Washington and Lee University

Lexington, VA · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Niche: A+

Washington and Lee University has a 14.0% acceptance rate. Washington and Lee University is a private nonprofit 4-year institution in Lexington, VA, with a median SAT of 1480 and a median ACT of 34. The average net price is $23,781 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

14.0%

8,969 applicants

SAT Median

1480

Combined score

ACT Median

34

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$23,781

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at Washington and Lee University

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at Washington and Lee University (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)143014801540
ACT (composite, 1–36)333434

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

94.4%

Retention Rate

96.6%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$94,810

Student Body

1,881

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Washington and Lee University:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$-1,777
$30,001 – $48,000$75
$48,001 – $75,000$4,497
$75,001 – $110,000$8,162
$110,000+$40,646

Top Majors at Washington and Lee University

MajorDegrees Awarded
Business, Management & Marketing144
Social Sciences67
Biological & Biomedical Sciences45
Psychology41
Physical Sciences24
History19
Communication & Journalism16
Engineering16
Foreign Languages & Linguistics15
Computer & Information Sciences14

Financial Aid at Washington and Lee University

About Washington and Lee University

Official website: https://www.wlu.edu/

Admissions: https://www.wlu.edu/admissions

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington and Lee University

What is the acceptance rate at Washington and Lee University?

Washington and Lee University has an acceptance rate of 14%. it received about 8,969 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1480; the average net price is $23,781 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Washington and Lee University for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into Washington and Lee University?

Getting into Washington and Lee University is highly competitive — it admits 14% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1480. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Washington and Lee University for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Washington and Lee University?

Admitted students at Washington and Lee University typically have a median SAT around 1480 and a median ACT around 34. With a 14% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Washington and Lee University is located in Lexington, VA. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend Washington and Lee University?

The average net price at Washington and Lee University is $23,781 per year after grants and scholarships. about 63% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $66,084 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at Washington and Lee University?

Washington and Lee University has a graduation rate of 94%. its first-year retention rate is 97%; median earnings 10 years after enrollment are $94,810. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Washington and Lee University against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is Washington and Lee University test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, Washington and Lee University is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1480. With a 14% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Washington and Lee University's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

Similar Colleges

Amherst College

Amherst, MA · 9% acceptance

Grinnell College

Grinnell, IA · 11% acceptance

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

Atlanta, GA · 14% acceptance

Middlebury College

Middlebury, VT · 11% acceptance

Washington University in St Louis

St. Louis, MO · 12% acceptance

Williams College

Williamstown, MA · 8% acceptance

More Colleges in VA

University of Virginia-Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA · 16% acceptance

University of Richmond

University of Richmond, VA · 23% acceptance

William & Mary

Williamsburg, VA · 33% acceptance

Riverside College of Health Careers

Newport News, VA · 17% acceptance

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA · 57% acceptance

Hampden-Sydney College

Hampden-Sydney, VA · 50% acceptance

Explore More

All 3,500+ universities · Most affordable colleges · Best value colleges · Test-optional colleges · Engineering programs · Computer science programs · Highest graduation rates · Compare planning tools

Check Your Admission Chances at Washington and Lee University — Free