Head-to-Head Comparison
New York University vs Washington and Lee University
- New York Wins
- 20
- Tied
- 17
- Washington Lee Wins
- 17
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Washington and Lee University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $23,781 vs New York University's $37,050, 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.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
New York
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 3.6%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 9% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Washington Lee
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $94,810 ten years after enrollment, 15% more than New York University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $23,781, roughly $13,269 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 94% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,500, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
New York graduates concentrate in Visual & Performing Arts (16% 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 New York University. Median earnings of $94,810 ten years after enrollment vs $82,509.
Pick Washington and Lee University over New York University. Net price $23,781 vs $37,050.
Pick New York University over Washington and Lee University. 3.6% mobility rate vs 0.6%.
Pick Washington and Lee University over New York University. 94% completion rate vs 88%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
New York University 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
New York University is the harder admit. It takes 9% of applicants, while Washington and Lee University takes 14%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,520 to 1,498.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, New York 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 $13,269 a year below New York University's $37,050. Graduates of Washington and Lee University also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $20,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $53,076 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 $82,509 at New York University. That is a 15% advantage. Set against borrowing, Washington and Lee University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.25x.
So what: An earnings gap of 15% 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.
Finishing the degree
Washington and Lee University graduates a larger share of its students, 94% versus 88%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 6% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
New York University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 3.6%; at Washington and Lee University, it is 0.6%. New York University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 6.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.1%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, New York 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 New York 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. New York University concentrates enrollment in Visual & Performing Arts, while Washington and Lee University leans toward Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $37,050 runs well above Washington and Lee University's $23,781.
- Business and consulting-track students: New York University has less business program depth, and Washington and Lee University offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: New York University's enrollment of 28,663 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
New York holds onto its admits more tightly: 55% of admitted students enroll, versus 41% at Washington Lee — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices.
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
New York University
New York, NY · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 9%, New York University attracts driven students who are ready to dive deep into their passions. This urban campus is ideal for those interested in fields like Visual & Performing Arts, Social Sciences, Business & Marketing, Computer Science, and Humanities. It’s a place where creativity meets practicality, and students can thrive in a vibrant, diverse environment.
After graduation, students can expect strong earning potential, with a median salary of $82,509 ten years after completing their degree. That’s a significant number, especially when you consider the potential for upward mobility in competitive fields. The financial investment in an NYU education often pays off, making it a compelling choice for those who are eager to make their mark.
When it comes to the cost, the net price after aid sits at $37,050, with a median debt of $20,500. This means many students graduate with manageable debt, especially considering their earnings potential. NYU tends to attract motivated individuals who are ready to engage with the world around them and capitalize on the myriad opportunities available in New York City.
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
Washington and Lee University is featured on the Best Colleges in Virginia ranking.
Top Degree Programs
New York's top program is Studio Art / Fine Arts (BFA) (16% 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 New York) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Washington Lee).
The two schools feed different job markets. New York University is strongest in Visual & Performing Arts, Computer Science & IT, while Washington and Lee University concentrates in 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 New York University or Washington and Lee University?
New York University is harder to get into, admitting 9% of applicants compared with 14% at Washington and Lee University.
Which is more affordable, New York University or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University is more affordable, with an average net price of $23,781 after aid versus $37,050 at New York University.
Do New York 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 $82,509 at New York University.
Which has a better graduation rate, New York University or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University has the higher graduation rate, 94% versus 88%.
New York University vs Washington and Lee University: which is better for social mobility?
New York University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 3.6% versus 0.6%.
Should you choose New York 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 New York 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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