Lexington, VA
Washington and Lee University is a private nonprofit university with an acceptance rate of 14.0% and undergraduate enrollment of 1,881. The institution has a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio and a 6-year graduation rate of 94.4%. The cost of attendance is $91,700, with a median earnings of $76,516 six years after enrollment.
Washington and Lee University is a highly selective private nonprofit institution with a 14.0% acceptance rate and an undergraduate enrollment of 1,881 students. The university maintains a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio and reports a 6-year graduation rate of 94.4%.
Not reported reliably. The top-tenth, top-quarter and top-half shares on file for Washington and Lee University are internally inconsistent — each band must hold at least as many students as the one above it — so the profile is not shown.
| Applied | Admitted | Rate | Enrolled | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men | 3,393 | 547 | 16.1% | 241 |
| Women | 3,427 | 637 | 18.6% | 261 |
Washington and Lee University admits 14% of applicants — a typical similar college admits 74%.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
Washington and Lee University has a $91,700 cost of attendance with 11.3% of students receiving Pell grants. The university's substantial $2 billion endowment supports its financial aid efforts.
Graduates who borrowed carry a median monthly repayment of about $207.
After aid, Washington and Lee University costs $23,781 a year — about 5% more than a typical similar college.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
Washington and Lee University has a 94.4% six-year graduation rate. Median earnings are $76,516 six years after enrollment and $94,810 ten years after enrollment.
| Major | Graduates |
|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management,... | 96 |
| Accounting and Business/Management | 48 |
| Research and Experimental Psychology, Other | 41 |
| Political Science and Government, General | 32 |
| Economics, General | 28 |
| Neuroscience | 23 |
| History, General | 19 |
| Computer Science | 14 |
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General | 13 |
| Journalism | 13 |
Median earnings eight years after entering Washington and Lee University are $89,772, and 83% of former students earn more than $25,000 six years after entry.
Six years after entry, former Washington and Lee University students earn $76,516 — 68% more than at a typical similar college.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
Washington and Lee University is a small private institution with 1,881 undergraduates and a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The university competes in NCAA Division III athletics, including football, with an athletic revenue of approximately $3.9 million.
Average head coach salary by program gender.
596 of 1,884 undergraduates, counting each athlete once regardless of how many sports they play.
0 of 1,898 undergraduates study entirely at a distance.
Washington and Lee University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Washington and Lee University spends $21,281 per student on research — about 3× a typical similar college.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA, in what IPEDS classifies as a town, distant setting. The campus sits about 0.5 miles from the center of Lexington. There are 2 other colleges within 25 miles, and Lexington, VA is 0.5 miles away.
Lexington City scores 14.3 out of 20 on the EPA National Walkability Index — above average walkable. The index is a county-wide average of block groups, so it describes the surrounding area rather than the campus itself.
Undergraduates make up about 45.4% of Lexington's residents.
Every college that receives federal financial aid must publish its crime statistics each year under the Clery Act. These are the figures Washington and Lee University reported for 2024.
Read these numbers carefully. A Clery figure counts reports, not incidents. A university with active reporting channels, a large campus police force and a teaching hospital will record more offenses than one where the same events go unreported — so a higher count is not evidence of a more dangerous campus, and a low count is not evidence of a safe one. In 2024, 833 campuses with more than 1,000 students reported no offenses at all. Use these figures to ask a college questions, not to rank one against another.
Separately, Washington and Lee University reported 60 disciplinary referrals for weapons, drug and liquor law violations on campus. Referrals for alcohol violations are usually the largest category at residential colleges and reflect how a school handles student conduct internally.
Common questions about Washington and Lee University admissions, costs, and outcomes.
Washington and Lee has an acceptance rate of 14.0%, making it a highly selective institution. This means admission is competitive, and strong academics and extracurriculars are important for prospective students.
The cost of attendance at Washington and Lee is $91,700 per year. This figure typically includes tuition, fees, room, board, and other expenses for undergraduate students.
Yes, Washington and Lee is committed to meeting demonstrated financial need. About 11.3% of students receive Pell grants, indicating the university serves students across various income levels with financial aid packages.
Median earnings are $76,516 at 6 years after enrollment and $94,810 at 10 years after enrollment. This demonstrates strong career outcomes and earning potential for W&L graduates.
Washington and Lee has a 6-year graduation rate of 94.4%, one of the highest in the country. For Pell grant recipients specifically, the graduation rate is 90.6%, showing strong support for all students.
Washington and Lee has an undergraduate enrollment of 1,881 students, creating an intimate campus community. With a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention and mentorship.
The student body is nearly evenly split between men and women at 51.1% women. The small size and strong 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio create a close-knit community focused on collaboration and individual development.
Yes, Washington and Lee competes in NCAA Division III and fields a football team along with other sports. The athletic program invests $3.9 million annually and is an integral part of campus life.
Washington and Lee has an endowment of $2 billion, providing substantial resources for student support, academics, and campus facilities. This strong financial foundation ensures institutional stability and investment in student success.
Washington and Lee supports Pell-eligible students effectively—their 90.6% graduation rate for Pell recipients versus 87.0% for non-Pell students shows strong institutional commitment. The university meets demonstrated financial need for all admitted students regardless of background.