VCU vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

Compare Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA with Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Virginia Commonwealth University is larger than Washington and Lee based on total student enrollment (28,464 students vs. 2,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Virginia Commonwealth University is located in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Virginia Commonwealth University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington and Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Virginia Commonwealth University 17:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

VCU vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCU 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 VCU ($23,055 vs. $26,836).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Virginia Commonwealth University are 2.3% lower than at Washington and Lee University ($18,254 vs. $18,685).
• Washington and Lee University is 301.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCU (about $51,100 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $16,945.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 69.7% higher at Washington and Lee than at Virginia Commonwealth University (about $27,936 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $40,109.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Virginia Commonwealth University than at Washington and Lee University (88% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 350.8% larger than aid received by Virginia Commonwealth University students ($63,945 vs. $14,186).

VCU vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, VCU 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 VCU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington and Lee University (1490) is 350 points higher than at VCU (1140).
• Incoming Washington and Lee students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 26 at VCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Virginia Commonwealth University 1010/1270; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Virginia Commonwealth University 22/30; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCU - Test optional; Washington and Lee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCU Jan 18, 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 VCU (3.75).
• VCU has a higher acceptance rate (92.6%) than Washington and Lee (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.6% at VCU vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

VCU vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCU 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 Virginia Commonwealth University's (53%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $41,500 more per year than VCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $47,500), 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 VCU graduates ($21,500 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Washington and Lee graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCU graduates ($222 vs. $240).
• More Washington and Lee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VCU 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.