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University of Mary Washington vs Washington and Lee University

University of Mary Washington is a public university in Fredericksburg, 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 80% at University of Mary Washington. University of Mary Washington is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $20,667 a year against $23,781 at Washington and Lee University. About 94% of students graduate at Washington and Lee University, compared with 67% at University of Mary Washington. Ten years after enrolling, Washington and Lee University alumni earn a median of about $94,810, against $60,613 for University of Mary Washington.

University of Mary Washington

Fredericksburg, VA · Public

Washington and Lee University

Lexington, VA · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Fredericksburg, VA
Lexington, VA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,566
1,881
Acceptance rate
80%
14%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.44–3.94
3.49–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1170–1370
1430–1540
ACT (middle 50%)
27–31
33–34
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$20,667
$23,781
Full cost / yr
$31,137
$87,000
In-state tuition
$14,640
$68,045
Out-of-state tuition
$27,560
$68,045
Application fee
$50
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,304
$0*
$30k - $48k
$11,061
$75
$48k - $75k
$15,477
$4,497
$75k - $110k
$26,212
$8,162
Over $110k
$30,986
$40,646
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
94%
Freshman retention
84%
97%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,411
$76,516
Median earnings (10 yr)
$60,613
$94,810
Median debt at graduation
$20,500
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
21%
11%
First-generation students
25%
Not reported
International students
3%
8%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 1
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 University of Mary Washington 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 80% at University of Mary Washington. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Mary Washington or Washington and Lee University?
University of Mary Washington is cheaper on average. Students pay about $20,667 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 University of Mary Washington and Washington and Lee University?
Before aid, University of Mary Washington costs about $31,137 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, University of Mary Washington or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-1,777 there, against about $10,304 at University of Mary Washington. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Mary Washington or Washington and Lee University?
University of Mary Washington is the larger of the two, with about 3,566 undergraduates against 1,881 at Washington and Lee University.
Does University of Mary Washington 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 University of Mary Washington.
Do graduates of University of Mary Washington 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 $60,613 for University of Mary Washington. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Mary Washington and Washington and Lee University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Mary Washington considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Washington and Lee University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Mary Washington and Washington and Lee University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1170–1370 at University of Mary Washington and 1430–1540 at Washington and Lee University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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