Head-to-Head Comparison
University of Chicago vs Washington and Lee University
- Chicago Wins
- 25
- Tied
- 18
- Washington Lee Wins
- 11
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Chicago offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $14,860 vs Washington and Lee University's $23,781, University of Chicago delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Chicago'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
Chicago
- Lower cost: Average net price of $14,860, roughly $8,921 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $15,000, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.9%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 4% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Washington Lee
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $94,810 ten years after enrollment, 3% more than University of Chicago
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Chicago graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (40% 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 University of Chicago. Median earnings of $94,810 ten years after enrollment vs $91,885.
Pick University of Chicago over Washington and Lee University. Net price $14,860 vs $23,781.
Pick University of Chicago over Washington and Lee University. 1.9% mobility rate vs 0.6%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
University of Chicago and Washington and Lee University are close on paper, but University of Chicago wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
University of Chicago is the harder admit. It takes 4% of applicants, while Washington and Lee University takes 14%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,554 to 1,498.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of Chicago 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, University of Chicago comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $14,860, about $8,921 a year below Washington and Lee University's $23,781. Graduates of University of Chicago also borrow less: median debt of $15,000, against $19,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $35,684 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Chicago 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 $91,885 at University of Chicago. That is a 3% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Chicago has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.16x to 0.21x.
So what: An earnings gap of 3% 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
University of Chicago does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.9%; at Washington and Lee University, it is 0.6%. University of Chicago also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 4.3% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.1%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, University of Chicago 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 University of Chicago to keep costs and debt down; pick Washington and Lee University for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of Chicago saves about $8,921 a year, yet Washington and Lee University graduates earn $2,925 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. University of Chicago concentrates enrollment in Mathematics & Statistics, 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: University of Chicago has less business program depth, and Washington and Lee University offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Chicago's enrollment of 7,569 far exceeds Washington and Lee University's 1,881.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $23,781 runs well above University of Chicago's $14,860.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $19,500, against $15,000 at University of Chicago.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Chicago holds onto its admits more tightly: 88% of admitted students enroll, versus 41% at Washington Lee — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. 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
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit
The University of Chicago has an acceptance rate of just 4%, making it one of the most selective institutions in the country. This means students face stiff competition to gain admission, but those who do become part of a community committed to academic excellence. With a graduation rate of 95%, students are likely to earn their degrees and move on to successful careers.
Graduates from the University of Chicago report impressive earnings. After ten years, their median income reaches $91,885. This level of financial success reflects the school’s strong academic programs, particularly in social sciences, biology, and computer science. While the Pell Grant rate is 15%, indicating that a portion of students come from low-income backgrounds, the institution does not provide specific data on economic mobility.
The cost of attendance is $14,860, and the median debt for graduates stands at $15,000. This relatively low debt compared to earnings suggests that students can manage their finances effectively after graduation. The University of Chicago is ideal for high-achieving students who thrive in a rigorous academic environment and are motivated to leverage their education for financial success.
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
University of Chicago and Washington and Lee University appear together in 6 rankings. On the Best Colleges for Social Sciences, University of Chicago ranks #1 — University of Chicago outranks Washington and Lee University by 38 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Chicago's top program is Sociology (40% 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 Chicago) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Washington Lee).
The two schools feed different job markets. University of Chicago is strongest in Mathematics & Statistics, 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 University of Chicago or Washington and Lee University?
University of Chicago is harder to get into, admitting 4% of applicants compared with 14% at Washington and Lee University.
Which is more affordable, University of Chicago or Washington and Lee University?
University of Chicago is more affordable, with an average net price of $14,860 after aid versus $23,781 at Washington and Lee University.
Do University of Chicago 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 $91,885 at University of Chicago.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of Chicago or Washington and Lee University?
University of Chicago has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 94%.
University of Chicago vs Washington and Lee University: which is better for social mobility?
University of Chicago is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.9% versus 0.6%.
Should you choose University of Chicago or Washington and Lee University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Chicago 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.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do Chicago and Washington Lee stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.
