Oberlin vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

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

Oberlin College is larger than Washington and Lee based on total student enrollment (2,909 students vs. 2,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Oberlin College is located in Oberlin, OH (Midsize Suburban setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Oberlin 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: Oberlin College 9:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

Oberlin vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Oberlin 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 Oberlin ($23,055 vs. $51,624).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Washington and Lee University are 4.2% lower than at Oberlin College ($18,685 vs. $19,510).
• Washington and Lee University is 1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Oberlin (about $679 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $67,366.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1% higher at Washington and Lee than at Oberlin College (about $679 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $67,366.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Oberlin College than at Washington and Lee University (99% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 78.7% larger than aid received by Oberlin College students ($63,945 vs. $35,780).

Oberlin vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Oberlin 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 Oberlin.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington and Lee University (1490) is 50 points higher than at Oberlin (1440).
• Incoming Washington and Lee students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 32 at Oberlin).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Oberlin College 1360/1520; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Oberlin College 31/34; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Oberlin - Test optional; Washington and Lee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Oberlin Jan 15, 2027; Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washington and Lee students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Oberlin (3.67).
• Oberlin has a higher acceptance rate (34.2%) than Washington and Lee (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.5% at Oberlin vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

Oberlin vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Oberlin 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 Oberlin College's (88%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $45,100 more per year than Oberlin graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $43,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington and Lee University graduates have a $5,079 lower median loan debt than Oberlin graduates ($21,500 vs. $26,579).
• Among borrowers, Washington and Lee graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Oberlin graduates ($222 vs. $274).
• More Washington and Lee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Oberlin 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.