by our College Data Analytics TeamIs Washington and Lee worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
Washington and Lee is ranked #2,154 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of F. Within Virginia, it ranks #55 of 81 for value.
Among the majors Washington and Lee offers, these rank best for value nationally.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Accounting and Business/Management | #31 of 43 |
| Economics | #202 of 304 |
| General Economics | #202 of 304 |
| Political Science | #395 of 592 |
| Political Science & Government | #400 of 600 |
| Political and Social Sciences | #400 of 600 |
| Accounting / Finance | #481 of 693 |
| Accounting | #494 of 708 |
| Social Sciences | #509 of 761 |
| Social Science | #509 of 761 |
Below is the detailed Washington and Lee value breakdown: state and national value rankings, the real cost of a degree, and how the price stacks up against the aid most students receive.
Washington and Lee University is ranked #6 out of #92 in Virginia for quality and #55 out of #81 for Virginia value.
Do you qualify for in-state tuition? Check the Washington and Lee financial aid page to be sure.
Washington and Lee University is ranked #2,154 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Based on our analysis of other colleges at similar price points, Washington and Lee University is overpriced for the quality of education it provides.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at Washington and Lee costs about $45,908. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $183,631 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $87,000 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $23,781 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $45,908 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $183,631 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
There are many ways to lower the cost of a college education. Consider in-state tuition, transfer credits, or finishing your degree faster. Learn more about Washington and Lee net price and the factors that affect it.
What Washington and Lee costs you depends on how much aid you receive, so few students fit perfectly into averages.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a Washington and Lee degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $348,000 | — | — |
| All Students | $183,631 | #2,154 | F |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $95,124 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $348,000 | — | — |
| All Students | $183,631 | #55 | F |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $95,124 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at Washington and Lee shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $76 |
| $30K–$48K | $887 |
| $48K–$75K | $6,983 |
| $75K–$110K | $9,222 |
| Over $110K | $42,745 |
About 65% of Washington and Lee undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $58,158 per year. Get more details on the Washington and Lee financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual determines value by weighing a school’s average total cost against its educational quality, then comparing it to other schools in the same quality tier. See the Washington and Lee net price page for the cost detail.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.