Head-to-Head Comparison
Princeton University vs Washington and Lee University
- Princeton Wins
- 31
- Tied
- 17
- Washington Lee Wins
- 4
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Princeton University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $6,128 vs Washington and Lee University's $23,781, Princeton University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Princeton University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Princeton
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $110,066 ten years after enrollment, 16% more than Washington and Lee University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $6,128, roughly $17,653 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 97% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $10,320, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.3%, 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?
Princeton graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (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 Princeton University over Washington and Lee University. Median earnings of $110,066 ten years after enrollment vs $94,810.
Pick Princeton University over Washington and Lee University. Net price $6,128 vs $23,781.
Pick Princeton University over Washington and Lee University. 1.3% mobility rate vs 0.6%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Princeton University and Washington and Lee University are close on paper, but Princeton University 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
Princeton 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, 1,553 to 1,498.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Princeton 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, Princeton University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $6,128, about $17,653 a year below Washington and Lee University's $23,781. Graduates of Princeton University also borrow less: median debt of $10,320, against $19,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $70,612 before any change in aid. Choosing Princeton University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Princeton University graduates report median earnings of $110,066, compared with $94,810 at Washington and Lee University. That is a 16% advantage. Set against borrowing, Princeton University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.09x to 0.21x.
So what: An earnings gap of 16% 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
Princeton University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.3%; at Washington and Lee University, it is 0.6%. Princeton University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 2% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.1%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Princeton 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 Princeton University 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. Princeton University concentrates enrollment in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, while Washington and Lee University leans toward Business & Marketing, Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Business and consulting-track students: Princeton University has less business program depth, and Washington and Lee University offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Princeton University's enrollment of 5,709 far exceeds Washington and Lee University's 1,881.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $23,781 runs well above Princeton University's $6,128.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $19,500, against $10,320 at Princeton University.
- Engineering-focused students: Princeton University has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Princeton holds onto its admits more tightly: 75% of admitted students enroll, versus 41% at Washington Lee — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Washington Lee offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Princeton 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
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
The Overviews
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 5%, Princeton University is not for everyone, but for those who make the cut, it’s a place where ambition meets opportunity. The school attracts bright minds, particularly in fields like Social Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science, and Biology. Students here are often deeply engaged in their studies, working alongside faculty who are leaders in their fields. This kind of environment fosters not just learning but also a strong sense of community among peers.
After graduation, the benefits of attending Princeton are clear. Alumni can expect an impressive average earning of $110,066 within a decade of finishing their degrees. This speaks volumes about the value of a Princeton education, especially when considering the high graduation rate of 97%. The school’s focus on producing skilled graduates who excel in their careers contributes significantly to their long-term success.
When it comes to finances, the net price after aid is manageable at $6,128, and the median debt stands at $10,320. This means many graduates leave with a realistic financial outlook, allowing them to focus on their careers rather than being weighed down by overwhelming debt. Students who thrive here often come from diverse backgrounds, bringing a variety of perspectives that enhance classroom discussions and campus life.
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
Princeton University and Washington and Lee University appear together in 7 rankings. On the Best Colleges in America, Princeton University ranks #1 — Princeton University outranks Washington and Lee University by 28 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Princeton's top program is Sociology (20% 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 Princeton) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Washington Lee).
The two schools feed different job markets. Princeton University is strongest in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, 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 Princeton University or Washington and Lee University?
Princeton University is harder to get into, admitting 5% of applicants compared with 14% at Washington and Lee University.
Which is more affordable, Princeton University or Washington and Lee University?
Princeton University is more affordable, with an average net price of $6,128 after aid versus $23,781 at Washington and Lee University.
Do Princeton University or Washington and Lee University graduates earn more?
Princeton University graduates earn more: median earnings of $110,066 ten years after enrollment, versus $94,810 at Washington and Lee University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Princeton University or Washington and Lee University?
Princeton University has the higher graduation rate, 97% versus 94%.
Princeton University vs Washington and Lee University: which is better for social mobility?
Princeton University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.3% versus 0.6%.
Should you choose Princeton University or Washington and Lee University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Princeton University 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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