Duke vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

Compare Duke University in Durham, NC with Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Duke University is larger than Washington and Lee based on total student enrollment (17,499 students vs. 2,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Duke University is located in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Duke University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington and Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Duke University 5:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

Duke vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Duke 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 Duke University than Washington and Lee ($21,981 vs. $23,055).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Duke University are 3% lower than at Washington and Lee University ($18,128 vs. $18,685).
• Duke University is 1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Washington and Lee (about $713 more per year; $68,758.00 vs. $68,045.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1% higher at Duke than at Washington and Lee University (about $713 more per year; $68,758.00 vs. $68,045.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washington and Lee University than at Duke University (64% vs. 43%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Duke University students is 2.5% larger than aid received by Washington and Lee University students ($65,522 vs. $63,945).

Duke vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Duke 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 Duke.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Duke University (1540) is 50 points higher than at Washington and Lee (1490).
• Incoming Duke students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 33 at Washington and Lee).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Duke University 1500/1570; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Duke University 34/35; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Duke - Test optional; Washington and Lee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Duke Jan 3, 2027; Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Duke students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.94) than students at Washington and Lee (3.87).
• Washington and Lee has a higher acceptance rate (14%) than Duke (5.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 58.8% at Duke vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

Duke vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Duke 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).

• Duke University's six-year graduation rate (94%) is higher than Washington and Lee University's (91%).
• Graduates from Duke University earn a median of about $19,900 more per year than Washington and Lee graduates about ten years after starting college ($108,900 vs. $89,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Duke University graduates have a $14,000 lower median loan debt than Washington and Lee graduates ($7,500 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Duke graduates have an estimated $145 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Washington and Lee graduates ($77 vs. $222).
• More Duke 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.