University of Dayton vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

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

University of Dayton is larger than Washington and Lee based on total student enrollment (10,506 students vs. 2,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Dayton is located in Dayton, OH (Midsize City setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• University of Dayton is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington and Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Dayton 14:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

University of Dayton vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Dayton 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 University of Dayton ($23,055 vs. $32,794).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Dayton are 10.1% lower than at Washington and Lee University ($16,800 vs. $18,685).
• Washington and Lee University is 38.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Dayton (about $18,905 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $49,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 38.5% higher at Washington and Lee than at University of Dayton (about $18,905 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $49,140.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Dayton than at Washington and Lee University (95% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 91.3% larger than aid received by University of Dayton students ($63,945 vs. $33,418).

University of Dayton vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Dayton 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 University of Dayton.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington and Lee University (1490) is 200 points higher than at University of Dayton (1290).
• Incoming Washington and Lee students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 28 at University of Dayton).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dayton 1200/1380; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dayton 25/31; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Dayton - Test optional; Washington and Lee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Dayton Feb 1, 2027; Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washington and Lee students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at University of Dayton (3.77).
• University of Dayton has a higher acceptance rate (65.4%) than Washington and Lee (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.7% at University of Dayton vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

University of Dayton vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Dayton 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 University of Dayton's (74%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $31,700 more per year than University of Dayton graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $57,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington and Lee University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than University of Dayton graduates ($21,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Washington and Lee graduates have an estimated $46 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Dayton graduates ($222 vs. $268).
• More Washington and Lee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Dayton 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.