AU vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

Compare American University in Washington, DC with Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

American University is larger than Washington and Lee based on total student enrollment (12,321 students vs. 2,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• American University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• American University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington and Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: American University 10:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

AU vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or Washington and Lee? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Washington and Lee University than AU ($23,055 vs. $39,676).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at American University are 3.8% lower than at Washington and Lee University ($17,982 vs. $18,685).
• Washington and Lee University is 15.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than AU (about $9,274 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.8% higher at Washington and Lee than at American University (about $9,274 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at American University than at Washington and Lee University (67% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 75.9% larger than aid received by American University students ($63,945 vs. $36,349).

AU vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, AU or Washington and Lee? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Washington and Lee and AU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington and Lee University (1490) is 120 points higher than at AU (1370).
• Incoming Washington and Lee students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 30 at AU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 1280/1460; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 29/32; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; Washington and Lee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: AU Jan 15, 2027; Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washington and Lee students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at AU (3.7).
• AU has a higher acceptance rate (62%) than Washington and Lee (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at AU vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

AU vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and Washington and Lee? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Washington and Lee University's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than American University's (77%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $24,200 more per year than AU graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $64,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington and Lee University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than AU graduates ($21,500 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Washington and Lee graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AU graduates ($222 vs. $250).
• More Washington and Lee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AU students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 80%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.