Vanderbilt vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

Compare Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN with Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Vanderbilt University is larger than Washington and Lee based on total student enrollment (13,575 students vs. 2,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Vanderbilt University is located in Nashville, TN (Large City setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Vanderbilt University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington and Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Vanderbilt University 8:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

Vanderbilt vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Vanderbilt 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 Vanderbilt ($23,055 vs. $25,186).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Washington and Lee University are 15.3% lower than at Vanderbilt University ($18,685 vs. $22,054).
• Washington and Lee University is 0.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Vanderbilt (about $547 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $67,498.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.8% higher at Washington and Lee than at Vanderbilt University (about $547 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $67,498.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Vanderbilt University than at Washington and Lee University (67% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Vanderbilt University students is 0.7% larger than aid received by Washington and Lee University students ($64,404 vs. $63,945).

Vanderbilt vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Vanderbilt 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 Vanderbilt.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Vanderbilt University (1540) is 50 points higher than at Washington and Lee (1490).
• Incoming Vanderbilt students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 33 at Washington and Lee).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Vanderbilt University 1500/1570; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Vanderbilt University 34/35; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Vanderbilt - Test optional; Washington and Lee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Vanderbilt Jan 1, 2027; Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Vanderbilt students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Washington and Lee (3.87).
• Washington and Lee has a higher acceptance rate (14%) than Vanderbilt (5.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 61.2% at Vanderbilt vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

Vanderbilt vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Vanderbilt 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).

• Vanderbilt University's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Washington and Lee University's (91%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $5,900 more per year than Vanderbilt graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $83,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Vanderbilt University graduates have a $7,500 lower median loan debt than Washington and Lee graduates ($14,000 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Vanderbilt graduates have an estimated $78 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Washington and Lee graduates ($144 vs. $222).
• More Washington and Lee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Vanderbilt students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 83%)

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.