Reed vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

Compare Reed College in Portland, OR 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 Reed based on total student enrollment (2,241 students vs. 1,358 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Reed College is located in Portland, OR (Large City setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Reed 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: Reed College 9:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

Reed vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Reed 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 Reed ($23,055 vs. $30,953).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Reed College are 5.5% lower than at Washington and Lee University ($17,660 vs. $18,685).
• Reed College is 1.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Washington and Lee (about $1,305 more per year; $69,350.00 vs. $68,045.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.9% higher at Reed than at Washington and Lee University (about $1,305 more per year; $69,350.00 vs. $68,045.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washington and Lee University than at Reed College (64% vs. 58%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 15.3% larger than aid received by Reed College students ($63,945 vs. $55,445).

Reed vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Reed 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 Reed.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington and Lee University (1490) is 80 points higher than at Reed (1410).
• Incoming Washington and Lee students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 32 at Reed).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Reed College 1290/1520; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Reed College 30/34; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Reed - Test optional; Washington and Lee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Reed students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Washington and Lee (3.87).
• Reed has a higher acceptance rate (24.6%) than Washington and Lee (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.1% at Reed vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

Reed vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Reed 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 Reed College's (80%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $41,800 more per year than Reed graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $47,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Reed College graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Washington and Lee graduates ($16,000 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Reed graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Washington and Lee graduates ($165 vs. $222).
• More Washington and Lee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Reed 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.