Head-to-Head Comparison
Massachusetts Institute of Technology vs Washington and Lee University
- Massachusetts Technology Wins
- 31
- Tied
- 11
- Washington Lee Wins
- 5
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $20,111 vs Washington and Lee University's $23,781, Massachusetts Institute of Technology delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Massachusetts Institute of Technology's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
47 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Massachusetts Technology
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $143,372 ten years after enrollment, 51% more than Washington and Lee University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $20,111, roughly $3,670 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $14,768, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 3.4%, 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
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Massachusetts Technology graduates concentrate in Engineering (32% 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 Massachusetts Institute of Technology over Washington and Lee University. Median earnings of $143,372 ten years after enrollment vs $94,810.
Pick Massachusetts Institute of Technology over Washington and Lee University. Net price $20,111 vs $23,781.
Pick Massachusetts Institute of Technology over Washington and Lee University. 3.4% mobility rate vs 0.6%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Washington and Lee University are close on paper, but Massachusetts Institute of Technology wins the head-to-head, leading on 6 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Massachusetts Institute of Technology 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, 1,560 to 1,498.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Massachusetts Institute of Technology 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, Massachusetts Institute of Technology comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $20,111, about $3,670 a year below Washington and Lee University's $23,781. Graduates of Massachusetts Institute of Technology also borrow less: median debt of $14,768, against $19,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $14,680 before any change in aid. Choosing Massachusetts Institute of Technology leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates report median earnings of $143,372, compared with $94,810 at Washington and Lee University. That is a 51% advantage. Set against borrowing, Massachusetts Institute of Technology has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.1x to 0.21x.
So what: An earnings gap of 51% 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
Massachusetts Institute of Technology does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 3.4%; at Washington and Lee University, it is 0.6%. Massachusetts Institute of Technology also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.1%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Massachusetts Institute of Technology 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 Massachusetts Institute of Technology to keep costs and debt down.
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. Massachusetts Institute of Technology concentrates enrollment in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics, while Washington and Lee University leans toward Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Business and consulting-track students: Massachusetts Institute of Technology has less business program depth, and Washington and Lee University offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Massachusetts Institute of Technology's enrollment of 4,535 far exceeds Washington and Lee University's 1,881.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $23,781 runs well above Massachusetts Institute of Technology's $20,111.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $19,500, against $14,768 at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Washington and Lee University's enrollment, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology is stronger here.
Full Data Breakdown
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 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) 1 metrics
The Overviews
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 5%, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology attracts a highly motivated and academically driven student body. This is a place for those who excel in challenging fields, particularly in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physical sciences, and biology. Students here are often hands-on learners, engaging in rigorous projects and research that push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Once students graduate, they typically see significant financial returns on their investment. With an average salary of $143,372 after ten years, graduates are well-positioned in the job market. This level of earning power speaks volumes about the value of the education they receive here. The affordability of attending is also noteworthy; with a net price of $20,111 after aid, many students leave with a manageable median debt of $14,768, making the financial landscape more navigable.
The practical aspects of attending MIT align well with the ambitions of its students. Those who thrive here are often those who embrace intense academic rigor and collaborative environments. With a graduation rate of 96%, it’s clear that the supportive community helps students succeed. The combination of a strong educational foundation and a network of driven peers prepares graduates for a range of career paths and success in their chosen fields.
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
Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Washington and Lee University are featured on the Colleges With the Highest-Earning Graduates ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Massachusetts Technology's top program is Mechanical Engineering (32% of enrollment), while Washington Lee leads with Business Administration (32%).
Massachusetts Technology
Washington Lee
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Massachusetts Technology) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Washington Lee).
The two schools feed different job markets. Massachusetts Institute of Technology is strongest in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics, Physical Sciences, while Washington and Lee University concentrates in Business & Marketing, 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 Massachusetts Institute of Technology or Washington and Lee University?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is harder to get into, admitting 5% of applicants compared with 14% at Washington and Lee University.
Which is more affordable, Massachusetts Institute of Technology or Washington and Lee University?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is more affordable, with an average net price of $20,111 after aid versus $23,781 at Washington and Lee University.
Do Massachusetts Institute of Technology or Washington and Lee University graduates earn more?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates earn more: median earnings of $143,372 ten years after enrollment, versus $94,810 at Washington and Lee University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Massachusetts Institute of Technology or Washington and Lee University?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology has the higher graduation rate, 96% versus 94%.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology vs Washington and Lee University: which is better for social mobility?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 3.4% versus 0.6%.
Should you choose Massachusetts Institute of Technology or Washington and Lee University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Massachusetts Institute of Technology if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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