Dickinson College vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

Compare Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA with Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Dickinson College is larger than Washington and Lee based on total student enrollment (2,314 students vs. 2,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Dickinson College is located in Carlisle, PA (Distant Town setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Dickinson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington and Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Dickinson College 11:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

Dickinson College vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Dickinson College or Washington and Lee? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Washington and Lee University than Dickinson College ($23,055 vs. $38,483).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dickinson College are 8.5% lower than at Washington and Lee University ($17,100 vs. $18,685).
• Washington and Lee University is 3.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dickinson College (about $2,395 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $65,650.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.6% higher at Washington and Lee than at Dickinson College (about $2,395 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $65,650.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dickinson College than at Washington and Lee University (96% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 43.8% larger than aid received by Dickinson College students ($63,945 vs. $44,479).

Dickinson College vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Dickinson College or Washington and Lee? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Washington and Lee and Dickinson College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington and Lee University (1490) is 100 points higher than at Dickinson College (1390).
• Incoming Washington and Lee students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 31 at Dickinson College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dickinson College 1310/1460; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dickinson College 30/33; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Dickinson College - Test optional; Washington and Lee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Dickinson College Jan 15, 2027; Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027.
• Dickinson College has a higher acceptance rate (42.1%) than Washington and Lee (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.1% at Dickinson College vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

Dickinson College vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Dickinson College and Washington and Lee? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Washington and Lee University's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than Dickinson College's (84%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $27,000 more per year than Dickinson College graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $62,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dickinson College graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Washington and Lee graduates ($21,000 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Dickinson College graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Washington and Lee graduates ($217 vs. $222).
• More Dickinson College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Washington and Lee students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 88%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.