CollegeGrad School
- AcademicsA+
- ValueA+
- DiversityB
- CampusA-
- AthleticsB-
- Party SceneA-
- ProfessorsA+
- LocationB-
- DormsA
- Campus FoodB
- Student LifeA
- SafetyB-
Athletic Division
NCAA Division III (with football)
Athletic Conference
Old Dominion Athletic Conference
Washington & Lee University Rankings
Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
22%
SAT Range
1350-1490
ACT Range
31-33
Application Fee
$60
SAT/ACT
Required
High School GPA
Recommended
Early Decision/Early Action
Yes
Application Website
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Test Scores and High School GPA for Washington & Lee University See Other Colleges
Cost
Net Price
$25,029/ year
National
$15,523Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
Average Total Aid Awarded
$39,671/ year
National
$7,535Students Receiving Financial Aid
64%
Academics
Professors
A+
Based on faculty accomplishments, salary, student reviews, and additional factors.
Student Faculty Ratio
8:1
Evening Degree Programs
No
- 96%
- of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.28 responses
- 59%
- of students agree that it is easy to get the classes they want.32 responses
- 31%
- of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.32 responses
Majors
Students
Full-Time Enrollment
1,823Undergrads
Part-Time Undergrads
4
Undergrads Over 25
0%
Pell Grant
9%
Varsity Athletes
28%
Campus Life
Freshmen Live On-Campus
100%
Poll
- 52%
- of students say that Greek life is pretty big.42 responses
Poll
- 50%
- of students say varsity sporting events are attended, but not a huge part of campus life.42 responses
After College
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
$76,100/ year
National
$33,028Graduation Rate
92%
National
49%Employed 2 Years After Graduation
94%
National
83%- 100%
- of students feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation.11 responses
Washington & Lee University Reviews
403 reviews
All Categories
W&L is an exceptional university with a rich history, rigorous academics, and a strong alumni network. Contrary to its stereotype, the student body is pretty much half conservative and half liberal (relatively conservative compared to most colleges; however, this even divide really surfaces some interesting conversations and greater tolerance towards others of differing political beliefs--which is nonexistent on college campuses nowadays). The surrounding Rockbridge area is picturesque, and there is so much to see and do. While classes are pretty challenging, they (and the professors that teach them) are incredibly engaging and stimulating. I can't say enough positive things about W&L and how much it has changed my life for the better.
Beware of what you get yourself into. Most alumni/ students will sugar coat the culture at W&L. Alcoholism and heavy drug use is rampant, open hostility towards LGBTQ and minority students is normal. The frat culture permeates every level of the university including student clubs/events/academic cliques. Hazing is alive and well which includes forced drinking, humiliation, and physical abuse. Classes are very academic and inordinately time consuming and 200-level classes for non-majors are taught at the graduate level. Most students are competitive and aggressive. The strict honor code leads to division inside and outside the classroom. Coincidentally, most tests can be taken anywhere on campus which is taken advantage of. Unless you have a scholarship or have enough money to be social, do not come here.
W&L offers endless opportunities to its students (grants, fellowships, study abroad, extracurriculars, classes, etc.). The culture is social; people are friendly and energetic. Greek life and parties are popular, but learning to navigate this environment strengthens your sense of self and knowledge of your own needs. There are other people and alternative activities - a student just needs to be willing to explore beyond what is the most visible option.
There is work to do and changes still to be made here, but that's why W&L's motto is "not unmindful of the future." If you are willing to fully challenge yourself to take action in and out of the classroom, you will truly find a home here among the quaint city of Lexington, the beauty of the nature, and the enthusiasm of the professors. Reaching adulthood and personal growth isn't meant to be easy, but at W&L, you will build relationships that remind you what it's all for.
There is work to do and changes still to be made here, but that's why W&L's motto is "not unmindful of the future." If you are willing to fully challenge yourself to take action in and out of the classroom, you will truly find a home here among the quaint city of Lexington, the beauty of the nature, and the enthusiasm of the professors. Reaching adulthood and personal growth isn't meant to be easy, but at W&L, you will build relationships that remind you what it's all for.