HMC vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

Compare Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, CA 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 HMC based on total student enrollment (2,241 students vs. 951 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Harvey Mudd College is located in Claremont, CA (Large Suburban setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Harvey Mudd 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: Harvey Mudd College 8:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

HMC vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, HMC 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 HMC ($23,055 vs. $43,966).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Washington and Lee University are 16.3% lower than at Harvey Mudd College ($18,685 vs. $22,318).
• Harvey Mudd College is 0.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Washington and Lee (about $568 more per year; $68,613.00 vs. $68,045.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.8% higher at HMC than at Washington and Lee University (about $568 more per year; $68,613.00 vs. $68,045.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Harvey Mudd College as at Washington and Lee University (64% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 38.4% larger than aid received by Harvey Mudd College students ($63,945 vs. $46,199).

HMC vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, HMC 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 HMC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Harvey Mudd College (1540) is 50 points higher than at Washington and Lee (1490).
• Incoming HMC students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (35 vs. 33 at Washington and Lee).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harvey Mudd College 1500/1570; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Harvey Mudd College 34/36; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: HMC - Test optional; Washington and Lee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: HMC Jan 5, 2027; Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman HMC students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.96) than students at Washington and Lee (3.87).
• Washington and Lee has a higher acceptance rate (14%) than HMC (12.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.8% at HMC vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

HMC vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for HMC 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 Harvey Mudd College's (84%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than HMC graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $84,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington and Lee University graduates have a $4,040 lower median loan debt than HMC graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,540).
• Among borrowers, Washington and Lee graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than HMC graduates ($222 vs. $264).

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.