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88.1%Acceptance
$28,185Tuition
1,154Students
71%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$67,918Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindLiberal ArtsNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Washington & Jefferson College

Washington & Jefferson College has built a reputation for rigorous debate training and strong pre-professional preparation since 1781. The 1,154 students on this suburban Pennsylvania campus follow in the footsteps of notable graduates like ornithologist Roger Tory Peterson and defense attorney F. Lee Bailey. With an 88% acceptance rate, the college welcomes students with SAT scores averaging 1130. The liberal arts curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and argumentation skills that serve students well in law, medicine, and business.

Students pay an average net price of $25,544 after financial aid, with 29% receiving Pell Grants for low-income families. Graduates earn a median of $67,918 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $27,000 manageable with monthly payments around $286. The 95% employment rate shows strong career outcomes. For middle-class families earning $48,000 to $75,000, the net price drops to just $22,139.

The Presidents compete in 22 NCAA Division III sports with 576 total athletes, creating a campus where half the student body participates in varsity athletics. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, while the 72% four-year graduation rate reflects the academic support students receive. Nearly 70% of students come from Pennsylvania, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere.

Academics & Faculty

Washington & Jefferson College builds its academic reputation on the liberal arts tradition, which means students explore diverse subjects before specializing. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates small classes where professors know students by name and provide personalized mentoring. This close attention helps explain the solid 72.9% four-year graduation rate. The college has historically emphasized debate and public speaking, producing graduates skilled in critical thinking and communication. Pre-professional programs in medicine, law, and business draw many students who benefit from strong faculty connections and research opportunities. With 1,154 students, everyone finds their academic niche while building relationships that last beyond graduation.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
10:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
72.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
71.4%
Retention Rate
81.9%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$67,918
Carnegie Classification
Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Accounting and Related Services. Bachelor $51,392
Computer and Information Sciences, General. Bachelor $51,273
Economics. Bachelor $46,087
Business/Commerce, General. Bachelor $41,286
History. Bachelor $38,289
Psychology, General. Bachelor $35,954
English Language and Literature, General. Bachelor $32,925
Communication and Media Studies. Bachelor $28,055

View all 37 programs →

Campus Life

Washington & Jefferson sits on a 60-acre campus in Washington, Pennsylvania, about 30 miles southwest of Pittsburgh. You'll definitely need a winter coat here, as western Pennsylvania sees cold, snowy winters and mild summers. With housing capacity for 1,398 students and total enrollment of 1,154, nearly every student lives on campus, creating a tight-knit residential community.

The college operates on a unique Four-One-Four calendar system, meaning you'll have a January term for intensive study or internships between fall and spring semesters. With 576 students participating in 22 varsity sports as the Presidents, athletics play a major role in campus life. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic interests well. Weekends often revolve around athletic events, Greek life, or trips to Pittsburgh for urban entertainment. The college's strong debate tradition and pre-professional focus create an academically driven atmosphere where students frequently engage in political discussions and career preparation activities.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity
1,398 beds
Calendar System
Four-One-Four
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1781

Campus Safety (2023)

4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Domestic Violence 1 0 0 1
Rape 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
20°–36°F
July Avg
61°–83°F
Annual Precipitation
41.3"
Annual Snowfall
31.9"

Student Demographics

Washington & Jefferson draws primarily from Pennsylvania and surrounding states, with 69% of students coming from in-state. The college attracts students from middle-class families, with nearly 30% receiving Pell Grants. Men slightly outnumber women, reflecting the school's strong pre-professional programs in business and pre-med that historically appeal to male students. The student body is predominantly white but increasingly diverse. These students are drawn to W&J's rigorous liberal arts curriculum and the college's reputation for preparing graduates for professional schools and careers in law, medicine, and business.
Men
53.7%
Women
46.3%
White
76.7%
Black
6.9%
Hispanic
5.9%
Asian
2.0%
In-State Students
69.2%
Pell Grant Recipients
29.4%

Location

Washington & Jefferson College sits in Washington, Pennsylvania, about 30 miles southwest of Pittsburgh. The campus occupies a suburban setting in this historic town of roughly 13,000 residents. Washington County blends small-town charm with easy access to a major metropolitan area. The region features rolling hills typical of southwestern Pennsylvania's landscape. Students can reach Pittsburgh's internships, cultural attractions, and job opportunities within an hour's drive. The college's location provides a quieter alternative to urban campuses while maintaining connectivity to the city. With 69% of students coming from Pennsylvania, many appreciate staying close to home. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Washington & Jefferson College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Washington, Pennsylvania 15301
McMillan Hall W&J College 4
McMillan Hall W&J College 4
Jefferson College 1830 EDITED
Jefferson College 1830 EDITED
Old Main W&J 1880s
Old Main W&J 1880s

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$67,918
Median Earnings (5 years)
$65,052
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$45,400
Loan Repayment Rate
78.3%
Monthly Loan Payment
$286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Washington & Jefferson College?

Washington & Jefferson College accepts 88.08% of applicants, making it accessible to most qualified students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1010 and 1250 on the SAT. This liberal arts college values a well-rounded approach to admissions beyond just test scores.

How much does Washington & Jefferson College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $25,544 after financial aid at Washington & Jefferson College. The college provides institutional grants averaging $38,963 to 28.42% of students. Graduates leave with a median debt of $27,000 and monthly loan payments of $286.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Washington & Jefferson College?

Washington & Jefferson College maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,154 total students. This small liberal arts environment allows for close mentorship and discussion-based learning. The college is particularly known for its strong debate program and pre-professional preparation.

What are the career outcomes for Washington & Jefferson College graduates?

Washington & Jefferson College graduates earn a median salary of $67,918 ten years after graduation. The college boasts a 95.1% employment rate for recent graduates. About 72.92% of students graduate within four years, reflecting the school's focus on timely degree completion.

Where is Washington & Jefferson College located and what is campus life like?

Washington & Jefferson College sits in Washington, Pennsylvania, a large suburban setting about 30 minutes from Pittsburgh. The campus houses 1,398 students and fields 22 varsity sports teams with 576 total athletes competing in NCAA Division III. Students benefit from the Four-One-Four academic calendar system.

Does Washington & Jefferson College have a strong athletics program?

Washington & Jefferson College competes in the Presidents' Athletic Conference with 22 varsity sports and 576 student-athletes. Nearly 50% of the 1,154-student body participates in athletics, though as a Division III school, no athletic scholarships are offered. The Presidents emphasize the student-athlete experience alongside rigorous academics.