Overview
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From W&L
Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA, is deliberately small, residential, and diverse.
Each year, we welcome about 475 undergraduate students from nearly 50 states and more than 20 countries. They live, work, and play together and are taught and mentored by professors, coaches, and staff who know and care for them personally.
Our curriculum is both traditional and innovative.
We complement the humanities and sciences with distinctive areas of study, like those offered within our Williams School of Commerce, Economics, and Politics, one of only two accredited business programs among the top 25 liberal arts colleges. We also offer journalism and engineering, plus dedicated centers for the study of ethics, entrepreneurship, and Southern race relations, culture, and politics.
We trust our students and give them great responsibility. Student self-governance is foundational at Washington and Lee. The Honor System asks all students to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the community’s trust. Our unique Speaking Tradition further enhances the sense of community.
W&L is an extended family, which our students don’t want to leave and to which our alumni love to return. And which we invite you to explore further.
Events & Resources
Virtual Open House for Sophomores and Juniors
The virtual open house, designed for students planning to enter college in Fall 2027 or Fall 2028 and their families, will provide an introduction to the people, opportunities, and resources at Washington and Lee University. You’ll hear from faculty, staff and current students about what makes a liberal arts education at W&L special, from our academic programs to campus life, postgraduate outcomes and more.
This event will be from 3:00-4:30 PM ET.
DATE: March 22, 2026
The W&L Promise
W&L guarantees to meet 100% of every admitted student's demonstrated financial need without loans. Additionally, any undergraduate student admitted to W&L with a total family income below $150,000 and assets typical for their income will pay $0 in tuition.
Grant Aid by Income
Students and families sometimes believe that need-based financial aid won't apply to their financial situation. You may be surprised to know that 96% of families making between $200,000 and $250,000 receive university grant assistance.
Need-Blind, No Loan, 100% Need Met
W&L is one of fewer than 25 U.S. colleges able to admit students purely on the basis of academic merit and strength of character without regard for ability to pay. On top of that, we will meet the full demonstrated need of each and every admitted student entirely through grants that do not need to be repaid and an optional campus work-study job. We do not package loans with our financial aid awards.
Liberal Arts
Town
Need Blind
100% Need
QuestBridge
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Affordability Overview
From W&L
We believe a W&L education should be affordable for all admitted students. Our financial aid evaluation is not just a set of numbers plugged into a formula. We review each application and treat each family according to its circumstances. All First-Year applicants, including domestic, international and undocumented students, are eligible and encouraged to apply for need-based financial aid.
W&L also offers competitive merit-based full-ride scholarships through the Johnson Scholarship Program and additional full-tuition scholarships on the basis of geography or special interest.
- 100% — W&L meets the full demonstrated financial need of every admitted applicant entirely through grants and student employment, without loans.
- $0 in tuition — Undergraduate students with a total family income below $125,000 and assets typical for their income will receive a minimum grant equal to full tuition.
- $60 million in aid awarded annually. Our top-25 endowment among all U.S. colleges and universities allows us to provide need-based financial aid to the greatest number of students across the broadest range of incomes.
- 57% of the entering first-year class received some form of financial aid, with an average aid award of $64,265.
- ~44 members of the first-year class will win a prestigious Johnson Scholarship — an $83,000 per year value.
Scholarships Overview
From W&L
All merit scholarships at Washington and Lee are part of the Johnson Scholarship Program. To be considered for a merit-based award, you must submit a Johnson Scholarship application by Dec. 1. Scholarships recognize and reward students on the basis of academic achievement, demonstrated leadership and integrity, and their potential to contribute to the intellectual and civic life of the W&L campus and the world at large in years to come.
$91,700
$62,221
$29,479
Cost Breakdown
Estimated Cost:
$91,700The sticker price at Washington and Lee is $91,700. This includes the cost of tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and other miscellaneous expenses.
The cost of attendance can vary from year to year and will typically rise over your four years in college. That said, colleges will recalculate your financial aid every year to take price increases and changes in your financial situation into account.
College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at Washington and Lee would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.
Washington and Lee University Financial Aid
To apply for financial aid at Washington and Lee you’ll need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as the CSS Profile.
The FAFSA and CSS Profile use financial information from the prior, prior year. That means you can submit the forms even if you or your parents haven’t filed last year’s taxes.
