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Colleges / VA / Lexington
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Washington and Lee University

Private nonprofit Lexington, VA · Town · Southeast · 93% data reported · Agent Insights
94%
Graduation Rate
$94,810
Earnings (10yr)
$23,781
Net Price
14%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

With an acceptance rate of just 14%, Washington and Lee University draws students who are serious about their education and ready to engage deeply in their studies. This private institution, located in Lexington, Virginia, is known for strong programs in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, and Physical Sciences. If you’re looking for a place that encourages critical thinking and a close-knit community, this might just be the right fit for you.

Graduates from Washington and Lee see impressive earnings, with a median income of $94,810 ten years after graduation. This kind of financial outcome suggests that students who excel here are well-prepared for the job market and often find themselves in higher-paying positions. The strong graduation rate of 94% also points to a supportive environment that helps students succeed academically and transition smoothly into their careers.

When it comes to the practicalities of attending Washington and Lee, the net price after aid stands at $23,781, which is relatively manageable given the high earning potential post-graduation. With a median debt of $19,500, students can graduate with a reasonable amount of loans, especially considering the high salaries many alumni achieve. Those who thrive here are typically driven, engaged, and ready to make the most of their educational experience.

Rankings

How Washington Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation94%Earnings 10yr$95KNet Price$24KRetention97%Median Debt$20KPell Grant Rate11%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$-2K$0-30K$0K$30-48K$4K$48-75K$41K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%111.9%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%5102.3%MOBILITY57.09%

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,045
In-State Tuition
$68,045
Out-of-State
$23,781
Avg Net Price
$19,500
Median Debt
11%
Pell Grant Rate
14%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$-1,777
Family Income $0–$30K
$75
Family Income $30K–$48K
$4,497
Family Income $48K–$75K
$40,646
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$76,516
6 Years After Entry
$89,772
8 Years
$94,810
10 Years
0.21x
Debt-to-Earnings
83%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$76,516 6yr $89,772 8yr $94,810 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

57.09%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
5102.3%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
111.9%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$226,700
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.82
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.00
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
6.9%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 14%
Retention Rate 97%
SAT Average 1498
ACT Midpoint 34
SAT Range 1430–1540
ACT Range 33–34
Full-Time Faculty 88%
Faculty Salary (mo) $14,155
Diversity Index 0.52

Top Programs

Business & Marketing 32%
Social Sciences 15%
Biology & Biomedical 10%
Psychology 9%
Physical Sciences 5%
Engineering 4%
Communications 4%
Computer Science & IT 3%