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William & Mary vs Washington and Lee University

William & Mary is a public university in Williamsburg, VA. Washington and Lee University is a private university in Lexington, VA. Washington and Lee University admits about 14% of applicants and William & Mary about 34%, making Washington and Lee University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $19,096 a year at William & Mary after aid, and about $23,781 at Washington and Lee University. About 94% of students graduate at Washington and Lee University, compared with 90% at William & Mary. Ten years after enrolling, Washington and Lee University alumni earn a median of about $94,810, against $73,490 for William & Mary.

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William & Mary

Williamsburg, VA · Public

Washington and Lee University

Lexington, VA · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Williamsburg, VA
Lexington, VA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
7,055
1,881
Acceptance rate
34%
14%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.49–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1400–1530
1430–1540
ACT (middle 50%)
32–34
33–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,096
$23,781
Full cost / yr
$43,035
$87,000
In-state tuition
$25,914
$68,045
Out-of-state tuition
$51,038
$68,045
Application fee
$75
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$3,106
$0*
$30k - $48k
$881
$75
$48k - $75k
$5,916
$4,497
$75k - $110k
$16,803
$8,162
Over $110k
$34,370
$40,646
Outcomes
Graduation rate
90%
94%
Freshman retention
95%
97%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$62,959
$76,516
Median earnings (10 yr)
$73,490
$94,810
Median debt at graduation
$18,500
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
12%
11%
First-generation students
13%
Not reported
International students
3%
8%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
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 William & Mary 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 34% at William & Mary. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, William & Mary or Washington and Lee University?
William & Mary is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,096 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 William & Mary and Washington and Lee University?
Before aid, William & Mary costs about $43,035 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, William & Mary or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-1,777 there, against about $3,106 at William & Mary. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, William & Mary or Washington and Lee University?
William & Mary is the larger of the two, with about 7,055 undergraduates against 1,881 at Washington and Lee University.
Does William & Mary or Washington and Lee University have a better graduation rate?
Washington and Lee University has the higher graduation rate, at about 94% against 90% at William & Mary.
Do graduates of William & Mary 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 $73,490 for William & Mary. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do William & Mary and Washington and Lee University require SAT or ACT scores?
William & Mary 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 William & Mary and Washington and Lee University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1400–1530 at William & Mary 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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