Overview
Enrollment
Washington and Lee University, a private liberal arts institution in Lexington, Virginia, maintains a historic campus distinguished by its notable Collegiate Gothic architecture. Founded in 1749, it stands as one of the oldest universities in the United States. The university's academic profile is marked by a strong emphasis on programs in law, journalism, and business, fostering a rigorous academic environment that often renders its admissions process highly selective. Encompassing a picturesque 430-acre campus in the Shenandoah Valley, Washington and Lee provides a bucolic setting that is approximately 180 miles from Washington, D.C. Residential life is integral to student experience, with on-campus housing options available. While the university does not emphasize athletics to the same degree as larger institutions, it competes in NCAA Division III as the Generals, with a tradition of competition particularly in wrestling and equestrian events.
In the most recent statistical year 7,224 prospective students applied, and 1,225 were granted admission. Of those admitted 476 enrolled in the school. 2,235 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 8 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $60,590 plus fees of $1,160. Washington and Lee is ranked 30 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Washington and Lee is rated within the top 7% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 10 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Washington and Lee University within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#30 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#30 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#1 in Best Colleges in Virginia
#1 in Best Private Colleges in Virginia
#28 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#1 in Best Value Colleges in Virginia
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1410/1533 |
| ACT | 32/34 |
| Estimated GPA | 3.87 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jan 1, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very High |
| Application Fee | $60 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $2,024 |
| Other Fees | $1,160 |
| Room and Board | $16,920 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,296 |
| Total One Year Cost | $82,990 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Social Sciences | 21% |
| Business | 19% |
| Foreign Languages | 9% |
| History | 7% |
| Biology | 7% |
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Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Washington and Lee University.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=234207 IPEDS survey data for Washington and Lee University.
Current students may use the Washington and Lee University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024