Head-to-Head Comparison
Brown University vs Washington and Lee University
- Brown Wins
- 24
- Tied
- 18
- Washington Lee Wins
- 12
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Washington and Lee University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Brown University achieves a higher graduation rate (96% vs 94%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $25,184 compared to Washington and Lee University's $23,781 for in-state paths. Students who choose Washington and Lee University benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $94,810 at ten years.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Brown
- Less debt: Median debt of $11,428, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.4%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 5% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Washington Lee
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $94,810 ten years after enrollment, 1% more than Brown University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $23,781, roughly $1,403 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Brown graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (25% 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 Washington and Lee University over Brown University. Median earnings of $94,810 ten years after enrollment vs $93,487.
Pick Washington and Lee University over Brown University. Net price $23,781 vs $25,184.
Pick Brown University over Washington and Lee University. 1.4% mobility rate vs 0.6%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Brown University and Washington and Lee University are close on paper, but Brown 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
Brown University is the harder admit. It takes 5% of applicants, while Washington and Lee University takes 14%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,546 to 1,498.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Brown 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 $1,403 a year below Brown University's $25,184. Graduates of Brown University also borrow less: median debt of $11,428, against $19,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $5,612 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, Washington and Lee University graduates report median earnings of $94,810, compared with $93,487 at Brown University. That is a 1% advantage. Set against borrowing, Brown University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.12x to 0.21x.
So what: An earnings gap of 1% 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
Brown University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.4%; at Washington and Lee University, it is 0.6%. Brown University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 11.5% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.1%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Brown University 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 Brown University if upward mobility and access matter most.
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
Their academic identities diverge. Brown University concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, while Washington and Lee University leans toward Business & Marketing. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Business and consulting-track students: Brown University has less business program depth, and Washington and Lee University offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Brown University's enrollment of 7,226 far exceeds Washington and Lee University's 1,881.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $19,500, against $11,428 at Brown University.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Washington and Lee University's enrollment, and Brown University is stronger here.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Brown holds onto its admits more tightly: 63% of admitted students enroll, versus 41% at Washington Lee — 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 17.9%). Early Decision is binding, so it only makes sense if the school is a clear first choice. Test scores matter less at Washington Lee, where only about 44% 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
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Brown University
Providence, RI · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 5%, Brown University in Providence, RI, is a selective option that attracts students driven to excel academically and personally. It’s a place for those who thrive in a collaborative environment and are eager to dive into programs like Social Sciences, Computer Science, Biology, Mathematics, and Engineering. The high graduation rate of 96% speaks to the strong support system in place, making it a solid choice for ambitious students.
After graduation, Brown alumni see impressive earning potential, with a median income of $93,487 ten years post-graduation. This financial trajectory suggests that graduates are not just securing jobs, but often moving into roles that reward their hard work. While this school may come with a price tag, the outcomes reflect a community that values education and shapes successful careers.
When it comes to the finances, the net price after aid stands at $25,184, and the median debt is relatively manageable at $11,428. This is encouraging, especially for students who may be concerned about student loans. Those who tend to thrive here are often self-motivated and ready to engage deeply with their studies, taking full advantage of the opportunities that come their way.
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
Brown University is featured on the Best Colleges in Rhode Island ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Brown's top program is Sociology (25% of enrollment), while Washington Lee leads with Business Administration (32%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Brown) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Washington Lee).
The two schools feed different job markets. Brown University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics, while Washington and Lee University concentrates in Business & Marketing, 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 Brown University or Washington and Lee University?
Brown University is harder to get into, admitting 5% of applicants compared with 14% at Washington and Lee University.
Which is more affordable, Brown University or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University is more affordable, with an average net price of $23,781 after aid versus $25,184 at Brown University.
Do Brown University or Washington and Lee University graduates earn more?
Washington and Lee University graduates earn more: median earnings of $94,810 ten years after enrollment, versus $93,487 at Brown University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Brown University or Washington and Lee University?
Brown University has the higher graduation rate, 96% versus 94%.
Brown University vs Washington and Lee University: which is better for social mobility?
Brown University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.4% versus 0.6%.
Should you choose Brown University 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 Brown University if upward mobility and access to low-income students matter most. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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