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Bridgewater College vs Washington and Lee University

Bridgewater College is a private college in Bridgewater, VA, and Washington and Lee University is a private university in Lexington, VA. Washington and Lee University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 14% of applicants against 92% at Bridgewater College. Bridgewater College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,800 a year against $23,781 at Washington and Lee University. About 94% of students graduate at Washington and Lee University, compared with 51% at Bridgewater College. Ten years after enrolling, Washington and Lee University alumni earn a median of about $94,810, against $53,453 for Bridgewater College.

Bridgewater College

Bridgewater, VA · Private

Washington and Lee University

Lexington, VA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Bridgewater, VA
Lexington, VA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,400
1,881
Acceptance rate
92%
14%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.25–3.75
3.49–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1020–1360
1430–1540
ACT (middle 50%)
28–29
33–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,800
$23,781
Full cost / yr
$58,702
$87,000
In-state tuition
$16,090
$68,045
Out-of-state tuition
$16,090
$68,045
Application fee
$0
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,283
$0*
$30k - $48k
$12,468
$75
$48k - $75k
$15,046
$4,497
$75k - $110k
$20,582
$8,162
Over $110k
$21,448
$40,646
Outcomes
Graduation rate
51%
94%
Freshman retention
75%
97%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,620
$76,516
Median earnings (10 yr)
$53,453
$94,810
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
30%
11%
First-generation students
32%
Not reported
International students
4%
8%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Jan 5

* Reported aid for this income range averaged above the billed cost.

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Bridgewater College or Washington and Lee University harder to get into?
Washington and Lee University is harder to get into. It admits about 14% of applicants, compared with 92% at Bridgewater College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Bridgewater College or Washington and Lee University?
Bridgewater College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,800 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $23,781 at Washington and Lee University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Bridgewater College and Washington and Lee University?
Before aid, Bridgewater College costs about $58,702 a year and Washington and Lee University about $87,000. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Bridgewater College or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-1,777 there, against about $13,283 at Bridgewater College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Bridgewater College or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University is the larger of the two, with about 1,881 undergraduates against 1,400 at Bridgewater College.
Does Bridgewater College or Washington and Lee University have a better graduation rate?
Washington and Lee University has the higher graduation rate, at about 94% against 51% at Bridgewater College.
Do graduates of Bridgewater College or Washington and Lee University earn more?
Washington and Lee University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $94,810 ten years after enrolling, against about $53,453 for Bridgewater College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bridgewater College and Washington and Lee University require SAT or ACT scores?
Bridgewater College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Washington and Lee University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Bridgewater College and Washington and Lee University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1020–1360 at Bridgewater College and 1430–1540 at Washington and Lee University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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