VMI vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

Compare Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, VA 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 VMI based on total student enrollment (2,241 students vs. 1,527 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Virginia Military Institute is located in Lexington, VA (Distant Rural setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Virginia Military Institute 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 Military Institute 9:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

VMI vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VMI 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 Virginia Military Institute than Washington and Lee ($18,825 vs. $23,055).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Virginia Military Institute are 39.5% lower than at Washington and Lee University ($11,310 vs. $18,685).
• Washington and Lee University is 223.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than VMI (about $46,999 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $21,046.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.3% higher at Washington and Lee than at Virginia Military Institute (about $15,407 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $52,638.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Virginia Military Institute than at Washington and Lee University (81% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 168.4% larger than aid received by Virginia Military Institute students ($63,945 vs. $23,821).

VMI vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, VMI 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 VMI.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington and Lee University (1490) is 330 points higher than at VMI (1160).
• Incoming Washington and Lee students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 27 at VMI).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Virginia Military Institute 1050/1270; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Virginia Military Institute 24/31; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VMI - Test optional; Washington and Lee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VMI Feb 1, 2027; Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washington and Lee students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at VMI (3.65).
• VMI has a higher acceptance rate (71.2%) than Washington and Lee (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.7% at VMI vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

VMI vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VMI 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 Military Institute's (69%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $26,900 more per year than VMI graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $62,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington and Lee University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than VMI graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Washington and Lee graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VMI graduates ($222 vs. $258).
• More Washington and Lee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VMI 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.