Washington and Lee University campus

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Washington and Lee Demographics & Diversity

  • 10/10 Overall Rating
  • 4 Year
  • Lexington, VA
  • 4.3 3 reviews
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Racial Demographics & Diversity

Racial Diversity

Racial Diversity

Very Low

Racial Diversity Index: 30%

Racial diversity is the chance that two students chosen at random are from different racial or ethnic groups, using the U.S. Census Bureau Diversity Index. Students at Washington and Lee are mostly White with a small Foreign Resident population. The school has very low racial diversity. 18% percent of students are minorities or people of color (BIPOC). The ethnic breakdown is detailed in the following table.

Racial demographics of Washington and Lee University students
Race Percent of Students
White
82%
Black
2%
Hispanic
3%
Asian
3%
American Indian / Alaskan
0%
Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3%
International
4%
Race Unknown
2%

Gender Demographics & Diversity

Gender Diversity

Gender Diversity

Very High

Gender Diversity Index: 50%

There are 1% more female students than male students enrolled at Washington and Lee University with a gender ratio of 50% women to 50% men. Compared to the US average of 56% female students, Washington and Lee has a higher gender diversity than other US colleges and is very inclusive of both genders.

Male to female gender ratio for Washington and Lee University students
Gender Percent of Students
Men
50%
Women
50%
Enrollment by gender for Washington and Lee University students
Gender Number of Students
Men
1,115
Women
1,126

Geographic Diversity

Geographic Diversity

Geographic Diversity

Very High

Geographic Diversity Index: 83%

Washington and Lee draws 17 percent of students from Virginia, 74 percent from other states, and 10 percent from other countries. Geographic diversity is the share of students from outside Virginia, including other U.S. states and other countries.

Enrollment by geographic location for Washington and Lee University students
Origin Percent of Students
In State
17%
Out of State
74%
Foreign
10%
Unknown Location
0%

Economic Diversity

Median Household Income

Median Household Income

$80,995 per year

12% of students can be considered low-income as indicated by their receipt of Federal Pell Grant Aid.

Total Enrollment

Total Enrollment

Total enrollment

2,241
Share of undergraduates by age and part-time status
Segment Percent of Students
Students Over 25 Years Old 0.2%
Part-time undergraduates 0.1%

Other Colleges to Consider

Students applying to Washington and Lee University often consider these colleges

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=234207.

Racial and gender diversity ratings use the U.S. Census Bureau Diversity Index (Gini-Simpson): the probability that two students chosen at random belong to different groups. See the Census method note, Measuring Racial and Ethnic Diversity for the 2020 Census. Geographic diversity is the share of students from outside the college's home state (other U.S. states plus international). IPEDS does not publish enrollment by individual state of residence.

Last updated: August 2026