Drexel vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

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

Drexel University is larger than Washington and Lee based on total student enrollment (21,153 students vs. 2,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Drexel University is located in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Drexel 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: Drexel University 9:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

Drexel vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Drexel 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 Drexel ($23,055 vs. $42,801).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Drexel University are 3.2% lower than at Washington and Lee University ($18,096 vs. $18,685).
• Washington and Lee University is 9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Drexel (about $5,633 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $62,412.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9% higher at Washington and Lee than at Drexel University (about $5,633 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $62,412.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Drexel University than at Washington and Lee University (100% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 82.4% larger than aid received by Drexel University students ($63,945 vs. $35,051).

Drexel vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Drexel 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 Drexel.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington and Lee University (1490) is 150 points higher than at Drexel (1340).
• Incoming Washington and Lee students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 29 at Drexel).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drexel University 1240/1440; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drexel University 27/32; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Drexel - Test optional; Washington and Lee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Drexel Jan 15, 2027; Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washington and Lee students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Drexel (3.67).
• Drexel has a higher acceptance rate (79.4%) than Washington and Lee (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.1% at Drexel vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

Drexel vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Drexel 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 Drexel University's (68%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $11,600 more per year than Drexel graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $77,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington and Lee University graduates have a $4,743 lower median loan debt than Drexel graduates ($21,500 vs. $26,243).
• Among borrowers, Washington and Lee graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Drexel graduates ($222 vs. $271).
• More Washington and Lee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Drexel students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 77%)

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.