UofSC vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

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

University of South Carolina Columbia is larger than Washington and Lee based on total student enrollment (38,532 students vs. 2,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of South Carolina Columbia is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• University of South Carolina Columbia 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 South Carolina Columbia 19:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

UofSC vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UofSC 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 UofSC ($23,055 vs. $24,488).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Carolina Columbia are 27.6% lower than at Washington and Lee University ($13,534 vs. $18,685).
• Washington and Lee University is 436.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than UofSC (about $55,357 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $12,688.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 89.2% higher at Washington and Lee than at University of South Carolina Columbia (about $32,073 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $35,972.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of South Carolina Columbia than at Washington and Lee University (91% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 795.7% larger than aid received by University of South Carolina Columbia students ($63,945 vs. $7,139).

UofSC vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UofSC 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 UofSC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington and Lee University (1490) is 220 points higher than at UofSC (1270).
• Incoming Washington and Lee students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 29 at UofSC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Carolina Columbia 1180/1360; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Carolina Columbia 26/32; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UofSC - Test optional; Washington and Lee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UofSC Dec 1, 2026; Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washington and Lee students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at UofSC (3.69).
• UofSC has a higher acceptance rate (60.2%) than Washington and Lee (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.9% at UofSC vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

UofSC vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UofSC 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 South Carolina Columbia's (70%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $37,300 more per year than UofSC graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $51,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington and Lee University graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than UofSC graduates ($21,500 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Washington and Lee graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UofSC graduates ($222 vs. $240).
• More Washington and Lee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UofSC students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 69%)

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.