VWC vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

Compare Virginia Wesleyan University in Virginia Beach, 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 VWC based on total student enrollment (2,241 students vs. 1,853 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Virginia Wesleyan University is located in Virginia Beach, VA (Large City setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Virginia Wesleyan 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: Virginia Wesleyan University 15:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

VWC vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VWC 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 Wesleyan University than Washington and Lee ($21,267 vs. $23,055).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Virginia Wesleyan University are 36.2% lower than at Washington and Lee University ($11,930 vs. $18,685).
• Washington and Lee University is 81.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than VWC (about $30,545 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $37,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 81.5% higher at Washington and Lee than at Virginia Wesleyan University (about $30,545 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $37,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Virginia Wesleyan University than at Washington and Lee University (100% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 113.7% larger than aid received by Virginia Wesleyan University students ($63,945 vs. $29,923).

VWC vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, VWC 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 VWC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington and Lee University (1490) is 240 points higher than at VWC (1250).
• Incoming Washington and Lee students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 28 at VWC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Virginia Wesleyan University 1140/1350; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Virginia Wesleyan University 28/29; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VWC - Test optional; Washington and Lee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washington and Lee students have a 0.48 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at VWC (3.39).
• VWC has a higher acceptance rate (72.9%) than Washington and Lee (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.9% at VWC vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

VWC vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VWC 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 Wesleyan University's (48%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $47,300 more per year than VWC graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $41,700), 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 VWC graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Washington and Lee graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VWC graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Washington and Lee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VWC students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 57%)

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.