Skip to content
CollegeRanker

Compare

University of Wisconsin-Madison vs Washington and Lee University

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

11
University Wins
15
Tied / N/A
20
Washington Wins

Overview

Public
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Town
Great Lakes
Region
Southeast
36,902
Enrollment
1,881
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

45%
Acceptance Rate
14%
1427
SAT Average
1498
29
ACT Midpoint
34
1380-1520
SAT Range
1430-1540

Cost & Financial Aid

$11,603
In-State Tuition
$68,045
$42,103
Out-of-State Tuition
$68,045
$17,354
Average Net Price
$23,781
$4,200
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$-1,777
$4,101
Net Price ($30-48K)
$75
$8,134
Net Price ($48-75K)
$4,497
$27,292
Net Price ($110K+)
$40,646
16%
Pell Grant Rate
11%
20%
Federal Loan Rate
14%

Academics

89%
Graduation Rate
94%
96%
Retention Rate
97%
86%
Full-Time Faculty
88%
$15,643
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,155
17%
First-Gen Students
N/A

Student Body

53%
Female
44%
59%
White
68%
9%
Hispanic
9%
2%
Black
5%
11%
Asian
5%
0.62
Diversity Index
0.52

Outcomes

$61,275
Earnings (6yr)
$76,516
$69,868
Earnings (8yr)
$89,772
$73,792
Earnings (10yr)
$94,810
$20,484
Median Debt
$19,500
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.21x
80%
Earning Above HS
83%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

N/A
Mobility Rate
57.09%
N/A
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5102.3%
N/A
From Bottom 20%
111.9%
N/A
Parent Median Income
$226,700

Social Capital

1.78
Economic Connectedness
1.82
0.00
Friending Bias
0.00
8.9%
Volunteering Rate
6.9%

Research (Times HE)

#27
World Rank
N/A
74.3
Teaching Score
N/A
77.3
Research Score
N/A
90.6
Citations Score
N/A

The Overviews

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI · Public

45% accept 89% grad $73,792 earnings $17,354 net

With an enrollment of nearly 37,000 students, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a strong choice for those who thrive in a vibrant, diverse environment. If you’re interested in fields like Business, Biology, or Computer Science, this school has solid programs that cater to your academic interests. The acceptance rate of 45% suggests a competitive atmosphere, but it’s also a place where students can find community and support among their peers.

Looking at outcomes, graduates from Wisconsin-Madison earn an average of $73,792 within ten years of completing their degree. This strong earning potential points to a positive return on investment for students. With a graduation rate of 89%, most students are not just moving through their programs but are also finding pathways to success after college. The affordability is another key factor, with a net price of $17,354, making it accessible for many families.

When it comes to finances, students graduate with a median debt of $20,484, which is manageable for the earnings they can expect. This balance between cost and potential earnings makes it a pragmatic choice for many. Students who tend to thrive here are those who take advantage of the resources available, engage in their studies, and connect with the vibrant campus life in Madison.

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