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Syracuse University vs Washington and Lee University

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

13
Syracuse Wins
9
Tied / N/A
24
Washington Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Town
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Southeast
15,477
Enrollment
1,881
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

46%
Acceptance Rate
14%
1375
SAT Average
1498
30
ACT Midpoint
34
1270-1440
SAT Range
1430-1540

Cost & Financial Aid

$65,528
In-State Tuition
$68,045
$65,528
Out-of-State Tuition
$68,045
$38,793
Average Net Price
$23,781
$15,817
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$-1,777
$15,845
Net Price ($30-48K)
$75
$21,132
Net Price ($48-75K)
$4,497
$55,401
Net Price ($110K+)
$40,646
17%
Pell Grant Rate
11%
32%
Federal Loan Rate
14%

Academics

82%
Graduation Rate
94%
90%
Retention Rate
97%
68%
Full-Time Faculty
88%
$13,189
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,155
19%
First-Gen Students
N/A

Student Body

55%
Female
44%
57%
White
68%
12%
Hispanic
9%
8%
Black
5%
7%
Asian
5%
0.64
Diversity Index
0.52

Outcomes

$60,459
Earnings (6yr)
$76,516
$70,598
Earnings (8yr)
$89,772
$79,164
Earnings (10yr)
$94,810
$26,000
Median Debt
$19,500
0.33x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.21x
79%
Earning Above HS
83%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

293.70%
Mobility Rate
57.09%
5162.2%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5102.3%
568.9%
From Bottom 20%
111.9%
$119,700
Parent Median Income
$226,700

Social Capital

1.57
Economic Connectedness
1.82
0.12
Friending Bias
0.00
6.2%
Volunteering Rate
6.9%

Research (Times HE)

#177
World Rank
N/A
32.4
Teaching Score
N/A
24.4
Research Score
N/A
87.1
Citations Score
N/A

The Overviews

Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY · Private nonprofit

46% accept 82% grad $79,164 earnings $38,793 net

With nearly 15,500 students, Syracuse University creates a vibrant community for those interested in fields like Communications, Business & Marketing, and Visual & Performing Arts. The acceptance rate of 46% means it's fairly selective, but there's a good chance for dedicated applicants to find their place here. The strong graduation rate of 82% speaks to the supportive environment designed to help students succeed, both academically and personally.

Looking at life after graduation, alumni earn an impressive average of $79,164 within ten years of completing their degrees. This level of earning potential highlights the value of the programs here, especially for those who dive into in-demand fields. While 17% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating some affordability challenges, the outcomes suggest that many graduates move up the economic ladder, benefiting from the skills and networks developed during their time at Syracuse.

When considering the financial aspect, the net price after aid sits at $38,793, which is manageable compared to the potential earnings. The median debt of $26,000 is reasonable for many students, especially when weighed against their post-graduation salaries. Those who thrive here tend to be driven, engaged in campus life, and ready to take advantage of the resources available, setting them up for future success in their careers.

Washington and Lee University

Lexington, VA · Private nonprofit

14% accept 94% grad $94,810 earnings $23,781 net

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.

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