Head-to-Head Comparison
Washington and Lee University vs Yale University
- Washington Lee Wins
- 8
- Tied
- 18
- Yale Wins
- 28
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Yale University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $23,777 vs Washington and Lee University's $23,781, Yale University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Yale University'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
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
Yale
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $100,533 ten years after enrollment, 6% more than Washington and Lee University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $23,777, roughly $4 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $12,975, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.1%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 4% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Washington Lee graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (32% of degrees); Yale in Social Sciences (23%). 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 Yale University over Washington and Lee University. Median earnings of $100,533 ten years after enrollment vs $94,810.
Pick Yale University over Washington and Lee University. Net price $23,777 vs $23,781.
Pick Yale University over Washington and Lee University. 2.1% 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 Yale University are close on paper, but Yale University wins the head-to-head, leading on 6 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Yale University is the harder admit. It takes 4% of applicants, while Washington and Lee University takes 14%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,498 to 1,534.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Yale 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, Yale University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $23,777, about $4 a year below Washington and Lee University's $23,781. Graduates of Yale University also borrow less: median debt of $12,975, against $19,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $16 before any change in aid. Choosing Yale University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Yale University graduates report median earnings of $100,533, compared with $94,810 at Washington and Lee University. That is a 6% advantage. Set against borrowing, Yale University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.13x to 0.21x.
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
Yale University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.1%; at Washington and Lee University, it is 0.6%. Yale University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 3.6% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.1%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Yale 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 Yale University to keep costs and debt down.
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
Their academic identities diverge. Washington and Lee University concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, while Yale University leans toward Computer Science & IT. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $19,500, against $12,975 at Yale University.
- Business and consulting-track students: Yale University has less business program depth, and Washington and Lee University offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Yale University's enrollment of 6,758 far exceeds Washington and Lee University's 1,881.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Yale holds onto its admits more tightly: 68% 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; Yale 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
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.
Yale University
New Haven, CT · Private nonprofit
Yale University boasts an impressive graduation rate of 96%, indicating that most students who enroll successfully complete their degrees. This high level of achievement reflects the supportive academic environment and resources available to students.
According to Opportunity Insights data, Yale's graduates have a median earnings of $100,533 ten years after enrollment. While specific mobility rates are not available, the strong earnings potential suggests that graduates are likely to experience upward economic mobility, particularly when compared to peers from lower-income backgrounds.
The net price for attending Yale is $23,777, with a median debt of $12,975. This financial landscape allows students to invest in their education while keeping debt manageable. Students who thrive here tend to be those who are motivated and eager to engage deeply in their studies, particularly in top fields such as social sciences, biology, and engineering.
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 Yale leads with Sociology (23%).
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 Yale).
The two schools feed different job markets. Washington and Lee University is strongest in Business & Marketing, Psychology, while Yale University concentrates in Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics. 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 Yale University?
Yale University is harder to get into, admitting 4% of applicants compared with 14% at Washington and Lee University.
Which is more affordable, Washington and Lee University or Yale University?
Yale University is more affordable, with an average net price of $23,777 after aid versus $23,781 at Washington and Lee University.
Do Washington and Lee University or Yale University graduates earn more?
Yale University graduates earn more: median earnings of $100,533 ten years after enrollment, versus $94,810 at Washington and Lee University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Washington and Lee University or Yale University?
Yale University has the higher graduation rate, 96% versus 94%.
Washington and Lee University vs Yale University: which is better for social mobility?
Yale University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.1% versus 0.6%.
Should you choose Washington and Lee University or Yale University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Yale University if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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How do Washington Lee and Yale stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.
