Smith College vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

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

Smith College is larger than Washington and Lee based on total student enrollment (2,857 students vs. 2,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Smith College is located in Northampton, MA (Large Suburban setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Smith 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: Smith College 8:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

Smith College vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Smith 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 Smith College ($23,055 vs. $27,305).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Washington and Lee University are 17.2% lower than at Smith College ($18,685 vs. $22,570).
• Washington and Lee University is 4.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Smith College (about $2,867 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $65,178.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.4% higher at Washington and Lee than at Smith College (about $2,867 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $65,178.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Smith College than at Washington and Lee University (67% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 8.9% larger than aid received by Smith College students ($63,945 vs. $58,725).

Smith College vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington and Lee University (1490) is 10 points higher than at Smith College (1480).
• Incoming Smith College students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 33) as students at Washington and Lee (33).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Smith College 1420/1540; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Smith College 32/35; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Smith College - Test optional; Washington and Lee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Smith College Jan 15, 2027; Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Smith College students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Washington and Lee (3.87).
• Smith College has a higher acceptance rate (21%) than Washington and Lee (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.4% at Smith College vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

Smith College vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Smith 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 Smith College's (85%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $40,100 more per year than Smith College graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Smith College graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Washington and Lee graduates ($19,000 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Smith College graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Washington and Lee graduates ($196 vs. $222).
• More Washington and Lee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Smith College students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 80%)

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.