Head-to-Head Comparison
Washington and Lee University vs Washington University in St Louis
- Washington Lee Wins
- 9
- Tied
- 19
- Washington St Wins
- 26
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Washington University in St Louis offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Washington and Lee University achieves a higher graduation rate (94% vs 94%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $23,781 compared to Washington University in St Louis's $21,786 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Washington University in St Louis'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
Washington Lee
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $94,810 ten years after enrollment, 10% more than Washington University in St Louis
Washington St
- Lower cost: Average net price of $21,786, roughly $1,995 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $17,500, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Washington Lee graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (32% of degrees); Washington St in Engineering (14%). 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 Washington University in St Louis. Median earnings of $94,810 ten years after enrollment vs $86,182.
Pick Washington University in St Louis over Washington and Lee University. Net price $21,786 vs $23,781.
Pick Washington University in St Louis over Washington and Lee University. 1% mobility rate vs 0.6%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Washington and Lee University and Washington University in St Louis are close on paper, but Washington University in St Louis 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 University in St Louis is the harder admit. It takes 12% of applicants, while Washington and Lee University takes 14%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,498 to 1,530.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Washington University in St Louis 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 University in St Louis comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $21,786, about $1,995 a year below Washington and Lee University's $23,781. Graduates of Washington University in St Louis also borrow less: median debt of $17,500, against $19,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $7,980 before any change in aid. Choosing Washington University in St Louis 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 $86,182 at Washington University in St Louis. That is a 10% advantage. Set against borrowing, Washington University in St Louis has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.2x to 0.21x.
So what: An earnings gap of 10% 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
Washington University in St Louis does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1%; at Washington and Lee University, it is 0.6%. Washington University in St Louis also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 1.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.1%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Washington University in St Louis 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 University in St Louis 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. Washington University in St Louis saves about $1,995 a year, yet Washington and Lee University graduates earn $8,628 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. Washington and Lee University concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, while Washington University in St Louis leans toward Engineering. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: Washington University in St Louis has the stronger engineering programs.
- Business and consulting-track students: Washington University in St Louis has less business program depth, and Washington and Lee University offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Washington University in St Louis's enrollment of 7,857 far exceeds Washington and Lee University's 1,881.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Washington St holds onto its admits more tightly: 48% of admitted students enroll, versus 41% at Washington Lee — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Both reward applying early, but the binding round pays off more at Washington Lee (33.9% Early Decision admit rate vs 27.0%). Early Decision is binding, so it only makes sense if the school is a clear first choice. 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
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.
Washington University in St Louis
St. Louis, MO · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 12%, Washington University in St. Louis attracts driven students looking for a rigorous academic environment. It’s a great fit for those interested in fields like engineering, biology, social sciences, computer science, and business. The graduation rate of 94% reflects a supportive community that helps students succeed and achieve their goals.
Life after graduation looks promising, with alumni reporting an average earnings of $86,182 ten years out. This figure highlights the potential for financial stability in a variety of career paths. While nearly 18% of students receive Pell Grants, the school’s commitment to affordability helps ensure that students from different economic backgrounds can thrive.
On the financial side, the net price after aid stands at $21,786, and the median debt for graduates is $17,500. This manageable debt load suggests that students here often leave school with a solid foundation for their financial futures. Those who tend to thrive are often self-motivated and eager to engage deeply with their studies and the campus community.
Rankings They Appear On
Washington and Lee University is featured on the Best Colleges in Virginia ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Washington Lee's top program is Business Administration (32% of enrollment), while Washington St leads with Mechanical Engineering (14%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Washington Lee) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Washington St).
The two schools feed different job markets. Washington and Lee University is strongest in Psychology, while Washington University in St Louis concentrates in Engineering. 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 Washington and Lee University or Washington University in St Louis?
Washington University in St Louis is harder to get into, admitting 12% of applicants compared with 14% at Washington and Lee University.
Which is more affordable, Washington and Lee University or Washington University in St Louis?
Washington University in St Louis is more affordable, with an average net price of $21,786 after aid versus $23,781 at Washington and Lee University.
Do Washington and Lee University or Washington University in St Louis graduates earn more?
Washington and Lee University graduates earn more: median earnings of $94,810 ten years after enrollment, versus $86,182 at Washington University in St Louis.
Which has a better graduation rate, Washington and Lee University or Washington University in St Louis?
Washington and Lee University has the higher graduation rate, 94% versus 94%.
Washington and Lee University vs Washington University in St Louis: which is better for social mobility?
Washington University in St Louis is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1% versus 0.6%.
Should you choose Washington and Lee University or Washington University in St Louis?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Washington University in St Louis 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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