Head-to-Head Comparison
Babson College vs Washington and Lee University
- Babson Wins
- 20
- Tied
- 14
- Washington Lee Wins
- 16
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Washington and Lee University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $23,781 vs Babson College's $40,514, Washington and Lee University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Washington and Lee University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
50 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Babson
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $123,938 ten years after enrollment, 31% more than Washington and Lee University
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.8%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
Washington Lee
- Lower cost: Average net price of $23,781, roughly $16,733 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,500, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 14% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Babson graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (100% of degrees); Washington Lee in Business & Marketing (32%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Babson College over Washington and Lee University. Median earnings of $123,938 ten years after enrollment vs $94,810.
Pick Washington and Lee University over Babson College. Net price $23,781 vs $40,514.
Pick Babson College over Washington and Lee University. 2.8% mobility rate vs 0.6%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Babson College and Washington and Lee University are close on paper, but Washington and Lee University wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Washington and Lee University is the harder admit. It takes 14% of applicants, while Babson College takes 17%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,457 to 1,498.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Washington and Lee University sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Washington and Lee University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $23,781, about $16,733 a year below Babson College's $40,514. Graduates of Washington and Lee University also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $20,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $66,932 before any change in aid. Choosing Washington and Lee University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Babson College graduates report median earnings of $123,938, compared with $94,810 at Washington and Lee University. That is a 31% advantage. Set against borrowing, Babson College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.16x to 0.21x.
So what: An earnings gap of 31% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Moving people up
Babson College does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.8%; at Washington and Lee University, it is 0.6%. Babson College also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 4.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.1%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Babson College offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Washington and Lee University to keep costs and debt down; pick Babson College for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Washington and Lee University saves about $16,733 a year, yet Babson College graduates earn $29,128 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Washington and Lee University is harder to get into, with a 14% admit rate, but Babson College posts the higher mobility rate, at 2.8%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $40,514 runs well above Washington and Lee University's $23,781.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Babson College's enrollment of 2,728 far exceeds Washington and Lee University's 1,881.
No strong negative signals — Washington Lee competes well across the dimensions measured.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Washington Lee holds onto its admits more tightly: 41% of admitted students enroll, versus 39% at Babson — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Both reward applying early, but the binding round pays off more at Washington Lee (33.9% Early Decision admit rate vs 27.5%). Early Decision is binding, so it only makes sense if the school is a clear first choice. Test scores matter less at Babson, where only about 25% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Babson College
Wellesley, MA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 17%, Babson College is a strong fit for students who are serious about pursuing a career in business and marketing. The intimate campus environment, home to around 2,728 students, fosters collaboration and networking among peers. Here, you’ll dive deep into practical studies that prepare you for real-world challenges, focusing on business principles and marketing strategies.
When we look at life after graduation, the numbers are promising. Graduates from Babson earn an impressive average of $123,938 within ten years of completing their degree. This figure reflects the college's focus on preparing students for high-earning roles in the competitive business landscape. It's worth noting that while the median debt stands at $20,000, this is manageable for the financial trajectory many graduates experience.
Cost is a crucial factor in choosing a college, and Babson's net price after aid is $40,514. This amount may seem high, but when considering the strong earning potential and the career opportunities that arise from a Babson education, many find it to be a worthwhile investment. Students who thrive here tend to be ambitious, driven, and ready to take on challenges in the business world.
Washington and Lee University
Lexington, VA · Private nonprofit
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 They Appear On
Babson College and Washington and Lee University appear together in 7 rankings. On the Highest-Paying Colleges for Business, Babson College ranks #1 — Babson College outranks Washington and Lee University by 15 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 100% of Babson's student body and 32% of Washington Lee's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Babson) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Washington Lee).
The two schools feed different job markets. while Washington and Lee University concentrates in Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Babson College or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University is harder to get into, admitting 14% of applicants compared with 17% at Babson College.
Which is more affordable, Babson College or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University is more affordable, with an average net price of $23,781 after aid versus $40,514 at Babson College.
Do Babson College or Washington and Lee University graduates earn more?
Babson College graduates earn more: median earnings of $123,938 ten years after enrollment, versus $94,810 at Washington and Lee University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Babson College or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University has the higher graduation rate, 94% versus 93%.
Babson College vs Washington and Lee University: which is better for social mobility?
Babson College is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.8% versus 0.6%.
Should you choose Babson College or Washington and Lee University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Washington and Lee University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Babson College if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do Babson and Washington Lee stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.
