Virginia Tech vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

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

Virginia Tech is larger than Washington and Lee based on total student enrollment (38,857 students vs. 2,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Virginia Tech is located in Blacksburg, VA (Small City setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Virginia Tech is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington and Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Virginia Tech 17:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

Virginia Tech vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Virginia Tech 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 Virginia Tech ($23,055 vs. $24,912).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Virginia Tech are 11.4% lower than at Washington and Lee University ($16,550 vs. $18,685).
• Washington and Lee University is 326.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Virginia Tech (about $52,097 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $15,948.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 80.2% higher at Washington and Lee than at Virginia Tech (about $30,281 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $37,764.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washington and Lee University than at Virginia Tech (64% vs. 60%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 597.5% larger than aid received by Virginia Tech students ($63,945 vs. $9,168).

Virginia Tech vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Virginia Tech 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 Virginia Tech.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington and Lee University (1490) is 120 points higher than at Virginia Tech (1370).
• Incoming Washington and Lee students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 30 at Virginia Tech).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Virginia Tech 1280/1450; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Virginia Tech 28/32; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Virginia Tech - 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: Virginia Tech Jan 15, 2027; Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Virginia Tech students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Washington and Lee (3.87).
• Virginia Tech has a higher acceptance rate (54.8%) than Washington and Lee (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 25.3% at Virginia Tech vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

Virginia Tech vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Virginia Tech 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 Virginia Tech's (82%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $24,000 more per year than Virginia Tech graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $65,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington and Lee University graduates have a $2,466 lower median loan debt than Virginia Tech graduates ($21,500 vs. $23,966).
• Among borrowers, Washington and Lee graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Virginia Tech graduates ($222 vs. $247).
• More Washington and Lee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Virginia Tech students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 81%)

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.