Head-to-Head Comparison
Ohio State University-Main Campus vs Washington and Lee University
- Ohio State Wins
- 12
- Tied
- 16
- Washington Lee Wins
- 22
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Ohio State University-Main Campus offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Washington and Lee University achieves a higher graduation rate (94% vs 88%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $23,781 compared to Ohio State University-Main Campus's $17,339. Students who choose Ohio State University-Main Campus benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $60,409 at ten years.
50 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Ohio State
- Lower cost: Average net price of $17,339, roughly $6,442 a year less
Washington Lee
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $94,810 ten years after enrollment, 57% more than Ohio State University
- 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
- More selective: Admits 14% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Ohio State graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (20% 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 Ohio State University. Median earnings of $94,810 ten years after enrollment vs $60,409.
Pick Ohio State University over Washington and Lee University. Net price $17,339 vs $23,781.
Pick Washington and Lee University over Ohio State University. 94% completion rate vs 88%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Ohio State 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
Washington and Lee University is the harder admit. It takes 14% of applicants, while Ohio State University takes 61%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,387 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, Ohio State University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $17,339, about $6,442 a year below Washington and Lee University's $23,781. Graduates of Washington and Lee University also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $19,976.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $25,768 before any change in aid. Choosing Ohio State 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 $60,409 at Ohio State University. That is a 57% advantage. Set against borrowing, Washington and Lee University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.33x.
So what: An earnings gap of 57% 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 7% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Ohio State University to keep costs and debt down; pick Washington and Lee University for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Ohio State University saves about $6,442 a year, yet Washington and Lee University graduates earn $34,401 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Ohio State University concentrates enrollment in Engineering, Health Professions, while Washington and Lee University leans toward Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students who want a smaller campus: Ohio State University's enrollment of 45,638 far exceeds Washington and Lee University's 1,881.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $23,781 runs well above Ohio State University's $17,339.
- Engineering-focused students: Ohio State University has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Washington Lee holds onto its admits more tightly: 41% of admitted students enroll, versus 21% at Ohio State — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Washington Lee offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Ohio State does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. 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
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Ohio State University-Main Campus
Columbus, OH · Public
With an enrollment of over 45,600 students, Ohio State University-Main Campus is a vibrant place for those seeking a large, diverse community. It attracts students who are eager to explore a variety of fields, especially in Business & Marketing, Engineering, Health Professions, Biology & Biomedical, and Social Sciences. The acceptance rate of 61% means there's a good chance for students to join this dynamic environment, where the graduation rate stands impressively at 88%.
Looking at life after graduation, the numbers tell a promising story. Graduates earn a median salary of $60,409 within ten years of completing their degree. This level of income can make a significant difference in improving one’s quality of life, particularly when the cost of attending is manageable. With 20% of students receiving Pell Grants, Ohio State shows a commitment to supporting those from lower-income backgrounds, providing pathways for upward mobility.
When it comes to the financial aspects, the net price after aid is approximately $17,339, which keeps college within reach for many families. The median debt load of $19,976 is relatively low compared to what students at other public institutions might face. This combination of affordability and strong outcomes makes Ohio State a fitting choice for motivated students who are ready to thrive in a collaborative and engaging setting.
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
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 20% of Ohio State's student body and 32% of Washington Lee's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Ohio State) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Washington Lee).
The two schools feed different job markets. Ohio State University is strongest in Engineering, Health Professions, while Washington and Lee University concentrates in Social Sciences, 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.
Ohio State
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Ohio State University or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University is harder to get into, admitting 14% of applicants compared with 61% at Ohio State University.
Which is more affordable, Ohio State University or Washington and Lee University?
Ohio State University is more affordable, with an average net price of $17,339 after aid versus $23,781 at Washington and Lee University.
Do Ohio State 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 $60,409 at Ohio State University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Ohio State University or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University has the higher graduation rate, 94% versus 88%.
Should you choose Ohio State University or Washington and Lee University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Ohio State University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Washington and Lee University 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.
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