Washington and Lee University campus
Washington and Lee University logo

Washington and Lee University

Type 4 year, Private
Business Model Non Profit
Campus locale Town: Distant
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate
Calendar system 4-1-4
Student body size Small
Common app member Yes
Dormitory capacity 1,520
Student to faculty ratio 8 to 1
Acceptance rate 19%
Students retention rate 96%
On-time graduation rate 94%

Located in Lexington, Virginia, Washington and Lee is a private, non profit institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. The university operates on a 4-1-4 calendar system, allowing students to engage in intensive study during the two shorter terms. This unique academic structure provides students with the opportunity to explore specialized areas of interest or complete internships, enhancing their overall educational experience.

The acceptance rate at Washington and Lee is 19%, indicating that the institution is quite selective in its admissions process. This can be seen as a positive aspect for those seeking a competitive and academically rigorous environment.

Washington and Lee University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, ensuring that the institution meets certain standards of quality and effectiveness. This accreditation also allows students to transfer credits to other accredited institutions if they choose to continue their education elsewhere.

With a students-to-faculty ratio of 8-to-1, Washington and Lee emphasizes small class sizes, fostering a supportive and interactive learning environment.

Washington and Lee boasts an impressive student retention rate of 96% , indicating that the majority of students choose to continue their education at the institution. This number surpasses both the state and national averages of 81% and 74%, respectively.


  • Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  • The institution provides on-campus housing
  • Freshman students are required to live on campus

Acceptance Rate

Fall 2021 admitted students

18.8%

In-State Tuition & Fees

$59,380

Cost of attendance at Washington and Lee University in 2022 for students from Virginia.

See how the college's in-state sticker price compares to 4 year Non Profit, private colleges in the state as well as nationally.

Virginia's average $14,223
National average $30,235

Out-of-State Tuition & Fees

$59,380

Cost of attendance at Washington and Lee University in 2022 for the out-of-state and international students

See how the college's out-of-state sticker price compares to 4 year Non Profit, private colleges in the state as well as nationally.

Virginia's average $33,092
National average $30,238

Average Grant & Scholarships

In 2022, 56 of freshman students at Washington and Lee University received on average $51,537 in grant and scholarships from the college, the state and/or the federal government. Below is detail stats of the aid provided to full-time, freshman students.

$51,537
Students Receiving Aid Average Amount Total Amount
Pell Grant 46 10% $4,723 $217,275
Other Federal Grant 46 10% $6,713 $308,775
State Grant/Scholarships 59 13% $4,102 $242,000
Institutional Grant/Scholarships 238 52% $53,770 $12,797,196
Total Grant & Scholarships 259 56% $51,537 $13,347,971

Graduation Rate

The following chart shows the graduation rate of Washington and Lee University students who enrolled in 2015 and after. The stat covers all undergraduates registered as full-time students to study a 4-year bachelor's degree program for the first time.

The breakdown shows the graduation rate by race/ethnicity of US students. All international students are represented under one group.

As of August 31, 2021, the average graduation rate of Washington and Lee University students is 93.6%. Female students graduated at a rate of 93.9%, whereas male students graduated at a rate of 93.4%.

93.6%

  • asian 93.8% 15 students
  • African American 83.3% 10 students
  • white 94.3% 349 students
  • unknown 83.3% 5 students
  • hispanic 100.0% 12 students
  • International Students 85.2% 23 students
  • Mixed Race 100.0% 11 students

Sport Conferences

  • Football Old Dominion Athletic Conference
  • Baseball Old Dominion Athletic Conference
  • Basketball Old Dominion Athletic Conference
  • Track and Cross Country Old Dominion Athletic Conference

Athletic Associations

  • NCAA
    National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Service Offerings

Washington and Lee University provides the following additional services to its students
  • Placement services for graduates
  • Academic/career counseling services
  • Employment services for students

Educational Offerings

Washington and Lee University offers educational programs in the following categories. Check the programs section to learn more about specific programs that you are interested in.
  • Academic

Special Learning Opportunities

  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification
  • ROTC - Army
  • ROTC - Air Force

Veteran Services

  • Member of Service-members Opportunity Colleges
  • Recognized student veteran organization
  • Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program)

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