At $23,911/yr net price, Washington and Lee University graduates earn $94,810/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $60,810/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,911 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $95,644 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $94,810/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$60,810/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 94.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $76/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $887/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,983/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,222/yr |
| $110,001+ | $42,745/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $91,744 | |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $76,460 | |
| Law. | Doctoral | $72,642 | $97,335 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $66,449 | $16,750 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $56,641 | |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $55,964 | $23,399 |
| Journalism. | Bachelor | $42,682 | |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $41,007 | |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $37,593 | |
| History. | Bachelor | $30,409 |
The Risk Factor
94.9% of students at Washington and Lee University graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Washington and Lee University delivers strong financial returns despite its elite price tag. Your median earnings of $94,810 ten years after graduation significantly outpace the national average, making the $23,911 annual net price a solid investment for most graduates.
Computer Science leads the earnings pack at $91,744, followed by Mathematics at $76,460. Business and Accounting majors earn less but graduate with minimal debt loads around $16,750. Law school graduates face a different equation entirely with $97,335 in debt against $72,642 median earnings, creating a concerning debt-to-income ratio that demands careful consideration of your career plans.
The biggest financial risk here involves the stark inequality in who receives aid. Only 11% of students get financial assistance, meaning most families pay close to full price. If your family income disqualifies you from need-based aid but still makes the cost painful, this school becomes financially risky. The high graduation rate of 95% reduces the chance you'll drop out with debt and no degree.
Washington and Lee works financially if you come from a wealthy family or secure substantial merit aid. The school's strong alumni network in finance and consulting helps justify the investment for career-focused students. If you need significant financial aid to make college affordable, you should look elsewhere given the limited aid availability.
Avoid the law school unless you have a clear path to high-paying legal careers. The debt load makes sense only for students targeting strong law firms or other top-tier legal positions where starting salaries can offset the borrowing burden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Washington and Lee University worth the cost?
With graduates earning $94,810 after 10 years and relatively low debt of $19,500, Washington and Lee offers solid ROI despite its selective nature. The strong graduation rate of 95% and net price of $23,911 make it a reasonable investment for most students.
What are the highest paying majors at Washington and Lee University?
Computer Science leads with $91,744 in median earnings, followed by Mathematics at $76,460 and Law at $72,642. Business majors earn $56,641, which is lower than the school's overall graduate average.
How much debt do Washington and Lee University graduates have?
The median debt is $19,500, which is manageable given graduate earnings of nearly $95,000. This debt-to-income ratio makes Washington and Lee less risky than many private colleges.
Does Washington and Lee University provide good financial aid?
The net price of $23,911 is significantly lower than the sticker price, indicating substantial aid for many students. However, aid varies widely based on family income, so run the net price calculator before assuming affordability.