Emory vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

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

Emory University is larger than Washington and Lee based on total student enrollment (15,175 students vs. 2,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Emory University is located in Atlanta, GA (Large Suburban setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Emory 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: Emory University 10:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

Emory vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Emory 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 Emory ($23,055 vs. $27,303).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Washington and Lee University are 7.6% lower than at Emory University ($18,685 vs. $20,220).
• Washington and Lee University is 5.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Emory (about $3,765 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $64,280.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.9% higher at Washington and Lee than at Emory University (about $3,765 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $64,280.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washington and Lee University than at Emory University (64% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 13.5% larger than aid received by Emory University students ($63,945 vs. $56,319).

Emory vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Emory 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 Emory.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Emory University (1510) is 20 points higher than at Washington and Lee (1490).
• Incoming Emory students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 33) as students at Washington and Lee (33).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Emory University 1470/1550; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Emory University 32/35; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Emory - Test optional; Washington and Lee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Emory Jan 1, 2027; Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washington and Lee students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Emory (3.8).
• Washington and Lee has a higher acceptance rate (14%) than Emory (10.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 40.4% at Emory vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

Emory vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Emory 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 Emory University's (90%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $7,500 more per year than Emory graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $81,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Emory University graduates have a $4,267 lower median loan debt than Washington and Lee graduates ($17,233 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Emory graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Washington and Lee graduates ($178 vs. $222).
• More Washington and Lee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Emory 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.