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Washington and Lee University

Lexington , VA

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Washington and Lee University is a prestigious liberal arts institution located in Lexington, Virginia. Founded in 1749, it is one of the oldest universities in the United States. The university consists of two undergraduate schools: the College, which offers an extensive range of liberal arts programs, and the Williams School of Commerce, Economics, and Politics, which focuses on business and economics education. Additionally, Washington and Lee University features a highly regarded School of Law.

Known for its strong academics, Washington and Lee University offers a rigorous and demanding curriculum that encourages critical thinking and interdisciplinary exploration. Students have the opportunity to study a wide array of subjects, including humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and business. The university follows a liberal arts model that emphasizes well-rounded education, promoting intellectual growth and personal development.

Washington and Lee University is known for its close-knit student community and strong sense of tradition. The university's Honor System, established in 1905, is a fundamental part of campus life. Students are trusted to abide by a strict code of conduct and are given freedom and responsibility in their academic and personal pursuits. The university also provides numerous extracurricular activities, including over 150 clubs and organizations, varsity and club sports, and a vibrant Greek life.

In summary, Washington and Lee University offers a rigorous liberal arts education in a supportive and close-knit community. With a focus on academic excellence, interdisciplinary learning, and a strong sense of tradition, the university provides a well-rounded education that prepares students for success in various fields.

Washington and Lee University is a private university located in Lexington, VA. It has an acceptance rate of 13%. The freshman retention rate at Washington and Lee University is 96.61% and the six-year graduation rate is 94%.

The freshmen application deadline for this school is January 1. For transfer students, the application deadline is May 15.

Learn more about what Washington and Lee University has to offer based on the most recent data this institution has reported.

Quick Facts

1,886

Total Number of Undergraduate Students

$70,100

Tuition

8:1

Student to Faculty Ratio

94%

Graduation Rate

Admissions

If you discover as much as possible about the school's criteria for admission, your chances of getting accepted will greatly increase. Here are the most essential facts you have to know about admission policy and requirements at Washington and Lee University.

According to the most recent information reported, this institution uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 1,147 in 2025. Washington and Lee University has an official test-optional admission policy but takes into consideration standardized test scores for the candidates who choose to submit them. As far as admission difficulty is considered, based on data self-reported by the institution this school is one of the most difficult schools to get into. With a rich history of academic excellence, it offers an unparalleled educational experience.

Test Scores

Out of the number of applicants who submitted test scores, the percentage of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students who submitted SAT scores was 23.52% and ACT scores 19.92%. 43.2% of the new students submitted SAT composite scores between 1,400 and 1,600, 52.3% between 1,200 and 1,399 and 4.5% between 1,000 and 1,199. The percent of incoming freshmen who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 98.94 and 1.06 between 24-29.

The new students had an average SAT Critical Reading score of 732 and an average SAT Math score of 747.

Average Test Scores

Deadlines

Be sure to apply to this school by January 1. If you are applying as a transfer student, note that the application deadline is May 15.

Retention Rate

The percentage of new students at a college or university who stay on for their second year is known as the freshman retention rate. When you make your list of possible schools to attend, you should consider the freshman retention rate, among other things.

As reported in 2025, the freshman retention rate for Washington and Lee University was 96.61%, which is an amazing retention rate only the most prestigious institutions achieve.

The graduation rate is another indicator to take into account. This metric measures how efficiently students complete their degrees within a specific time period. At this academic institution, the proportion of students graduating in six years is 94%, which is considered an above-average graduation rate.

Student Body

It is always challenging to figure out which school is best for you. Knowing more about the student population can help you get a better understanding of the school's culture and life.

Main Student Body

In 2025, the school enrolled 2,241 students.

The school reported an out-of-state student body portion of 80.9% for that year. There was a total of 1,886 those pursuing undergraduate studies, including 155 international students. The number of transfer students at this school was 5.

Student Population Gender Ratio

The student body is coeducational, with 1,112 male and 1,125 female full-time students in 2025, which speaks volumes for gender equality at this institution. There were 188 full-time graduate male and 188 full-time graduate female students at this school.

Student Population Diversity

In order to enhance a sense of inclusion and belonging among its students, higher education is dedicated to increasing student diversity. In a diverse learning space, you will be exposed to people from different backgrounds, which promotes the feeling of inclusion and acceptance. Discover more about the many ethnic communities that go to this school.

In 2025, out of the total number of students enrolled at the institution, the number of Asian students was 89, and the number of Black American students was 86. 162 undergraduates at this school identified as Hispanic/Latino and 82 as multirace. The school also had 3 students who declared as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, as well as 3 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 22 students whose ethnicity is unknown.