The FAFSA code for Washington and Lee is 003768 and the CSS Profile Code is 5887.
The FAFSA is completely free, while the CSS Profile charges a fee for each college you send it to. If you have demonstrated financial need, you may qualify for a CSS Profile fee waiver.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA or the CSS Profile, check out these resources:
Apply to these scholarships due soon
See more Virginia scholarshipsWashington and Lee University QuestBridge Scholarships
Washington and Lee is a member of QuestBridge, which is a prestigious scholarship program that supports high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds. Students who are “matched” to Washington and Lee University through QuestBridge receive a four year, full ride scholarship to the school. If you are interested in learning more about QuestBridge, you can check out our QuestBridge Scholarship guide.
Washington and Lee University’s 100% Need-Met Guarantee
Washington and Lee meets 100% of admitted students’ financial need. Using the FAFSA and/or CSS Profile, they calculate your need and offer a combination of scholarships and federal loans to cover any costs you and your family cannot pay.
No Loan Policy at Washington and Lee
Washington and Lee is a no-loan school, which means that their financial aid packages offer students grants and scholarships in place of the federal loans that are typically part of a package. This means that their financial aid is more generous than most, and they help bridge the gap between cost and student need. Some no-loan schools offer this policy for all accepted students while others only extend it to students below a specific income level, or to in-state students. Be sure to check Washington and Lee's website for details on their No-Loan policy.
National Merit Scholarships
If you scored exceptionally high on the PSAT/NMSQT, you may have been named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. Did you know that this distinction could earn you a scholarship at Washington and Lee University? Washington and Lee offers scholarship money to National Merit Scholarship Finalists, although terms may vary. Some schools require you to list them as your first choice in order to receive the benefit, and others may impose additional need-based or academic requirements. Be sure to check Washington and Lee's website for more information!
Pell Grants at Washington and Lee University
11% of students at Washington and Lee University receive Pell Grants.
The federal government awards Pell Grants to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need by filling out the FAFSA. Students with a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible. Pell Grants do not be repaid. If you receive a Pell Grant, the award amount should remain consistent at any college you gain admission to. You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
Students can use outside scholarships to supplement their financial aid package at Washington and Lee. Outside scholarships are awards offered by private and non-profit organizations separate from their college. To browse vetted, reliable outside scholarships, check out our popular lists:
Admissions
Admissions Overview
From W&L
We seek academically talented, curious, and engaged students from around the world. Our student body represents 49 states and 47 countries of citizenship, who are not only academically driven but also leaders in their schools and communities, dedicated to making a positive impact on those around them.
W&L offers Early Decision I (Nov. 1), II (Jan. 1), and Regular Decision (Jan. 1) admission plans. Students may apply via the Common Application, the Coalition Application by SCOIR, or QuestBridge.
W&L is a proud member of the QuestBridge College Partnership, which includes 50 of the best colleges and universities in the U.S. and is committed to increasing access to top-quality education.
The Johnson Scholarship is W&L’s premier merit-based scholarship, providing full tuition, housing, and meals to up to 10% of each incoming class. Scholarship winners also receive an additional $10,000 to support summer experiences or study abroad. Application for the Johnson Scholarship is open to all Early Decision and Regular Decision candidates and requires a supplemental essay due by Dec. 1, regardless of the intended application round.
17%
34
1453
1453 is the median SAT score and 34 is the median ACT score for admitted students at Washington and Lee. A score that is close to this median value indicates that you have a good chance of admission to the institution. However, it’s important to remember that colleges judge applications holistically. If the rest of your application is strong, it’s possible to make up for lower test scores.
Coalition Colleges
Washington and Lee is a Coalition Member College, which means they have completed a vigorous vetting process from the Coalition for College to ensure that they “provide substantial support to lower-income, under-resourced and/or first-generation students; offer responsible student financial aid; and demonstrate a commitment to student graduation.” That also means you can apply to Washington and Lee via the Coalition Application. The Coalition Application makes it easy to obtain application fee waivers if you qualify. It’s also a great way to discover other colleges that have demonstrated a strong commitment to affordability and strong student outcomes.
Is Washington and Lee test-optional?
