About

About Washington and Lee University

liberal arts collegesmall class sizeshonor system traditionlexington virginia

Washington and Lee University is a private liberal arts college in Lexington, VA, known for its liberal arts college, small class sizes, and honor system tradition. With an acceptance rate of 17%, W&L is highly selective, typically enrolling around 476 students each year. W&L is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1430–1530, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. W&L meets 100% of demonstrated financial need and has replaced loans with grants.

Admissions

Washington and Lee University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

highly selective

17%
Overall Accept Rate
1480
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1430 – 1530 (test optional)

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ACTScore range: 33 – 34

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ED advantage at Washington and Lee University: ED acceptance rate is 28% vs 17% regular decision, more than double. If Washington and Lee Universityis your first choice and you've confirmed the financial fit, Early Decision is one of the highest-leverage decisions you can make.

Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Washington and Lee University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
Washington and Lee's Honor System is central to student life there, so use your essays or additional information section to show a specific moment when integrity or personal accountability guided a decision you made. Admissions readers want to see that you understand what it means to live by an honor code, not just that you know it exists.
Demonstrated Interest
Visit Lexington if you can, because W and L's Speaking Tradition, where students and faculty greet each other on campus, reflects a tight community culture that you should reference authentically in your application. If you visit, note specific things you observed and weave them into your 'Why W and L' response.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Washington and Lee University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Loan-free financial aid: Washington and Lee University has replaced all loans with grants. Washington and Lee University's sticker price of ~$80k/year bears almost no resemblance to what most families pay.
Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
30k-48k~$80k/yr$0.1k
48k-75k~$80k/yr$4.5k
75k-110k~$80k/yr$8.2k
110k+~$80k/yr$40.6k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

95%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$77k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
8:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
1,831
Undergrad Enrollment
Washington and Lee University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch