Washington and Lee vs. Olin College

Comparable Facts

Compare Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA with Franklin W Olin College of Engineering in Needham, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Washington and Lee University is larger than Olin College based on total student enrollment (2,241 students vs. 405 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Washington and Lee University is located in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting); Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is in Needham, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Washington and Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Washington and Lee University 7:1; Franklin W Olin College of Engineering 9:1.

Washington and Lee vs. Olin College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Washington and Lee or Olin College? 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 Olin College ($23,055 vs. $43,184).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Washington and Lee University are 10.2% lower than at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering ($18,685 vs. $20,810).
• Washington and Lee University is 2.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Olin College (about $1,647 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $66,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.5% higher at Washington and Lee than at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering (about $1,647 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $66,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering than at Washington and Lee University (100% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 47.7% larger than aid received by Franklin W Olin College of Engineering students ($63,945 vs. $43,290).

Washington and Lee vs. Olin College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Washington and Lee or Olin College? 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 Olin College and Washington and Lee.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering (1530) is 40 points higher than at Washington and Lee (1490).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington and Lee University 1430/1540; Franklin W Olin College of Engineering 1493/1558.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Washington and Lee - Test optional; Olin College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027; Olin College Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Olin College students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at Washington and Lee (3.87).
• Olin College has a higher acceptance rate (25.2%) than Washington and Lee (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 41.2% at Washington and Lee vs. 43.7% at Olin College.

Washington and Lee vs. Olin College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Washington and Lee and Olin College? 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).

• Franklin W Olin College of Engineering's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than Washington and Lee University's (91%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Franklin W Olin College of Engineering graduates have a $6,790 lower median loan debt than Washington and Lee graduates ($14,710 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Olin College graduates have an estimated $70 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Washington and Lee graduates ($152 vs. $222).

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.