Head-to-Head Comparison
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology vs Washington and Lee University
- Rose-Hulman Technology Wins
- 12
- Tied
- 17
- Washington Lee Wins
- 21
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Washington and Lee University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $23,781 vs Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's $42,513, 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.
50 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Rose-Hulman Technology
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $101,253 ten years after enrollment, 7% more than Washington and Lee University
Washington Lee
- Lower cost: Average net price of $23,781, roughly $18,732 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
- More selective: Admits 14% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Rose-Hulman Technology graduates concentrate in Engineering (73% 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology over Washington and Lee University. Median earnings of $101,253 ten years after enrollment vs $94,810.
Pick Washington and Lee University over Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Net price $23,781 vs $42,513.
Pick Washington and Lee University over Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. 94% completion rate vs 80%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology takes 77%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,427 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, Washington and Lee University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $23,781, about $18,732 a year below Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's $42,513. Graduates of Washington and Lee University also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $25,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $74,928 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, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates report median earnings of $101,253, compared with $94,810 at Washington and Lee University. That is a 7% 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 7% 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 80%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 14% 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 Washington and Lee University to keep costs and debt down; pick Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology 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. Washington and Lee University saves about $18,732 a year, yet Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn $6,443 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. Rose-Hulman 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
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $42,513 runs well above Washington and Lee University's $23,781.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,000, against $19,500 at Washington and Lee University.
- Business and consulting-track students: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has less business program depth, and Washington and Lee University offers the stronger options.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Washington and Lee University's enrollment, and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is stronger here.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Washington Lee offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Rose-Hulman Technology does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. Test scores matter less at Rose-Hulman Technology, where only about 26% 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
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Terre Haute, IN · Private nonprofit
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn an impressive average of $101,253 within ten years of completing their degree. This strong earning potential highlights the value of a degree from this private nonprofit institution, with a focus on engineering and technical disciplines.
The Chetty/Opportunity Insights data is not available for Rose-Hulman, making it challenging to assess economic mobility comprehensively. However, the school's 80% graduation rate suggests that most students are successfully completing their programs. This retention rate is crucial for students considering their long-term career prospects and financial outcomes.
Students at Rose-Hulman face a net price of $42,513, with a median debt of $25,000 upon graduation. Despite the cost, the earnings potential can make this investment worthwhile. Those who thrive here typically have a strong interest in STEM fields, as the top programs are concentrated in engineering, computer science, mathematics, and the sciences.
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
Rose-Hulman Technology's top program is Mechanical Engineering (73% of enrollment), while Washington Lee leads with Business Administration (32%).
Rose-Hulman Technology
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Rose-Hulman Technology) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Washington Lee).
The two schools feed different job markets. Rose-Hulman 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University is harder to get into, admitting 14% of applicants compared with 77% at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
Which is more affordable, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University is more affordable, with an average net price of $23,781 after aid versus $42,513 at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
Do Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology or Washington and Lee University graduates earn more?
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn more: median earnings of $101,253 ten years after enrollment, versus $94,810 at Washington and Lee University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University has the higher graduation rate, 94% versus 80%.
Should you choose Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology 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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