Old Dominion vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

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

Old Dominion University is larger than Washington and Lee based on total student enrollment (23,743 students vs. 2,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Old Dominion University is located in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Old Dominion University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington and Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Old Dominion University 13:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

Old Dominion vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Old Dominion 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 Old Dominion University than Washington and Lee ($16,419 vs. $23,055).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Old Dominion University are 20.4% lower than at Washington and Lee University ($14,878 vs. $18,685).
• Washington and Lee University is 433.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Old Dominion (about $55,295 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $12,750.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 101.4% higher at Washington and Lee than at Old Dominion University (about $34,265 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $33,780.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Old Dominion University than at Washington and Lee University (94% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 444.7% larger than aid received by Old Dominion University students ($63,945 vs. $11,740).

Old Dominion vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Old Dominion 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 Old Dominion.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington and Lee University (1490) is 300 points higher than at Old Dominion (1190).
• Incoming Washington and Lee students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 26 at Old Dominion).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Old Dominion University 1100/1280; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Old Dominion University 24/29; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Old Dominion - Test-free; Washington and Lee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Old Dominion Feb 1, 2027; Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washington and Lee students have a 0.57 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Old Dominion (3.3).
• Old Dominion has a higher acceptance rate (90.4%) than Washington and Lee (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.9% at Old Dominion vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

Old Dominion vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Old Dominion 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 Old Dominion University's (50%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $41,400 more per year than Old Dominion graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $47,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington and Lee University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Old Dominion graduates ($21,500 vs. $23,500).
• Among borrowers, Washington and Lee graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Old Dominion graduates ($222 vs. $242).
• More Washington and Lee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Old Dominion students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 53%)

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.