Bates vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

Compare Bates College in Lewiston, ME with Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Washington and Lee University is larger than Bates based on total student enrollment (2,241 students vs. 1,760 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bates College is located in Lewiston, ME (Small City setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Bates College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington and Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bates College 9:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

Bates vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bates 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 Bates ($23,055 vs. $24,723).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Washington and Lee University are 0.5% lower than at Bates College ($18,685 vs. $18,780).
• Washington and Lee University is 2.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bates (about $1,455 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $66,590.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.2% higher at Washington and Lee than at Bates College (about $1,455 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $66,590.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washington and Lee University than at Bates College (64% vs. 40%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 8.7% larger than aid received by Bates College students ($63,945 vs. $58,809).

Bates vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bates 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 Bates.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington and Lee University (1490) is 10 points higher than at Bates (1480).
• Incoming Washington and Lee students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 32 at Bates).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bates College 1420/1530; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bates College 31/34; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bates - Test optional; Washington and Lee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bates Jan 1, 2027; Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027.
• Washington and Lee has a higher acceptance rate (14%) than Bates (13.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.5% at Bates vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

Bates vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bates 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).

• Bates College's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Washington and Lee University's (91%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $13,300 more per year than Bates graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $75,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bates College graduates have a $7,050 lower median loan debt than Washington and Lee graduates ($14,450 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Bates graduates have an estimated $73 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Washington and Lee graduates ($149 vs. $222).
• More Bates graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Washington and Lee students, three years after graduation. (90% vs. 88%)

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.