Hamilton College vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

Compare Hamilton College in Clinton, NY 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 Hamilton College based on total student enrollment (2,241 students vs. 2,031 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Hamilton College is located in Clinton, NY (Rural Fringe setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Hamilton College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington and Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Hamilton College 9:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

Hamilton College vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Hamilton College 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 Hamilton College ($23,055 vs. $28,719).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hamilton College are 6.3% lower than at Washington and Lee University ($17,510 vs. $18,685).
• Hamilton College is 1.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Washington and Lee (about $915 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $68,045.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.3% higher at Hamilton College than at Washington and Lee University (about $915 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $68,045.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washington and Lee University than at Hamilton College (64% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 15.2% larger than aid received by Hamilton College students ($63,945 vs. $55,511).

Hamilton College vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Hamilton College 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 Hamilton College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hamilton College (1500) is 10 points higher than at Washington and Lee (1490).
• Incoming Hamilton College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 33 at Washington and Lee).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hamilton College 1450/1550; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hamilton College 33/35; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Hamilton College - Test optional; Washington and Lee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Hamilton College Jan 5, 2027; Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Hamilton College students have the same average high school GPA (3.87) as students at Washington and Lee (3.87).
• Washington and Lee has a higher acceptance rate (14%) than Hamilton College (13.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 39% at Hamilton College vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

Hamilton College vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Hamilton College 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 Hamilton College's (89%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $10,000 more per year than Hamilton College graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $79,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have a $5,740 lower median loan debt than Washington and Lee graduates ($15,760 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have an estimated $60 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Washington and Lee graduates ($162 vs. $222).
• More Hamilton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Washington and Lee students, three years after graduation. (90% vs. 88%)

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.