Furman vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

Compare Furman University in Greenville, SC with Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Furman University is larger than Washington and Lee based on total student enrollment (2,554 students vs. 2,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Furman vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Furman 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 Furman ($23,055 vs. $34,086).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Furman University are 11.7% lower than at Washington and Lee University ($16,504 vs. $18,685).
• Washington and Lee University is 13.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Furman (about $8,275 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $59,770.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.8% higher at Washington and Lee than at Furman University (about $8,275 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $59,770.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Furman University than at Washington and Lee University (100% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 49.4% larger than aid received by Furman University students ($63,945 vs. $42,811).

Furman vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Furman 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 Furman.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington and Lee University (1490) is 140 points higher than at Furman (1350).
• Incoming Washington and Lee students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 30 at Furman).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Furman University 1260/1430; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Furman University 28/32; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Furman - Test optional; Washington and Lee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Furman Jan 15, 2027; Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washington and Lee students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Furman (3.61).
• Furman has a higher acceptance rate (42.9%) than Washington and Lee (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.1% at Furman vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

Furman vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Furman 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 Furman University's (87%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $34,700 more per year than Furman graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $54,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington and Lee University graduates have a $3,943 lower median loan debt than Furman graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,443).
• Among borrowers, Washington and Lee graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Furman graduates ($222 vs. $263).
• More Washington and Lee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Furman students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 82%)

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.