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Washington and Lee University

Washington and Lee University

Lexington, VA · Town · 1,881 students
WebsiteCommon AppForbes rankingScorecard
Nov 1 · Early Decision I (binding) · in 30 days
Checked Sep 2026 · wlu.edu
$23,781
Average net priceYour net price
2023-24
$0
30–48
48–75
75–110
110+
By household income — tap a bar
94%
Graduation rate
Entered fall 2017 & 2018
69% typical
$94,810
Earnings 10 years on
Measured 2020 & 2021
$58,391 typical
14%
Acceptance rate
Applied for fall 2024
64% typical · not scored
Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
About

Located in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, Washington and Lee University is a top-tier liberal arts institution uniquely distinguished by its integrated Williams School of Commerce, Economics, and Politics, alongside standout programs in journalism, pre-law, and the humanities. The academic experience is anchored by close faculty mentorship and an intensive four-week Spring Term, which allows students to dive deeply into a single immersive subject or study-abroad course. Central to campus culture is a fiercely guarded, student-run Honor System that fosters exceptional campus-wide trust through unproctored exams, complemented by active Greek life and the historic "Speaking Tradition" of greeting peers across the colonnade.

Wikipedia:Washington and Lee University is a private liberal arts college in Lexington, Virginia, United States. Established in 1749 as Augusta Academy, it is among the oldest institutions of higher learning in the US.

Location
Lexington, VA, 24450-2116 · Town campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
RIC · Richmond
118 mi away
Open in Google Maps
Cost & aid
Cost of attendance
YoursEveryone
Tuition & fees$68,045
Housing & food (on campus)$18,685
Books & supplies$2,370
Cost of attendance$99,880
Average net price$23,781
Same price for all students
Tuition & fees$68,045
Housing & food (on campus)$18,685
Books & supplies$2,370
Cost of attendance$99,880
Average net price$23,781
Source: U.S. College Scorecard · published total: www.wlu.edu
How it’s made up · 2026-27
Washington and Lee University’s own figures for 2026-27, newer than the 2024-25 federal figures above, so the amounts differ.
Tuition$73,575
Housing$10,580
Food$9,995
Books & supplies$1,900
Personal expenses$2,545
Total published by the school$99,880
Net price by family income · 2023-24
$0–30k
$-1,777
$30–48k
$75
$48–75k
$4,497
$75–110k
$8,162
$110k+
$40,646
Merit aid · 2024-25
Awarded without financial need. Students with financial need can get merit awards too; they're counted as need-based aid.
Average award$59,826
First-years who got one18
Source: Washington and Lee University's Common Data Set — the school's own yearly report of its admissions and aid figures.
Outcomes
Completion
Within 6 yrs
94%
Entered 2017–18
Within 4 yrs
89%
Back for yr 2
97%
Transferred
0%
8 yrs after starting · first-time, full-time students
94% graduated · 5% transferred · 1% left or unknown · none still enrolled
Earnings · measured 2020 & 2021
6 yrs after entry$76,516
10 yrs after entry$94,810
Debt
Median at graduation$19,500
Monthly payment$207
Middle 50% owe$7.5k–$27k
90th percentile$29,500
Green marks a figure above the typical Baccalaureate — arts & sciences: 69% graduate within 6 yrs, $58,391 earned 10 yrs after entry.
Admissions
Getting in · applied for fall 2024
Admit rate
14%
Test policy
Test optional
Per College Scorecard
SAT average
1498
R 710–760 · M 720–780
ACT midpoint
34
Comp 33–34 · E 34–35 · M 30–34
SAT middle 50%: 1430–1540
40080012001600
Application deadlines · first-year, fall 2027 entry
Early Decision I
Nov 1 2026
binding in 30 days · Early Decision I…
If admitted, you must enroll and withdraw other applications.
Early Decision II
Jan 5 2027
binding in 95 days
A later Early Decision round: if admitted, you must enroll and withdraw other applications.
Checked Sep 2026 · wlu.edu · Confirm on the school's site before you apply.

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Essay prompts
How much essays count at Washington and Lee University: Considered (one of four levels: very important · important · considered · not considered)
Source: Washington and Lee University's Common Data Set for 2024-25 — the school's own yearly report of its admissions and aid figures.
From Washington and Lee University (wlu.edu) · The page doesn't state a year · checked Sep 28, 2026
  • There are over 8,200 accredited colleges and universities in the U.S. alone. You have chosen to apply to Washington and Lee University. Please describe how you have familiarized yourself with W&L and what aspects of its community are most exciting to you.
    250 words max · Optional
  • Choose one of three
    • Please describe an aspect of your life outside of school that is important to you, such as an extracurricular activity, a job, or a family responsibility. How has your involvement shaped your personal qualities and growth, and how has it impacted those around you?
      250 words max · Optional
    • Reveal to us how your curious mind works by sharing something you spend considerable time thinking or learning about.
      250 words max · Optional
    • On a residential college campus with a Speaking Tradition that encourages connections between individuals, using each other's names matters. Please share the story of any name you go by and what significance it holds for you.
      250 words max · Optional

Quoted from Washington and Lee University's own page; answered in the Applicant Portal. The application itself is the final word.

The personal essay is separate: see the Common App essay prompts.

Student Body
Gender
Men 49%Women 51%
Who enrolls
Faculty ratio
7 : 1
Pell grant
11%
Family income
$115,740
Age at entry
19.0
Part-time
0%
Race & ethnicity
White
68%
Hispanic
9%
Black
5%
Asian
5%
Two or more
4%
Non-resident
8%
Unknown
1%
Varsity sports
NCAA Division III with football · EADA 2024-25
  • Baseball
    Men's
  • Basketball
    Men's · Women's
  • Cross Country
    Men's · Women's
  • Equestrian
    Co-ed
  • Field Hockey
    Women's
  • Football
    Men's
  • Golf
    Men's · Women's
  • Lacrosse
    Men's · Women's
  • Soccer
    Men's · Women's
  • Swimming
    Men's · Women's
  • Tennis
    Men's · Women's
  • Track and Field (Indoor)
    Men's · Women's
  • Track and Field (Outdoor)
    Men's · Women's
  • Volleyball
    Women's
  • Wrestling
    Men's
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings, all programs · measured 2020 & 2021
After 6 yrs
$76,516
After 10 yrs
$94,810
Business Administration, Management and Operations96
Political Science and Government70
Economics67
Accounting and Related Services40
Research and Experimental Psychology30
Biology, General29
English Language and Literature, General24
Neurobiology and Neurosciences22
Natural Resources Conservation and Research21
Computer Science20
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics20
History17
Sociology and Anthropology16
Mathematics15
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication14
Fine and Studio Arts10
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Resources
Endowment
$2.0B
Full-time faculty
88%
Faculty salary
$14,155/mo
Teaching spend
$40,378
per student
Federal loans
14%
Classification
Carnegie type
Baccalaureate — arts & sciences
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, more selective admissions

Wondering if Washington and Lee University is the right fit for you?

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Financial aid & net cost estimates
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