religion/Religious Studies | 11 | — | — |
| Research and Experimental Psychology | 75 | — | — |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | 39 | — | — |
| Sociology and Anthropology | 39 | — | — |
Professional degree programs (1)
| Program | Graduates (2 yrs) | Earnings after 1 yr | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Law | 249 | $95,999 | $107,460 |
Similar colleges in Virginia
| College | City | Net price / yr | Acceptance | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marymount University | Arlington | $28,521 | 93% | $74,032 |
| Roanoke College | Salem | $25,867 | 83% | $64,329 |
| Shenandoah University | Winchester | $31,149 | 77% | $66,382 |
| Randolph-Macon College | Ashland | $28,145 | 87% | $64,714 |
| University of Lynchburg | Lynchburg | $27,198 | 43% | $57,425 |
| Bridgewater College | Bridgewater | $21,083 | 92% | $58,669 |
| Virginia Wesleyan University | Virginia Beach | $20,237 | 73% | $54,390 |
| Averett University | Danville | $27,629 | 57% | $56,693 |
About Washington and Lee University
| Type | Private nonprofit four-year university |
|---|---|
| Location | Lexington, VA |
| Setting | Town (distant) |
| Undergraduates | 1,881 |
| Student-to-faculty ratio | 7 to 1 |
| Accreditor | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Website | wlu.edu ↗ |
Frequently asked questions
What is Washington and Lee University's acceptance rate?
Washington and Lee University admits 14% of applicants, making it highly selective. Admitted students average 1,498 on the SAT.
How much does Washington and Lee University cost per year?
The full cost of attendance is $91,700 a year (tuition and fees: $71,365). After grants and scholarships the average student pays $25,279 a year, and students from families earning under $30,000 pay about $28.
How much do Washington and Lee University graduates earn?
Former students earn a median of $102,966 a year, 10 years after first enrolling — 1st of 51 similar colleges in Virginia. The best-paid bachelor's program is economics ($94,764 a year after graduation).
What is Washington and Lee University's graduation rate?
96% of full-time students graduate within six years, and 97% of first-year students return for a second year.