EMU vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

Compare Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, VA 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 EMU based on total student enrollment (2,241 students vs. 1,154 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern Mennonite University is located in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Eastern Mennonite 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: Eastern Mennonite University 9:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

EMU vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, EMU 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 EMU ($23,055 vs. $25,021).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Eastern Mennonite University are 29.5% lower than at Washington and Lee University ($13,170 vs. $18,685).
• Washington and Lee University is 54.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than EMU (about $24,125 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $43,920.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 54.9% higher at Washington and Lee than at Eastern Mennonite University (about $24,125 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $43,920.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Eastern Mennonite University than at Washington and Lee University (96% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 97.5% larger than aid received by Eastern Mennonite University students ($63,945 vs. $32,378).

EMU vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, EMU 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 EMU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington and Lee University (1490) is 170 points higher than at EMU (1320).
• Incoming Washington and Lee students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 29 at EMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Mennonite University 1040/1590; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Mennonite University 25/34; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: EMU - Test-free; Washington and Lee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: 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 EMU (3.7).
• EMU has a higher acceptance rate (100%) than Washington and Lee (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.4% at EMU vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

EMU vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for EMU 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 Eastern Mennonite University's (66%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $45,100 more per year than EMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $43,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington and Lee University graduates have a $1,950 lower median loan debt than EMU graduates ($21,500 vs. $23,450).
• Among borrowers, Washington and Lee graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than EMU graduates ($222 vs. $242).
• More Washington and Lee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former EMU 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.