Washington and Lee University is test-optional, which means that applicants are permitted, but not required, to submit their standardized test scores. If you choose not to submit your scores, admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurriculars, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you aren’t sure whether to submit your standardized test scores, Scholarships360’s guide on whether to submit your test scores to test-optional schools can help.
What test scores do you need to get into Washington and Lee University?
Colleges use standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, or CLT as one of many factors to determine their admissions decisions. A high score on one of these tests does not guarantee admission to a college, and a low score does not guarantee rejection. However, the majority of accepted applicants to Washington and Lee University receive between a 32 and a 34 on their ACT, or a 1385 and a 1522 on their SAT.
Early Decision I
Early Decision II
Regular Decision
What is the application deadline at Washington and Lee?
Students must apply by January 1 to enroll at Washington and Lee during the fall semester. Remember that college applications involve many pieces, including essays, a transcript, letters of recommendation, and more. Be sure to start your application as soon as you can to make sure you have enough time to make it as compelling as possible.
At Washington and Lee students also have the opportunity to apply Early Decision. In order to take advantage of this option, you’ll have to have your application in by November 1.
You can also choose to apply Early Decision II, with a later deadline of January 1.
Is Washington and Lee University need-blind?
Yes, Washington and Lee University has need-blind admissions, which means they do not take financial need into account when they decide who to accept. If your FAFSA and/or CSS Profile indicate that you would need substantial financial aid, you will still be on equal footing with applicants who do not require any aid at all.
Academics
Student/Faculty Ratio
7:1
Graduation Rate
95%
Popular Majors
Percent of Students
Business, Management, & Marketing
28%
28% of graduates
Social Sciences
24%
24% of graduates
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
10%
10% of graduates
Psychology
5%
5% of graduates
Physical Sciences
4%
4% of graduates
Communications & Journalism
4%
4% of graduates
English Language & Literature
4%
4% of graduates
Engineering
4%
4% of graduates
Mathematics
4%
4% of graduates
Languages & Literatures
3%
3% of graduates
History
3%
3% of graduates
Computer & Information Sciences
2%
2% of graduates
Visual & Performing Arts
2%
2% of graduates
Natural Resources & Conservation
1%
1% of graduates
Area, Ethnic, Cultural, & Gender Studies
1%
1% of graduates
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
1,861
Pell Grant 10%
Part-Time Undergrad Students 0%
Undergrad Students Over 25 0%
Percent Male / Female 49% / 51%
Ethnic Diversity at Washington and Lee
72% White
8% Hispanic
6% International / Non-Citizen
5% Multiracial
4% Black
4% Asian / Pacific Islander
1% Unknown
Student Outcomes
Student Outcomes Overview
From W&L
Our 97% retention rate (the percentage of first-year students who return for the second year) and 91% graduation rate (the percentage of all students who graduate in four years) are the highest marks of any liberal arts college in the nation and are excellent metrics to gauge student satisfaction and student support.
After graduation, 95% of the graduating class will find full-time employment or enroll in advanced study programs within six months. And within 10 years, 96% and 90%, respectively, of those choosing to apply to law or medical schools will gain admission.
Lastly, a recent study on education and the workforce conducted by Georgetown University economists found that graduates of liberal arts universities enjoyed higher overall net earnings during a 40-year career than graduates from other types of institutions. Even more impactful is that among all liberal arts colleges, W&L grads achieved the third-highest career earnings out of more than 200 colleges.
Graduate Income
$94,810
Median Debt $19,500
Debt 10 years after graduation $207
Graduation Rate 95%
What is the graduation rate at Washington and Lee University?
95% of students who start at Washington and Lee University finish their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 37% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.
How much do graduates of Washington and Lee University go on to earn?
The median income of students 10 years after starting at Washington and Lee University is $94,810. This is $44,419 more than the national median.
This data is from the College Scorecard, which only surveys students from Washington and Lee University who received federal financial aid.
Graduate earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Major and career path are two important factors in how much a student goes on to earn. For more information, check out Scholarships360’s article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at Washington and Lee take out in loans?
Graduates of Washington and Lee take out a median of $19,500 in federal student loans. This is $6,000 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, be sure to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Scholarships360’s guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.
Data Sources
We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.
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Washington and Lee University