UNCSA vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

Compare University of North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston Salem, NC 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 UNCSA based on total student enrollment (2,241 students vs. 1,111 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of North Carolina School of the Arts is located in Winston Salem, NC (Midsize City setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• University of North Carolina School of the Arts is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington and Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of North Carolina School of the Arts 6:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

UNCSA vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UNCSA 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 University of North Carolina School of the Arts than Washington and Lee ($13,140 vs. $23,055).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of North Carolina School of the Arts are 27.7% lower than at Washington and Lee University ($13,517 vs. $18,685).
• Washington and Lee University is 618% more expensive for in-state tuition than UNCSA (about $58,568 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $9,477.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 150.1% higher at Washington and Lee than at University of North Carolina School of the Arts (about $40,834 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $27,211.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washington and Lee University than at University of North Carolina School of the Arts (64% vs. 62%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 396.6% larger than aid received by University of North Carolina School of the Arts students ($63,945 vs. $12,876).

UNCSA vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UNCSA 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 UNCSA.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington and Lee University (1490) is 230 points higher than at UNCSA (1260).
• Incoming Washington and Lee students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 25 at UNCSA).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of North Carolina School of the Arts 1140/1370; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of North Carolina School of the Arts 22/29; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UNCSA - Test optional; Washington and Lee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UNCSA Mar 15, 2027; Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washington and Lee students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at UNCSA (3.75).
• UNCSA has a higher acceptance rate (30%) than Washington and Lee (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 55.5% at UNCSA vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

UNCSA vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UNCSA 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 North Carolina School of the Arts's (58%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $49,900 more per year than UNCSA graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $39,100), 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 UNCSA graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Washington and Lee graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UNCSA graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Washington and Lee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UNCSA students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 56%)

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.