Cost

Before submitting an application to any college or university, the financial component should be taken into account. Here are some details you should know about the expenses at Washington and Lee University that the majority of students face.

Tuition and Fees

Here are some numbers that can help you better understand the estimated tuition cost for this university.

Tuition in 2025 was $70,100 for full-time domestic students. Since Washington and Lee University is a private institution, tuition is the same for all the accepted students. Full-time students in 2025 were mandated to pay additional fees in the amount of $1,265.

Books and Supplies

The estimated cost of books and supplies for a college or university should also be taken into account as another significant expense. The cost of books and supplies for full-time students of this school is estimated at about $1,900.

Boarding

Besides tuition, another cost to consider is the price of housing in the dorms and eating at the school cafeteria. What do schools typically charge for accommodation and meals?

In 2025, room and board cost at Washington and Lee University amounted to $19,605 a year. If you only needed a dormitory room, it cost $10,125 for the 2025 academic year.

Tuition $ 70,100
Room and Board $ 19,605
Book and Supplies $ 1,900
Total Expense $ 91,605

Financial Aid

Getting some financial help in forms of grants, loans, scholarships or work-study programs can be vital for completing your studies. Check out some recent data to get informed about need-based and non-need-based monetary aid students could get at Washington and Lee University.

According to the most recent data, 269 freshmen were awarded financial aid. The average amount of financial aid given to students was $74,419.

Need-based

Financial aid that a student can receive if they are determined to have financial need and meet other eligibility requirements is known as need-based aid.

There were 1,000 students who got need-based financial aid of any kind. Need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid at Washington and Lee University is available to international students. The overall number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need came to be 1,001. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution was $2,349,413, and state $847,681. The students of Washington and Lee University received the -institutional need-based aid in the amount of $63,674,338, and external in the amount of $440,382.

$51,223

Average Amount of Aid Received

Non-Need Based

Any financial aid given to a student who does not meet the requirements for need-based aid is considered non-need-based aid. Most students get non-need-based financial aid as Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the TEACH Grant.

260 students, including freshmen, got institutional non-need-based financial aid at this institution in 2025. 70 full-time freshmen were awarded institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid. The total dollar amount of federal non-need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the studens at this school was $2,349,413 while the state aid is $1,163,124. The total amount of non-need-based institutional scholarships/grants was $9,600,061. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers. $617,688 was the amount that the students at this institution got from external sources (like Kiwanis and National Merit).

Faculty

8:1

Student to Faculty Ratio

The student-to-faculty or student-to-professor ratio represents the number of students compared to the number of professors at a school.

In 2025, this ratio at Washington and Lee University was 8:1. That means that there were 8 times more students than teachers at this school. According to the most recent information, there are 329 faculty members at this school. This number included 173 men and 156 women.

Student Population Diversity Graph

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100
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100

Campus Life

It is not all about learning and grades at Washington and Lee University: campus life is a crucial component of your educational experience. Find out some info about social life at Washington and Lee University.

Its campus spans 325 acres.

Student Organizations

Joining multiple student organizations can provide you a more interesting and dynamic experience.

The number of student organizations and groups with open membership at this school is 124. Sororities and fraternities are included in that number. The percentage of male students who are members of organizations is 72.15 and female students 71.98. For students with a talent for acting, there is a drama club. Interested in media and communication? Washington and Lee University publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.

Student Services

At Washington and Lee University, there are many amenities required for a pleasant and safe life on campus.

There are phone and alarm devices that can be accessed 24/7 for emergency situations. There are electronically operated dormitory entrances. There is a security patrol that operates around the clock. The after-hours transportation/escort service is available.

There is a medical clinic with personal/psychological counseling. All in all, campus life at Washington and Lee University is rich and vibrant and provides everything most students need.

Career Services

Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at Washington and Lee University.

Career Counselling

At Washington and Lee University, there is both group career counseling for all students and individual career counseling for all students. There are a library, a job bank, and job fairs. Job interviews are also available to students through the career center. The career center offers resume preparation and resume referral to employers. The school has campus employer recruitment for all the students. This school offers alumni networking opportunities, which could be excellent for your future career.

FAQ

Washington and Lee University is located in Lexington, VA.

Washington and Lee University offers need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid to international students.

According to the latest information, you would need to pay about 70,100 USD per academic year for Washington and Lee University.

This school has an official test-optional admission policy but makes use of SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT, or other standardized test scores in admission decisions for the candidates who choose to submit them.

The most recent data indicate that the acceptance rate for Washington and Lee University is 13%.

According to the latest information, the freshman retention rate for Washington and Lee University is 96.61%.

Contact Information

Washington and Lee University

204 W. Washington St.

Lexington , VA

24450

540 458-8400

School Website

Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.

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