Washington and Lee University

Washington and Lee (W&L) University is a private institution located in Lexington, Virginia. Tuition for undergraduates is $57,285. The school provides 49 million dollars in financial aid each year to students. The average award amount is $51,000. The school is impressively one of 20 in the country to meet all student need without loans. The school also provides the Post- 9/11 GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program. W&L has often been considered one of the best value colleges in the nation.

The school was founded in 1749 making it the 9th oldest university in the United States. The university is even older than the U.S. Constitution.

This selective institution has an acceptance rate of 25% and a graduation rate of 95%. It is a relatively small university with an undergraduate population of just 1,822. Graduate students add another 361 students to the university. 97% of first year students come back for their second year and 96% of international students return for year two. The student/faculty ratio is just 8 to 1. Additionally, 96% of classes have 25 students or less. The small size allows for a personalized, collaborative, and engaging experience.

The close-knit community also extends off campus within the friendly neighborhood of Lexington. Located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, Lexington is known as being one of the best college towns for those who love the outdoors. There are famers markets, festivals, hiking trails, and more. Additionally, it’s just two hours from Richmond and three hours from Washington, D.C. for easy day trips to bigger cities.

As a part of the application process, interviews are strongly recommended. Although not required, the school explains how these casual conversations provide an opportunity for admissions staff to better know and understand the prospective student. Two recommendation letters are required.

19% of the student population are minorities and 51% are women. Additionally, 4.3% are international students. Students represent 47 countries and 49 states. 56% of students come from a public high school or charter school and 42% come from an independent or parochial high school. 98% of students have taken AP courses while in high school. Most students have a GPA of 3.96, a SAT score of 1420, and an ACT score of 33. For prospective students applying for admission for the class of 2026, SAT and ACT score submission is optional.

The school offers 36 major programs and 41 minor program options. The school emphasizes that although they are a smaller university, they offer many programs often thought to only be available at larger schools such as engineering, journalism, and business. The most popular majors among 2020 graduates were business administration, accounting, economics, and political science.

Most students at the school participate in study abroad while they are completing their degree either for a full year, the full summer, or a semester. Washington and Lee also provides many resources to help students acquire internships if interested.

There are many student organizations on campus. Students may choose from 100 organizations ranging from activist groups to multicultural organizations.

Graduates earn a median starting salary of $59,700. Graduates have been employed by Citibank, Bloomberg, Amazon, CNBC, and more. Graduates from W&L who move on to graduate school have attended Cornell Law School, Duke University, Georgetown University, Carnegie Mellon College of Engineering, and other prestigious schools and programs.

The school’s motto is “Not unmindful of the future.” They strive to develop a curriculum which relates to the 21st century and our constantly evolving world.