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Roanoke College vs Washington and Lee University

Roanoke College is a private college in Salem, VA. Washington and Lee University is a private university in Lexington, VA. Washington and Lee University admits about 14% of applicants and Roanoke College about 83%, making Washington and Lee University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $23,781 a year at Washington and Lee University after aid, and about $24,503 at Roanoke College. About 94% of students graduate at Washington and Lee University, compared with 67% at Roanoke College. Ten years after enrolling, Washington and Lee University alumni earn a median of about $94,810, against $58,047 for Roanoke College.

Roanoke College

Salem, VA · Private

Washington and Lee University

Lexington, VA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Salem, VA
Lexington, VA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,767
1,881
Acceptance rate
83%
14%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.38–3.88
3.49–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1090–1300
1430–1540
ACT (middle 50%)
24–31
33–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$24,503
$23,781
Full cost / yr
$54,283
$87,000
In-state tuition
$38,068
$68,045
Out-of-state tuition
$38,068
$68,045
Application fee
$30
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,204
$0*
$30k - $48k
$17,410
$75
$48k - $75k
$18,638
$4,497
$75k - $110k
$15,902
$8,162
Over $110k
$30,087
$40,646
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
94%
Freshman retention
76%
97%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,330
$76,516
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,047
$94,810
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
24%
11%
First-generation students
21%
Not reported
International students
3%
8%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Mar 15
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 Roanoke 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 83% at Roanoke 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, Roanoke College or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,781 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $24,503 at Roanoke College. 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 Roanoke College and Washington and Lee University?
Before aid, Roanoke College costs about $54,283 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, Roanoke College or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-1,777 there, against about $15,204 at Roanoke College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Roanoke College or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University is the larger of the two, with about 1,881 undergraduates against 1,767 at Roanoke College.
Does Roanoke College or Washington and Lee University have a better graduation rate?
Washington and Lee University has the higher graduation rate, at about 94% against 67% at Roanoke College.
Do graduates of Roanoke 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 $58,047 for Roanoke College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Roanoke College and Washington and Lee University require SAT or ACT scores?
Roanoke 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 Roanoke College and Washington and Lee University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1090–1300 at Roanoke College and 1430–1540 at Washington and Lee University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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