Washington and Lee vs. PHC

Comparable Facts

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

Washington and Lee University is larger than PHC based on total student enrollment (2,241 students vs. 425 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Washington and Lee University is located in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting); Patrick Henry College is in Purcellville, Virginia (Town Fringe setting).
• Washington and Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Patrick Henry College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Washington and Lee University 7:1; Patrick Henry College 14:1.

Washington and Lee vs. PHC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Washington and Lee or PHC? 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 PHC ($23,055 vs. $25,869).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Patrick Henry College are 41% lower than at Washington and Lee University ($11,020 vs. $18,685).
• Washington and Lee University is 139.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than PHC (about $39,620 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $28,425.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 139.4% higher at Washington and Lee than at Patrick Henry College (about $39,620 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $28,425.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Patrick Henry College than at Washington and Lee University (100% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 379.2% larger than aid received by Patrick Henry College students ($63,945 vs. $13,345).

Washington and Lee vs. PHC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Washington and Lee or PHC? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between PHC and Washington and Lee.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Washington and Lee University (1490) is 160 points higher than at PHC (1330).
• Incoming Washington and Lee students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (33 vs. 30 at PHC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Washington and Lee University 1430/1540; Patrick Henry College 1240/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Washington and Lee University 33/34; Patrick Henry College 27/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Washington and Lee - Test optional; PHC - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027; PHC Jul 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Washington and Lee students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at PHC (3.83).
• PHC has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than Washington and Lee (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 41.2% at Washington and Lee vs. 47.6% at PHC.

Washington and Lee vs. PHC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Washington and Lee and PHC? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Washington and Lee University's six-year graduation rate is 91%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for PHC.
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University have median earnings of about $89,000 about ten years after starting college (College Scorecard). Comparable earnings data is not available for PHC.

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.