Muhlenberg College vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

Compare Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA 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 Muhlenberg College based on total student enrollment (2,241 students vs. 1,788 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Muhlenberg College is located in Allentown, PA (Midsize City setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Muhlenberg 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: Muhlenberg College 9:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

Muhlenberg College vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Muhlenberg 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 Muhlenberg College ($23,055 vs. $34,739).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Muhlenberg College are 22.1% lower than at Washington and Lee University ($14,548 vs. $18,685).
• Washington and Lee University is 8.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Muhlenberg College (about $5,240 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $62,805.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.3% higher at Washington and Lee than at Muhlenberg College (about $5,240 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $62,805.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Muhlenberg College than at Washington and Lee University (99% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 50.3% larger than aid received by Muhlenberg College students ($63,945 vs. $42,545).

Muhlenberg College vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington and Lee University (1490) is 160 points higher than at Muhlenberg College (1330).
• Incoming Washington and Lee students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 31 at Muhlenberg College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Muhlenberg College 1250/1410; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Muhlenberg College 29/33; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Muhlenberg College - Test optional; Washington and Lee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Muhlenberg College Feb 1, 2027; Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washington and Lee students have a 0.43 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Muhlenberg College (3.44).
• Muhlenberg College has a higher acceptance rate (72%) than Washington and Lee (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13% at Muhlenberg College vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

Muhlenberg College vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Muhlenberg 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 Muhlenberg College's (86%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $25,300 more per year than Muhlenberg College graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $63,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington and Lee University graduates have a $4,990 lower median loan debt than Muhlenberg College graduates ($21,500 vs. $26,490).
• Among borrowers, Washington and Lee graduates have an estimated $51 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Muhlenberg College graduates ($222 vs. $273).
• More Washington and Lee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Muhlenberg College students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 84%)

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.