Washington and Lee vs. Whitman College

Comparable Facts

Compare Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA with Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Washington and Lee University is larger than Whitman College based on total student enrollment (2,241 students vs. 1,561 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Washington and Lee University is located in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting); Whitman College is in Walla Walla, WA (Remote Town setting).
• Washington and Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Whitman College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Washington and Lee University 7:1; Whitman College 10:1.

Washington and Lee vs. Whitman College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Washington and Lee or Whitman 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 Whitman College ($23,055 vs. $37,633).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Whitman College are 19.3% lower than at Washington and Lee University ($15,080 vs. $18,685).
• Washington and Lee University is 6.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Whitman College (about $3,995 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $64,050.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.2% higher at Washington and Lee than at Whitman College (about $3,995 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $64,050.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Whitman College than at Washington and Lee University (94% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 57.9% larger than aid received by Whitman College students ($63,945 vs. $40,489).

Washington and Lee vs. Whitman College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington and Lee University (1490) is 90 points higher than at Whitman College (1400).
• Incoming Washington and Lee students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 31 at Whitman College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington and Lee University 1430/1540; Whitman College 1310/1480.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington and Lee University 33/34; Whitman College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Washington and Lee - Test optional; Whitman College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027; Whitman College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washington and Lee students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Whitman College (3.68).
• Whitman College has a higher acceptance rate (38.1%) than Washington and Lee (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 41.2% at Washington and Lee vs. 14.1% at Whitman College.

Washington and Lee vs. Whitman College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Washington and Lee and Whitman 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).

• Washington and Lee University's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than Whitman College's (86%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $32,100 more per year than Whitman College graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $56,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Whitman College graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Washington and Lee graduates ($17,500 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Whitman College graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Washington and Lee graduates ($180 vs. $222).
• More Whitman College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Washington and Lee students, three years after graduation. (93% vs. 88%)

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.