Tennessee vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

Compare The University of Tennessee Knoxville in Knoxville, TN with Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

The University of Tennessee Knoxville is larger than Washington and Lee based on total student enrollment (38,728 students vs. 2,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• The University of Tennessee Knoxville is located in Knoxville, TN (Midsize City setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• The University of Tennessee Knoxville is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington and Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The University of Tennessee Knoxville 18:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

Tennessee vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Tennessee 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 The University of Tennessee Knoxville than Washington and Lee ($21,648 vs. $23,055).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at The University of Tennessee Knoxville are 28.5% lower than at Washington and Lee University ($13,356 vs. $18,685).
• Washington and Lee University is 392.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee (about $54,233 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $13,812.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 104.6% higher at Washington and Lee than at The University of Tennessee Knoxville (about $34,789 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $33,256.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at The University of Tennessee Knoxville than at Washington and Lee University (94% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 459.3% larger than aid received by The University of Tennessee Knoxville students ($63,945 vs. $11,434).

Tennessee vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Tennessee 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 Tennessee.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington and Lee University (1490) is 200 points higher than at Tennessee (1290).
• Incoming Washington and Lee students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 28 at Tennessee).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Tennessee Knoxville 1200/1370; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Tennessee Knoxville 25/31; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Tennessee - Required to be considered for admission; Washington and Lee - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washington and Lee students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Tennessee (3.66).
• Tennessee has a higher acceptance rate (41.6%) than Washington and Lee (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.4% at Tennessee vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

Tennessee vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Tennessee 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 The University of Tennessee Knoxville's (63%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $32,700 more per year than Tennessee graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $56,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of Tennessee Knoxville graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Washington and Lee graduates ($20,000 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Tennessee graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Washington and Lee graduates ($206 vs. $222).
• More Washington and Lee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tennessee students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 69%)

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.