Denison vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

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

Denison University is larger than Washington and Lee based on total student enrollment (2,394 students vs. 2,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Denison University is located in Granville, OH (Rural Fringe setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Denison 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: Denison University 9:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

Denison vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Denison 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 Denison ($23,055 vs. $43,721).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Denison University are 12.2% lower than at Washington and Lee University ($16,400 vs. $18,685).
• Washington and Lee University is 1.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Denison (about $1,045 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $67,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.6% higher at Washington and Lee than at Denison University (about $1,045 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $67,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Denison University than at Washington and Lee University (94% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 67.5% larger than aid received by Denison University students ($63,945 vs. $38,179).

Denison vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Denison 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 Denison.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington and Lee University (1490) is 80 points higher than at Denison (1410).
• Incoming Washington and Lee students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 31 at Denison).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Denison University 1320/1490; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Denison University 30/33; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Denison - Test optional; Washington and Lee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Denison Jan 15, 2027; Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washington and Lee students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Denison (3.76).
• Denison has a higher acceptance rate (17.4%) than Washington and Lee (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.8% at Denison vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

Denison vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Denison 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 Denison University's (79%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $32,900 more per year than Denison graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $56,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington and Lee University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than Denison graduates ($21,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Washington and Lee graduates have an estimated $46 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Denison graduates ($222 vs. $268).
• More Washington and Lee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Denison students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 83%)

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.