Washington and Lee University (W&L) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Washington and Lee University
At Washington and Lee, a student-run honor tradition shapes a trust-first campus where conversation matters. The university is known for rigorous study in the liberal arts and sciences, with strong preparation in business and legal perspectives. Resources sit close at hand, from libraries and labs to studios, a busy student center, advising, career coaching, and writing and tutoring support.
Student life spans publications, debate, the arts, and club and intramural sports, plus a big outdoor scene. With the Blue Ridge nearby, weekends often mean trails and rivers, while walkable Lexington brings coffee shops, galleries, and service with local nonprofits. And careers grow through internships and an active alumni network in law, media, and finance. Traditions like Mock Convention stand out. Notable alumni include Lewis F. Powell Jr. and Tom Wolfe.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Washington and Lee University (W&L) offers 32 degree programs across 16 major academic fields, graduating approximately 748 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Business (2 programs, 157 graduates), Law (1 programs, 142 graduates), Social Sciences (3 programs, 123 graduates), Languages (5 programs, 48 graduates) and Biological Sciences (3 programs, 47 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Business (2 programs, 157 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 109 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0201 |
| Accounting and Business Management | 48 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0305 |
Law (1 programs, 142 graduates)
Legal Studies, Jurisprudence and Professional Law Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Law | 142 |
|
Doctorate (P)
|
22.0101 |
Social Sciences (3 programs, 123 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Political Science and Government | 58 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1001 |
| Economics | 42 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0601 |
| Sociology and Anthropology | 23 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1301 |
Languages (5 programs, 48 graduates)
Foreign Languages, Literature and Linguistic Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spanish Language and Literature | 16 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.0905 |
| Classics and Classical Languages | 15 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.1200 |
| East Asian Languages and Linguistics | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.0300 |
| German Language and Literature | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.0501 |
| Romance Languages and Linguistics | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.0900 |
Biological Sciences (3 programs, 47 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neuroscience | 23 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.1501 |
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 15 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0101 |
| Biochemistry | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0202 |
Psychology (1 programs, 45 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Experimental Psychology | 45 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.2799 |
Physical Sciences (3 programs, 30 graduates)
Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geology and Earth Science | 13 |
|
Bachelor's
|
40.0601 |
| Chemistry | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
40.0501 |
| Physics | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
40.0801 |
History (1 programs, 29 graduates)
Historical Studies, Cultural Heritage and Archaeological Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| History | 29 |
|
Bachelor's
|
54.0101 |
Computer & IT (1 programs, 18 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 18 |
|
Bachelor's
|
11.0701 |
Philosophy (2 programs, 18 graduates)
Philosophical Studies, Ethics and Religious Thought
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philosophy | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
38.0101 |
| Religious Studies | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
38.0201 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Washington and Lee University (W&L).
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Washington and Lee University (W&L)
How much does it cost to attend Washington and Lee University (W&L)?
The annual tuition at Washington and Lee University (W&L) is $64,525 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $87,000 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $17,685 (on-campus) and books and supplies $2,290.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Washington and Lee University offer?
Washington and Lee University (W&L) offers 32 academic programs across 16 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Doctorate (Professional).
Most popular program areas include:
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (2 programs)
- Legal Studies, Jurisprudence and Professional Law Practice (1 programs)
- Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies (3 programs)
- Foreign Languages, Literature and Linguistic Studies (5 programs)
- Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research (3 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University (W&L) has an 17.4% acceptance rate and a 42.4% yield rate, making it highly selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 6,820
- Students admitted: 1,184
- Students enrolled: 502
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University (W&L) provides financial aid to 25% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $58,323 and average loans of $10,360.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $4,993
- State/Local grants: $6,302
- Institutional grants: $60,797
- Federal loans: $5,090
The university supports 299 students with grants and 85 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Washington and Lee University graduates?
Washington and Lee University (W&L) graduates earn a median salary of $76,516 after 6 years and $94,810 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $64,147 (25th percentile) to $141,033 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $164,000 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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