Skip to content
CollegeRanker

Compare

University of Chicago vs Washington and Lee University

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

24
University Wins
11
Tied / N/A
11
Washington Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Town
Great Lakes
Region
Southeast
7,569
Enrollment
1,881
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

4%
Acceptance Rate
14%
1554
SAT Average
1498
34
ACT Midpoint
34
1510-1580
SAT Range
1430-1540

Cost & Financial Aid

$70,662
In-State Tuition
$68,045
$70,662
Out-of-State Tuition
$68,045
$14,860
Average Net Price
$23,781
$-1,264
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$-1,777
$914
Net Price ($30-48K)
$75
$226
Net Price ($48-75K)
$4,497
$48,524
Net Price ($110K+)
$40,646
15%
Pell Grant Rate
11%
5%
Federal Loan Rate
14%

Academics

95%
Graduation Rate
94%
99%
Retention Rate
97%
85%
Full-Time Faculty
88%
$19,806
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,155
20%
First-Gen Students
N/A

Student Body

52%
Female
44%
30%
White
68%
17%
Hispanic
9%
7%
Black
5%
19%
Asian
5%
0.81
Diversity Index
0.52

Outcomes

$80,870
Earnings (6yr)
$76,516
$87,164
Earnings (8yr)
$89,772
$91,885
Earnings (10yr)
$94,810
$15,000
Median Debt
$19,500
0.16x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.21x
83%
Earning Above HS
83%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

194.09%
Mobility Rate
57.09%
4508.7%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5102.3%
430.5%
From Bottom 20%
111.9%
$132,000
Parent Median Income
$226,700

Social Capital

1.81
Economic Connectedness
1.82
-0.01
Friending Bias
0.00
15.6%
Volunteering Rate
6.9%

Research (Times HE)

#12
World Rank
N/A
79.1
Teaching Score
N/A
87.9
Research Score
N/A
96.9
Citations Score
N/A

The Overviews

University of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit

4% accept 95% grad $91,885 earnings $14,860 net

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

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.

Sponsored

Compare Accredited Programs Accepting Applicants

Matched to high-demand fields — request info, free.

Ad