Union College vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

Compare Union College in Schenectady, NY 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 Union College based on total student enrollment (2,241 students vs. 2,065 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Union College is located in Schenectady, NY (Small City setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Union 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: Union College 9:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

Union College vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Union 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 Union College ($23,055 vs. $42,137).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union College are 9% lower than at Washington and Lee University ($17,010 vs. $18,685).
• Union College is 1.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Washington and Lee (about $994 more per year; $69,039.00 vs. $68,045.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.5% higher at Union College than at Washington and Lee University (about $994 more per year; $69,039.00 vs. $68,045.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union College than at Washington and Lee University (96% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 50.3% larger than aid received by Union College students ($63,945 vs. $42,534).

Union College vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington and Lee University (1490) is 90 points higher than at Union College (1400).
• Incoming Washington and Lee students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 31 at Union College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Union College 1310/1480; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Union College 29/33; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Union College - Test optional; Washington and Lee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Union College Jan 15, 2027; Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washington and Lee students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Union College (3.5).
• Union College has a higher acceptance rate (43.9%) than Washington and Lee (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.9% at Union College vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

Union College vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Union 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 Union College's (86%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $14,800 more per year than Union College graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $74,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington and Lee University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Union College graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Washington and Lee graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Union College graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Washington and Lee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Union College students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 86%)

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.