Washington and Lee University

Getting in is the hard part. Washington and Lee University admitted 14.0% of applicants in its most recent reported class, one of the lowest rates in the country. Realistically it is a reach for every applicant, no matter how strong.

Admitted students cluster near the top of the testing range: the middle 50% score 1430–1540 on the SAT and 33–34 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention, but they do not decide it.

The real question is not your odds but your move. That is where Spike comes in: it reads your profile against what Washington and Lee University actually rewards, and tells you what to do next.

Check your own numbers against this class →

Students cultivate their intellectual curiosity in small classes with the guidance of faculty mentors who teach them to collaborate, ask difficult questions and discover meaningful connections across academic disciplines.

The expansive liberal arts curriculum is amplified by nationally accredited programs in business, journalism, education, and law, offering abundant options for in-depth and experiential learning, including an immersive four-week Spring Term.

• Business AdministrationBS
• Journalism and Mass CommunicationsBA
• Education StudiesMinor

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• Testingoptional (2027 cycle)

Verified from wlu.edu.

The current prompts, straight from the application. These change year to year, so most guides you will find are a cycle behind.

Every prompt, with how to approach each →

Verified from wlu.edu.

The sticker price is about $87,000, but that is not what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $23,781.

W&L is need-blind for all undergraduate students, guaranteeing to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need entirely through grants and student employment, without loans.

Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $94,810.

Verified from wlu.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.

“Engage in lively discussions in small classes, then join the Outing Club for a hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains, a Tuesday here is full of intellectual and outdoor exploration.”

Nestled in Lexington, Virginia, the campus offers easy access to the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains, providing a scenic playground for hikers, cyclists, and paddlers.

Is Washington and Lee University test-optional?

For the 2027 application cycle, standardized testing at Washington and Lee University is optional.

How hard is it to get into Washington and Lee University?

Very hard. Washington and Lee University admits 14.0% of applicants, and the middle 50% of admitted students score 1430 to 1540 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.

How much does Washington and Lee University cost?

The list price is about $87,000, but the average price families actually pay after aid is $23,781.

Is Washington and Lee University worth it?

Graduates earn a median of $94,810 ten years after enrolling, and 94% graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals, which is exactly what Spike helps you weigh.