Washington and Lee University

Lexington, United States of America

Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, is a historic liberal arts university known for its strong honor system and close-knit academic community. Founded in 1749, it blends tradition with rigorous academics in law, business, and the liberal arts.
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W&L is a tight-knit liberal arts school in Lexington, Virginia, with three academic arms—the College, the Williams School of Commerce, Economics, and Politics, and the Law School. It’s small (undergraduates under 2,000), everything’s taught by faculty, and its quarter-based calendar includes a distinctive four-week spring term built around focused interdisciplinary seminars and travel-based courses
It’s student-led, dating back to the 1840s. Everyone pledges not to lie, cheat, or steal. It’s peer-run. If someone breaks it, the only sanction is expulsion. No sugar-coating: the standards are real, and the impact on how you engage academically and socially is the heartbeat of the place
For the recent first-year class: around 17 % were admitted (about 480 enrolled from ~1,229 offers). Middle 50 % test scores fell between SAT 1420–1510 and ACT 32–35. The student body is diverse, with about 21 % domestic students of color, 10 % first-generation, 9 % international, and 10 % alumni children
Yes. Your application isn’t just stats. They’re looking for people who will enrich campus: curious learners, athletes, artists, student leaders, writers, service organizers. No formula applies. Show your energy, initiative, and how you’d add to the story
Not required—but strongly encouraged. You can choose between virtual, in-person, or alumni interviews (offered seasonally). It’s a pressure-free chance to bring your voice and spark to the file, not just your grades
It’s test-optional through at least the 2025–26 admissions cycle. If you have strong SAT or ACT numbers (think high 1400s or low-mid 30s), sure, they’ll help. But skip them and focus on rigor, essays, recommendations, leadership, and fit. W&L wants you, not your score sheet
Public Safety handles enforcement, response, and emergency management—24/7. The university uses the LiveSafe app, general alert texts, and a formal emergency plan. They train the community to be safety-minded and proactive
W&L is proactive about this too. If you’re living off-campus, especially in Lexington’s broader community, the school offers guidance and tips to keep your personal safety up to par—even when you're away from campus grounds
W&L bans firearms, weapons, and dangerous articles (knives over 3 inches, explosives, stun devices, etc.) across all its properties. Only law enforcement on duty is exempted. They’re serious about keeping campus safe and focused on learning, not weapons
It’s divided into three: the College (liberal arts and sciences), Williams School (business, economics, politics), and Law School (JD). You’ll choose from 40 majors and 30 minors—including interdisciplinary ones like neuroscience, education policy, environmental studies, Middle Eastern studies, and the Shepherd Program focused on social justice
Left-field but awesome. A short, immersive four-week term at the end of the year. You dive deep into one course—often travel-based or interdisciplinary, offering a break from routine with serious academic punch
Small is the norm. Every course is taught by a faculty member. You’re not floating in lecture halls. With high praise for teaching quality and accessibility, getting eyeball time with professors is normal—not special
Yes. They award over $60 million in need-based aid each year. They’re need-blind and guarantee to meet 100 % of your institutionally determined need, using grants and campus work—no loans required
If your family income is under $150,000, W&L covers tuition with grants. Under $75,000? You get tuition, room, and board—also loans-free. It’s based strictly on need, not merit—and it’s part of their push for equitable access
Mostly, yes. You reapply each year, and as long as you keep up academic progress and your family’s financial picture doesn’t drastically shift, aid tends to renew for up to four years. But you’ve got to re-submit the FAFSA/CSS Profile
It’s in Lexington, Virginia—a small, historic mountain town. Beautiful campus (a National Historic Landmark), classic architecture, a cozy community—it feels like stepping back in time in the best possible way
You’ll likely be living on campus in one of the systems managed by Housing & Residence Life, especially your first year. If you go off-campus later, stay alert: the values around safety and community differ beyond campus boundaries, so be smart and resourceful
It’s small but vibrant—schools, beautiful valley setting, accessible yet quiet. Greeks, arts, outdoors, hiking—not big-city chaos, but enough to keep you engaged. Good blend of calm and community

University Of Washington and Lee University Application Statistics

2243
1898
379
8:1
17 %
$ 61750
$ 82990
$ 21240
3.2
37
85 %
1410

Learn About -

* All cost are in USD

University Of Washington and Lee University Application Statistics

2243
1898
379
8:1
17 %
$ 61750
$ 82990
$ 21240
3.2
37
85 %
1410

Learn About -

* All cost are in USD

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