About Washington College
The financial picture tells a reasonable story for a private college. While tuition hits $54,356, the average student pays $29,095 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $65,518 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $26,956 manageable. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $13,498 after aid. The 74% acceptance rate means solid students have good chances of admission with SAT scores averaging 1290.
The small campus buzzes with Division III athletics, where 396 students compete in 21 varsity sports. Women make up 57% of students, and 43% come from Maryland. The 87% retention rate suggests students find their fit in this close-knit academic community.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 79.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 72.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 74.1%
- Retention Rate
- 86.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $65,518
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $63,005 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $57,318 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $53,045 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $46,087 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $41,565 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $40,188 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Bachelor | $37,208 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $35,926 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
Campus Life
The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and writing style by October. Students gravitate toward the Rose O'Neill Literary House, home to the nation's oldest college literary magazine. Weekend options include sailing on the Chester River, exploring Chestertown's 18th-century architecture, or catching Division III Huskies games. The 44% male, 56% female split creates a collaborative rather than competitive atmosphere. Literary readings, coffee house performances, and outdoor movie screenings fill Friday nights. When cabin fever strikes, students road trip to Annapolis or Philadelphia. The Honor Code runs deep here, reflecting the college's 1723 Quaker heritage and small-town trust.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 1,168 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1723
Campus Safety (2023)
14 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 25°–40°F
- July Avg
- 68°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 44.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 16.4"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 43.5%
- Women
- 56.5%
- White
- 67.4%
- Black
- 9.3%
- Hispanic
- 9.0%
- Asian
- 2.9%
- In-State Students
- 42.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 20.5%
Location
- Address
- Chestertown, Maryland 21620-1438
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $65,518
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $62,222
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $40,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 84.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,956
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Washington College?
Washington College accepts 74.71% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1190 and 1390 on the SAT. This historic liberal arts college founded in 1723 attracts students who value small class sizes and strong writing programs.
How much does Washington College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Washington College is $29,095, lower than the sticker price of $71,070. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $13,498 on average. About 29% of students receive institutional grants averaging $35,683.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Washington College?
Washington College maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with only 890 total students. This small liberal arts environment allows for personalized attention and close mentoring relationships. The college is particularly known for its strong writing programs and houses the oldest college literary magazine in America.
What do Washington College graduates earn after graduation?
Washington College graduates earn a median of $65,518 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 96.4% and graduates typically manage monthly loan payments of $286. Alumni include notable authors James M. Cain and Annie Proulx, reflecting the school's literary strengths.
Where is Washington College located and what is campus life like?
Washington College sits in Chestertown, Maryland, a small town setting that houses 1,168 students on campus. The retention rate of 86.58% suggests students enjoy the close-knit community atmosphere. About 396 students participate in 21 varsity sports as NCAA Division III Huskies.
Does Washington College have a strong literary tradition?
Washington College publishes the oldest college literary magazine in America and has produced acclaimed authors like James M. Cain and Annie Proulx. The college's writing programs benefit from the intimate 9:1 student-faculty ratio. Founded in 1723, it combines historic tradition with contemporary liberal arts education.
