Head-to-Head Comparison
University of Florida vs Washington and Lee University
- Florida Wins
- 16
- Tied
- 20
- Washington Lee Wins
- 18
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Florida offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Washington and Lee University achieves a higher graduation rate (94% vs 91%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $23,781 compared to University of Florida's $6,541. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Florida'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
Florida
- Lower cost: Average net price of $6,541, roughly $17,240 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $15,000, the lower of the two
Washington Lee
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $94,810 ten years after enrollment, 32% more than University of Florida
- Higher grad rate: 94% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 0.6%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 14% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Florida graduates concentrate in Engineering (15% 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 Florida. Median earnings of $94,810 ten years after enrollment vs $71,588.
Pick University of Florida over Washington and Lee University. Net price $6,541 vs $23,781.
Pick Washington and Lee University over University of Florida. 0.6% mobility rate vs 0.4%.
Pick Washington and Lee University over University of Florida. 94% completion rate vs 91%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
University of Florida 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 University of Florida takes 24%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,403 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, University of Florida comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $6,541, about $17,240 a year below Washington and Lee University's $23,781. Graduates of University of Florida also borrow less: median debt of $15,000, against $19,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $68,960 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Florida 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 $71,588 at University of Florida. That is a 32% advantage.
So what: An earnings gap of 32% 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 91%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 3% 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.
Moving people up
Washington and Lee University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 0.6%; at University of Florida, it is 0.4%. University of Florida also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 27700% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.1%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Washington and Lee 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 University of Florida 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 Florida saves about $17,240 a year, yet Washington and Lee University graduates earn $23,222 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 Florida concentrates enrollment in Engineering, while Washington and Lee University leans toward Social Sciences. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Florida's enrollment of 35,629 far exceeds Washington and Lee University's 1,881.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $23,781 runs well above University of Florida's $6,541.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $19,500, against $15,000 at University of Florida.
- Engineering-focused students: University of Florida has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Florida holds onto its admits more tightly: 41% 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; Florida 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
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL · Public
The University of Florida has a graduation rate of 91%. This high rate reflects the school's commitment to student success and academic support. With nearly 36,000 students enrolled, it stands as a large public institution that excels in helping students complete their degrees.
According to Opportunity Insights data, the University of Florida ranks well for upward mobility, particularly for students from lower-income backgrounds. While specific mobility rates are not available, the strong graduation rate suggests that many students are able to advance economically after earning their degrees. Graduates tend to see significant earnings growth, with a median income of $71,588 a decade post-graduation.
The net price for attending the University of Florida is $6,541, making it an affordable option for many students. With a median debt of only $15,000, graduates can enter the workforce without overwhelming financial burdens. Students who thrive here often pursue programs in Engineering, Business, Biology, and Health Professions, benefiting from strong career prospects in those fields.
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 Florida is featured on the Colleges With the Highest ROI ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Florida's top program is Mechanical Engineering (15% of enrollment), while Washington Lee leads with Business Administration (32%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Florida) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Washington Lee).
The two schools feed different job markets. University of Florida is strongest in Engineering, while Washington and Lee University concentrates in 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.
Florida
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into University of Florida or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University is harder to get into, admitting 14% of applicants compared with 24% at University of Florida.
Which is more affordable, University of Florida or Washington and Lee University?
University of Florida is more affordable, with an average net price of $6,541 after aid versus $23,781 at Washington and Lee University.
Do University of Florida 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 $71,588 at University of Florida.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of Florida or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University has the higher graduation rate, 94% versus 91%.
University of Florida vs Washington and Lee University: which is better for social mobility?
Washington and Lee University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 0.6% versus 0.4%.
Should you choose University of Florida or Washington and Lee University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Florida 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.
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