Washington and Lee University
Washington and Lee University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Washington and Lee University at a Glance
Washington and Lee University is a private liberal arts college in Lexington, Virginia, United States. Established in 1749 as Augusta Academy, it is among the oldest institutions of higher learning in the US.
1749
277 years old
—
$978
2,281
1,912 undergrad · 394 grad
13.5%
430 acres
Identity
How to Apply to Washington and Lee University
Official admissions pageTesting policy
Fee waiver
Is Washington and Lee University Worth It?
Washington and Lee University is one of the strongest value propositions in higher education. At $23,781/year net price and $94,810 median earnings, graduates earn 4.0× their annual cost within a decade of enrolling.
The investment pays for itself in just 1 year — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
With a 94% graduation rate, the vast majority of students finish their degree and reach these earning outcomes.
Admission is competitive with a 14% acceptance rate, so applicants should have strong academic credentials.
Bottom line: Washington and Lee University delivers strong financial returns that justify the investment for most students.
How Washington and Lee University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #5 of 17 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Bowdoin College | 100 | $14,398 | $82,735 |
| #2 | Colby College | 100 | $17,180 | $80,490 |
| #3 | Williams College | 100 | $17,716 | $88,665 |
| #4 | Davidson College | 100 | $17,379 | $81,400 |
| #5 | Washington and Lee University | 94 | $23,781 | $94,810 |
| #6 | Pomona College | 94 | $19,285 | $77,779 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Washington and Lee University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in VA.
Best Programs at Washington and Lee University
The highest-earning program at Washington and Lee University is Accounting and Related Services at $62,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Political Science and Government at $39,500/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Accounting and Related Services graduate from Washington and Lee University earns $62,100, while a Political Science and Government graduate earns $39,500. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Accounting and Related Services graduates carry $15,763 in median debt vs. $14,000 for Political Science and Government.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $23,781/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services | $62,100 | $62,100 | $15,763 |
| Economics | $54,000 | $54,000 | $19,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $53,000 | $53,000 | $21,500 |
| Journalism | $43,400 | $43,400 | N/A |
| Political Science and Government | $39,500 | $39,500 | $14,000 |
Similar Colleges in VA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Lexington, VA
- Student Body
- 1,881 students
- Admission Rate
- 14%
- Graduation Rate
- 94%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $23,781
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $94,810
- Median Student Debt
- $19,500