Washington and Lee University
About Washington and Lee University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Washington and Lee University is a private university in Lexington, Virginia. Highly selective with a 17% acceptance rate, it offers programs in business, economics, political science, and engineering, with a 95% graduation rate and graduates earning a median salary of nearly $95,000.
Founded
1749
Location
Lexington, Virginia
Students
2,236
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
14%
Highly selective
Graduation Rate
93.9%
Above national average
Tuition
$68,045
Per year
Avg Net Price
$23,781
After financial aid
SAT Average
1498
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$94,810
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Highly Selective
About 7 students apply for every seat
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$60
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 5
Washington and Lee University admits about 14% of applicants, with an average SAT around 1498. Strong academics are a must, and your essays and activities will make the difference.
SAT Scores
1498/ 1600
ACT Scores
34/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Excellent
93.9% complete their degree within six years
Retention
96.6%
4-Year Grad
91%
6-Year Grad
94%
Teaching Quality
7:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
87.8%
$/Student
$40.4K
Class Size
Small
91% of students graduate on time, and with a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, it's clear students get the personal attention they need to succeed.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$68,045
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$18,685
Books & Supplies
$2,370
Total Cost of Attendance
$87,000
After Financial Aid
$23,781
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$-1,777
Receive Grants
11.3%
Take Loans
14.5%
Don't let the $68,045 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $23,781 after financial aid, a 65% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $-1,777.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Washington and Lee University fund their education.
While in School
11.3%
Get Grants
Free money
14.5%
Take Loans
Must repay
$115,740
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$19,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$207/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 14.5% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $19,500. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Washington and Lee University.
Gender
51.1%
Female
49%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
1,881
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
355
Graduates
N/A
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
0.6%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (51% women, 49% men). 8.2% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Distant
Campus Quick Facts
1,881
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Liberal Arts
Classification
What This College Offers
4-1-4 calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
No
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Washington and Lee University fields 14 varsity teams with 715 student athletes, about 38% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III with football
Conference
Old Dominion
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
14
Biggest: Track and Field (Indoor)
Student Athletes
715
38% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
58% / 42%
412
Men
303
Women
12
Men's Teams
11
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Washington and Lee Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$94,810
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$77K
96 grads
1yr Earnings
Political Science and Government
$95K
70 grads
4yr Earnings
Economics
$72K
67 grads
1yr Earnings
Accounting and Related Services
$82K
40 grads
1yr Earnings
Research and Experimental Psychology
—
30 grads
Biology, General
—
29 grads
Graduates start at $77K six years out, climb to $75K by year eight, and reach $95K by year ten. That upward trajectory shows the degree keeps paying off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Washington and Lee University
What is the acceptance rate at Washington and Lee University?▾
How much does Washington and Lee University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Washington and Lee University?▾
How much do Washington and Lee University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.