CAMPUS · LEXINGTON, VA · PRIVATE

Washington and Lee University

17.4%

01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International

FIT

MATCH

Washington and Lee University is a match for most applicants.

Score reflects acceptance odds × cost × outcome quality.

ACCEPTANCE

17.4%

of 6,820 applicants

SALARY · 10-YR

$94,810

across all majors

Washington and Lee University at a Glance

2,255

Total Enrollment

$19,500

Median Debt

11.0%

Pell Grant Rate

Average SAT & ACT Scores for Washington and Lee University

Test	25th Percentile	75th Percentile	Midpoint
SAT Reading	710	750	730
SAT Math	700	780	740
SAT Total	1410	1530	1470
ACT Composite	32	35	33

Admissions Funnel

Applications Received	6,820
Students Admitted	1,184
Students Enrolled	502
Yield Rate	42.4%

Washington and Lee University Rankings

Ranking	2025	Year
US News Liberal Arts Colleges	#19	2025

Washington and Lee University Overview

Washington and Lee University is a private university in Lexington, VA with 2,255 students. Its 17.4% acceptance rate places it among America's most selective universities. The most popular majors are Social Sciences, Business/Marketing, and Biological Sciences.

Full Name	Washington and Lee University
Location	Lexington, VA 24450-2116
Type	Private
Website	wlu.edu/
Total Enrollment	2,255
Undergrad Enrollment	1,876
Female Students	50.8%

Is Washington and Lee University a Reach, Match, or Safety?

Washington and Lee University accepts 17.4% of applicants, making it highly selective. Students with above-average GPAs and solid test scores (where applicable) are in Match territory. Below the median, consider it a Reach.

Your Profile	Washington and Lee University Is...	What to Do
Above-average GPA + strong application	Match	Apply — worth the effort
Average GPA, some strengths	Reach	Apply, but have 2-3 backup schools
Below-average GPA	Hard Reach	Consider similar schools with higher acceptance rates

Popular Majors at Washington and Lee University

The most popular fields of study, ranked by the number of degrees awarded.

Social Sciences

26.0%

Business/Marketing

23.1%

Biological Sciences

9.3%

Foreign Languages

5.8%

Psychology

5.1%

Best Majors at Washington and Lee University →

Student Demographics

White

72.0%

Black/African American

4.0%

Hispanic/Latino

7.9%

Asian

4.0%

International

6.6%

How to Get Into Washington and Lee University

W&L is selective, but your odds are real if you meet the academic profile. Target a 1440+ SAT to be competitive. Strong essays and demonstrated interest can tip the scale at schools in this selectivity range.

1470

Target SAT Score

Target ACT Score

17.4%

Acceptance Rate

6,820

Total Applicants

What Washington and Lee University Values Most in Applicants

Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.

Factor	Importance
Academic Gpa	Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record	Very Important
Class Rank	Important
Standardized Test Scores	Considered
Application Essay	Very Important
Recommendation	Very Important
Extracurricular Activities	Important
Talent Ability	Important
Character Personal Qualities	Very Important
First Generation	Considered
Alumni Relation	Considered
Interview	Important
Work Experience	Considered
Volunteer Work	Considered

Washington and Lee University Application Deadlines & Requirements

Key dates for the Washington and Lee University ED I/II admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.

Deadline	Date
Early Decision	Nov 1
Early Decision II	Jan 1
Regular Decision	Jan 1

Early Decision: Washington and Lee University offers binding Early Decision. If accepted, you must enroll and withdraw all other applications. Only apply ED if Washington and Lee University is your clear first choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington and Lee University

What is W&L's acceptance rate?

W&L has an acceptance rate of 17.4%, making it highly selective. This rate reflects freshman applicants for the most recent admissions cycle.

What SAT score do I need for W&L?

The middle 50% SAT range at W&L is 1410-1530. For the ACT, the middle 50% range is 32-35. Scoring above the 75th percentile puts you in a strong position, but scores alone don't determine admission.

What are the most popular majors at W&L?

The most popular majors at W&L by degrees awarded are: Social Sciences (26.0%), Business/Marketing (23.1%), Biological Sciences (9.3%), Foreign Languages (5.8%), Psychology (5.1%). These percentages reflect undergraduate degrees conferred in the most recent reporting year.

Can I transfer to W&L?

W&L accepts transfer students, though the process is highly selective. Transfer applicants typically need a strong college GPA (3.5+), relevant coursework, and compelling reasons for transferring. The transfer acceptance rate is generally lower than freshman admission at selective schools.