UVA vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

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

University of Virginia Main Campus is larger than Washington and Lee based on total student enrollment (26,409 students vs. 2,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Virginia Main Campus is located in Charlottesville, VA (Small City setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• University of Virginia Main 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 Virginia Main Campus 15:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

UVA vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UVA 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 University of Virginia Main Campus than Washington and Lee ($18,427 vs. $23,055).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Virginia Main Campus are 20.8% lower than at Washington and Lee University ($14,800 vs. $18,685).
• Washington and Lee University is 212.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than UVA (about $46,242 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $21,803.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.3% higher at Washington and Lee than at University of Virginia Main Campus (about $8,533 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $59,512.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washington and Lee University than at University of Virginia Main Campus (64% vs. 39%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 122.7% larger than aid received by University of Virginia Main Campus students ($63,945 vs. $28,715).

UVA vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UVA 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 UVA.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington and Lee University (1490) is 10 points higher than at UVA (1480).
• Incoming UVA students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 33) as students at Washington and Lee (33).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Virginia Main Campus 1410/1540; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Virginia Main Campus 32/35; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UVA - Test optional; Washington and Lee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washington and Lee students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at UVA (3.85).
• UVA has a higher acceptance rate (16.8%) than Washington and Lee (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 40% at UVA vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

UVA vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UVA 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).

• University of Virginia Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (94%) is higher than Washington and Lee University's (91%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $11,800 more per year than UVA graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $77,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Virginia Main Campus graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Washington and Lee graduates ($19,500 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, UVA graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Washington and Lee graduates ($201 vs. $222).
• More Washington and Lee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UVA students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 86%)

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.