Pitt vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

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

University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is larger than Washington and Lee based on total student enrollment (35,724 students vs. 2,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is located in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington and Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus 13:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

Pitt vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Pitt 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 Pitt ($23,055 vs. $25,223).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus are 27.1% lower than at Washington and Lee University ($13,620 vs. $18,685).
• Washington and Lee University is 210.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Pitt (about $46,119 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $21,926.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 64.2% higher at Washington and Lee than at University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus (about $26,615 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $41,430.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washington and Lee University than at University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus (64% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 287.7% larger than aid received by University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus students ($63,945 vs. $16,494).

Pitt vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Pitt 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 Pitt.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington and Lee University (1490) is 120 points higher than at Pitt (1370).
• Incoming Washington and Lee students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 31 at Pitt).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus 1280/1460; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus 29/33; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Pitt - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); 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 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Pitt (3.79).
• Pitt has a higher acceptance rate (58.1%) than Washington and Lee (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13% at Pitt vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

Pitt vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Pitt 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 University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus's (79%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $31,000 more per year than Pitt graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $58,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington and Lee University graduates have a $5,409 lower median loan debt than Pitt graduates ($21,500 vs. $26,909).
• Among borrowers, Washington and Lee graduates have an estimated $56 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Pitt graduates ($222 vs. $278).
• More Washington and Lee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Pitt students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 75%)

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.