About Washington and Lee University
The sticker price hits $84,500 annually, but most families pay far less through generous aid packages. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $76 per year after aid. Even middle-class families earning $75,000-$110,000 typically pay only $9,222. Graduates earn a median of $94,810 ten years out, while carrying just $19,500 in debt with monthly payments of $207. The 95% graduation rate means almost everyone finishes what they started.
Only 11% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's wealthy student body where 70% are white and 87% come from out of state. The Generals compete in 25 Division III sports with no athletic scholarships, emphasizing academics over athletics. Nearly 32% of students participate in varsity sports, creating a campus culture where scholar-athletes thrive.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 8:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 88.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 94.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 94.9%
- Retention Rate
- 95.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $94,810
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $91,744 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $76,460 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $72,642 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $66,449 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $56,641 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $55,964 |
| Journalism. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $41,007 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $37,593 |
| History. | Bachelor | $30,409 |
Campus Life
Lexington sits in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, about three hours from Washington DC, where students need winter coats for snowy months and light jackets for mild springs. The town revolves around W&L and nearby Virginia Military Institute, creating a college atmosphere where students walk everywhere. Saturday afternoons mean cheering for the Generals' 25 varsity teams, though without athletic scholarships the focus stays academic. Greek life dominates weekend social scenes, while outdoor enthusiasts hike the Blue Ridge Mountains minutes from campus. The Four-One-Four calendar system includes a January term for internships or study abroad, often strengthening the alumni network that produces median earnings of $94,810 within ten years.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 1,478 beds
- Calendar System
- Four-One-Four
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1749
Campus Safety (2023)
17 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 21°–46°F
- July Avg
- 63°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 85.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 34.1"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 48.6%
- Women
- 51.4%
- White
- 70.1%
- Black
- 4.4%
- Hispanic
- 8.4%
- Asian
- 4.3%
- In-State Students
- 12.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 11.1%
Location
- Address
- Lexington, Virginia 24450-2116
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $94,810
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $94,782
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $58,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 87.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $207/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee accepts 16.96% of applicants, making it highly selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1410 and 1533 on the SAT. This reflects the university's reputation as one of the top liberal arts institutions in the South.
How much does Washington and Lee University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $23,911, despite a sticker price of $84,500 for total attendance. Only 11.09% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the wealthy student body typical of top private colleges. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $76 after aid.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Washington and Lee University?
The student-faculty ratio is 8:1 with 1,884 total students. This intimate setting allows for close mentorship and reflects the university's commitment to undergraduate teaching. The retention rate of 95.38% shows students thrive in this small college environment.
What do Washington and Lee University graduates earn after college?
Alumni earn a median of $94,810 ten years after graduation. The employment rate is 90.1% with relatively low debt loads of $19,500 median. This strong earning power reflects the university's powerful alumni network in business and politics.
Where is Washington and Lee University located?
The campus sits in Lexington, Virginia, a small town in the Shenandoah Valley. Housing capacity of 1,478 means most of the 1,884 students live on campus in this tight-knit community. The town-distant setting creates an immersive college experience away from urban distractions.
Does Washington and Lee University have an honor system?
Washington and Lee operates under a strict honor system that governs both academic and social conduct. Students can take unproctored exams and the campus maintains an atmosphere of trust and integrity. This tradition, combined with the university's founding in 1749, shapes the character-focused education that produces leaders in business and government.
