Head-to-Head Comparison
Villanova University vs Washington and Lee University
- Villanova Wins
- 17
- Tied
- 14
- Washington Lee Wins
- 19
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Washington and Lee University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $23,781 vs Villanova University's $43,756, Washington and Lee University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Washington and Lee University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
50 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Villanova
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $100,423 ten years after enrollment, 6% more than Washington and Lee University
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.3%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
Washington Lee
- Lower cost: Average net price of $23,781, roughly $19,975 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 94% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,500, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 14% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Villanova graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (23% 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 Villanova University over Washington and Lee University. Median earnings of $100,423 ten years after enrollment vs $94,810.
Pick Washington and Lee University over Villanova University. Net price $23,781 vs $43,756.
Pick Villanova University over Washington and Lee University. 1.3% mobility rate vs 0.6%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Villanova University 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 Villanova University takes 27%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,460 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, Washington and Lee University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $23,781, about $19,975 a year below Villanova University's $43,756. Graduates of Washington and Lee University also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $25,874.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $79,900 before any change in aid. Choosing Washington and Lee University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Villanova University graduates report median earnings of $100,423, compared with $94,810 at Washington and Lee University. That is a 6% advantage. Set against borrowing, Washington and Lee University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.26x.
So what: An earnings gap of 6% 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
Villanova University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.3%; at Washington and Lee University, it is 0.6%. Villanova University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 2.3% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.1%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Villanova 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 Washington and Lee University to keep costs and debt down; pick Villanova 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. Washington and Lee University saves about $19,975 a year, yet Villanova University graduates earn $5,613 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Washington and Lee University is harder to get into, with a 14% admit rate, but Villanova University posts the higher mobility rate, at 1.3%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. Villanova University concentrates enrollment in Engineering, while Washington and Lee University leans toward Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $43,756 runs well above Washington and Lee University's $23,781.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,874, against $19,500 at Washington and Lee University.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Villanova University's enrollment of 6,938 far exceeds Washington and Lee University's 1,881.
- Engineering-focused students: Villanova University has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Washington Lee holds onto its admits more tightly: 41% of admitted students enroll, versus 28% at Villanova — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Both reward applying early, but the binding round pays off more at Villanova (54.2% Early Decision admit rate vs 33.9%). Early Decision is binding, so it only makes sense if the school is a clear first choice. Test scores matter less at Villanova, where only about 28% 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
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Villanova University
Villanova, PA · Private nonprofit
At Villanova University, students can expect a tight-knit campus environment with an enrollment of just under 7,000. This university is a great fit for those pursuing degrees in Business and Marketing, Engineering, Social Sciences, Health Professions, and Communications. With an acceptance rate of 27%, it attracts motivated students who are ready to engage deeply in their studies and community.
Looking ahead, graduates from Villanova see impressive outcomes. The average earnings a decade after graduation sit at $100,423, which speaks volumes about the value of a Villanova degree in today’s job market. The school's strong graduation rate of 92% indicates that students not only enroll but also complete their degrees, setting them up for success in their chosen fields.
When it comes to the financial side, the net price after financial aid is $43,756, which is important to consider alongside the median debt level of $25,874. This suggests that while the costs can be significant, many students manage to navigate their financial responsibilities effectively. Those who thrive here are often driven, engaged, and ready to leverage the resources Villanova offers to propel their careers forward.
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
Villanova University is featured on the Best Communications Colleges in Pennsylvania ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 23% of Villanova's student body and 32% of Washington Lee's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Villanova) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Washington Lee).
The two schools feed different job markets. Villanova University is strongest in Engineering, Health Professions, while Washington and Lee University concentrates in Biology & Biomedical, 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.
Villanova
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Villanova University or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University is harder to get into, admitting 14% of applicants compared with 27% at Villanova University.
Which is more affordable, Villanova University or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University is more affordable, with an average net price of $23,781 after aid versus $43,756 at Villanova University.
Do Villanova University or Washington and Lee University graduates earn more?
Villanova University graduates earn more: median earnings of $100,423 ten years after enrollment, versus $94,810 at Washington and Lee University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Villanova University or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University has the higher graduation rate, 94% versus 92%.
Villanova University vs Washington and Lee University: which is better for social mobility?
Villanova University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.3% versus 0.6%.
Should you choose Villanova University or Washington and Lee University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Washington and Lee University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Villanova 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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