George Washington vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

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

George Washington University is larger than Washington and Lee based on total student enrollment (25,374 students vs. 2,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• George Washington University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• George Washington 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: George Washington University 13:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

George Washington vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, George Washington 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 George Washington ($23,055 vs. $46,485).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at George Washington University are 9.4% lower than at Washington and Lee University ($16,920 vs. $18,685).
• Washington and Lee University is 0.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than George Washington (about $335 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $67,710.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.5% higher at Washington and Lee than at George Washington University (about $335 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $67,710.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at George Washington University than at Washington and Lee University (78% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 70.5% larger than aid received by George Washington University students ($63,945 vs. $37,500).

George Washington vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, George Washington 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 George Washington.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington and Lee University (1490) is 60 points higher than at George Washington (1430).
• Incoming Washington and Lee students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 32 at George Washington).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Washington University 1350/1500; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Washington University 31/34; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: George Washington - Test optional; Washington and Lee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: George Washington Jan 5, 2027; Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washington and Lee students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at George Washington (3.81).
• George Washington has a higher acceptance rate (47.1%) than Washington and Lee (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.3% at George Washington vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

George Washington vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for George Washington 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 George Washington University's (81%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $8,500 more per year than George Washington graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $80,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington and Lee University graduates have a $3,462 lower median loan debt than George Washington graduates ($21,500 vs. $24,962).
• Among borrowers, Washington and Lee graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than George Washington graduates ($222 vs. $258).
• More Washington and Lee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former George Washington 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.