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University of Virginia-Main Campus vs Washington and Lee University

What would these two cost your family?

Your family’s income

Pick one to see what families like yours paid at each. Source: College Scorecard.

University of Virginia-Main Campus is a public university in Charlottesville, VA. Washington and Lee University is a private university in Lexington, VA. Washington and Lee University admits about 14% of applicants and University of Virginia-Main Campus about 17%, making Washington and Lee University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $21,565 a year at University of Virginia-Main Campus after aid, and about $23,781 at Washington and Lee University. About 95% of students graduate at University of Virginia-Main Campus, compared with 94% at Washington and Lee University. Ten years after enrolling, Washington and Lee University alumni earn a median of about $94,810, against $86,863 for University of Virginia-Main Campus.

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University of Virginia-Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA · Public

Washington and Lee University

Lexington, VA · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Charlottesville, VA
Lexington, VA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
17,597
1,881
Acceptance rate
17%
14%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–4
3.49–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1410–1540
1430–1540
ACT (middle 50%)
32–35
33–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$21,565
$23,781
Full cost / yr
$39,926
$87,000
In-state tuition
$21,803
$68,045
Out-of-state tuition
$59,512
$68,045
Application fee
$75
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$8,174
$0*
$30k - $48k
$9,696
$75
$48k - $75k
$13,283
$4,497
$75k - $110k
$20,822
$8,162
Over $110k
$35,402
$40,646
Outcomes
Graduation rate
95%
94%
Freshman retention
98%
97%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$72,359
$76,516
Median earnings (10 yr)
$86,863
$94,810
Median debt at graduation
$17,500
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
11%
First-generation students
16%
Not reported
International students
5%
8%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 5
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 Virginia-Main Campus 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 17% at University of Virginia-Main Campus. 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 Virginia-Main Campus or Washington and Lee University?
University of Virginia-Main Campus is cheaper on average. Students pay about $21,565 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 Virginia-Main Campus and Washington and Lee University?
Before aid, University of Virginia-Main Campus costs about $39,926 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 Virginia-Main Campus or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-1,777 there, against about $8,174 at University of Virginia-Main Campus. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Virginia-Main Campus or Washington and Lee University?
University of Virginia-Main Campus is the larger of the two, with about 17,597 undergraduates against 1,881 at Washington and Lee University.
Does University of Virginia-Main Campus or Washington and Lee University have a better graduation rate?
University of Virginia-Main Campus has the higher graduation rate, at about 95% against 94% at Washington and Lee University.
Do graduates of University of Virginia-Main Campus 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 $86,863 for University of Virginia-Main Campus. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Virginia-Main Campus and Washington and Lee University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Virginia-Main Campus 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 University of Virginia-Main Campus and Washington and Lee University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1410–1540 at University of Virginia-Main Campus and 1430–1540 at Washington and Lee University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school