Overview
Lexington, VA 
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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
Johnson Scholarship Deadline
The Johnson Scholarship awards merit scholarships to talented first-year students, covering tuition, housing, and meals for all four years of enrollment, ensuring scholars graduate debt-free (valued at over $83,000/year). Scholars also receive summer enhancement funds of up to $10,000 to support internships, community service projects, faculty-supervised research, international experiences, and leadership projects.
DATE: December 01, 2024
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.
Liberal Arts
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:
$91,700for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
The sticker price at Washington and Lee is $91,700. This sticker price includes costs for tuition, books and supplies, room and board, and other miscellaneous expenses.
It’s also important to note that the cost of attendance can vary from year to year and typically it will rise over your four years in college. With that said, your financial aid will also be recalculated every year to take any price increases, as well as any 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
Students who are applying for financial aid at Washington and Lee need to submit both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA), as well as the CSS Profile.
The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year which means that you don’t need to wait for the year to end and can use last year’s financial information.
The FAFSA code for Washington and Lee is 003768 and the CSS Profile Code is 5887.
It should be noted that while the FAFSA is free, the CSS Profile does require an application fee. However, students can qualify for a CSS Profile application fee waiver if the cost will present a financial hardship for the students’ family.
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 scholarships
Washington 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.
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, which are awarded to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need (students who have a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible). Pell Grants are awarded by the federal government and do not need to be repaid. To apply for a Pell Grant, students will need to submit their FAFSA. If you are awarded a Pell Grant, you’ll see it listed in your financial aid award letter if you are accepted to Washington and Lee University.
You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
Washington and Lee students can also apply for outside scholarships to fund their education. Outside scholarships are awards that are offered by private and non-profit organizations. If you want to see what outside scholarships you are eligible for, check out these resources:
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 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 it does not require applicants to submit their SAT or ACT scores. That means that some students will submit their test scores and others will not. If you choose not to submit your ACT or SAT score, the admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you are not sure whether you should submit your standardized test scores, our guide on submitting scores to test-optional schools can help.
What SAT/ACT score do you need to get into Washington and Lee University?
Colleges use standardized tests like the SAT and ACT 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.
Should I apply Regular or Early Decision to Washington and Lee?
Applying to Washington and Lee with Early Decision can be a great decision if you are 100% sure you want to go there. You’ll find out your admissions decision earlier than other students, and some data shows that you may help your admissions chances. However, you should keep in mind that Early Decision is binding. If you do get into the school, you won’t be able to change your mind later. If there is any doubt in your mind, you should apply Early Action or Regular Decision instead.
Read more: All you need to know about Early Action vs Early Decision
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 end up finishing 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?
10 years after starting school at Washington and Lee University, the median earnings among students who received federal financial aid was $94,810. This is $44,419 more than the national median.
Earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Your major and career path can cause substantial changes in your income down the line. For more information, check out our 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 have to 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, it’s important to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Our 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
