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Is Washington and Lee University worth it?
A first pass affordability and outcome read for Washington and Lee, using national average inputs. Run your own numbers for a personalized score.
Worth-It Score
Affordable
Washington and Lee lands in the affordable band for a typical family. Graduates earn a median of $94,810 ten years after enrolling, and that makes the median debt of $19,500 more manageable than it looks at first glance. For context, Washington and Lee's net price is about 8% above the typical 4-year, private nonprofit school. On the numbers alone, this school clears the bar comfortably.
Is the price fair?
Compared to 1237 similar 4-year, private nonprofit schools
This school
$24,667
/yrAverage school like this
$22,837
/yrNet price is slightly above average
You'd pay about $1,830 more per year than the typical student at a similar school. Over 4 years that's roughly $7,000 in extra cost.
Score breakdown
The public version of the score weighs affordability, after graduation outcomes, and repayment burden.
Affordability
40% weight
The yearly net price sits in a range that leaves more room for family cash flow and lower borrowing.
Outcome
40% weight
Graduation and earnings data create a stronger long-run payoff picture.
Repayment
20% weight
Median debt stays in a more comfortable repayment range for a typical graduate.
The numbers behind the score
Median net price per year
$23,781
Median earnings 10 years out
$94,810
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
Graduation rate
94%
At Washington and Lee, a typical graduate carries about $19,500 in student debt and earns roughly $94,810 ten years after enrolling. On a standard 10-year repayment plan, that works out to about $222 per month, or 3% of pre-tax income. That sits inside a borrower comfort range for many graduates.
What this means for your family
Washington and Lee is a private nonprofit four year school in Lexington, VA. Private pricing can swing more dramatically based on aid, so your personalized score matters more here than the national average view alone.
Similar schools worth comparing
These schools share a similar sector, geography, or price range.
Private nonprofit 4-year
Roanoke
Salem, VA
Worth-It Score: 60/100
Median net price: $24,503
Private nonprofit 4-year
Eastern Mennonite
Harrisonburg, VA
Worth-It Score: 53/100
Median net price: $24,588
Private nonprofit 4-year
Averett
Danville, VA
Worth-It Score: 47/100
Median net price: $22,925
Private nonprofit 4-year
Hampton
Hampton, VA
Worth-It Score: 55/100
Median net price: $25,319
Private nonprofit 4-year
Hampden-Sydney
Hampden-Sydney, VA
Worth-It Score: 68/100
Median net price: $22,400
Common questions about Washington and Lee
The median net price at Washington and Lee is $23,781 per year. That is the average yearly price after typical grant aid for students in the public federal data, not the published sticker price.
Get your personalized Worth-It score
National averages are a starting point. Plug in your actual aid offer, intended major, and family situation to get a score that reflects your specific picture.
Looking at private colleges options in Virginia? See the most affordable private colleges in Virginia →
The Worth-It Score weighs affordability (40%), after graduation outcomes (40%), and repayment burden (20%). Underlying data points come from publicly available federal higher education reporting. See full methodology →