Chances of Getting Into Washington and Lee University
Lexington, Virginia • Private University • #10 National • Founded 1749
W&L Admissions Statistics 2025–2026
W&L SAT & ACT Scores
SAT Scores (Middle 50%)
ACT Scores (Middle 50%)
About Washington and Lee University
Washington and Lee University, the 9th oldest college in America, combines a liberal arts education with an accredited business school and law school — unusual for a school of its size. Named after George Washington and Robert E. Lee, W&L has an Honor System as old as the school itself and produces disproportionate numbers of finance and law professionals.
Top Programs
What Makes W&L Unique
- Accredited Williams School of Business (unique for an LAC)
- Honor System — students take unproctored exams, leave doors unlocked
- Spring Term allows immersive study or internships
- Extremely strong alumni network in finance, law, and consulting
- One of the highest median earnings of any liberal arts college
W&L Cost & Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid
W&L Application Deadlines
How to Get Into W&L: Admission Tips
W&L's ED acceptance rate (~45%) is dramatically higher than RD
Business programs are a major draw — mention Williams School if interested
Honor System is integral — address ethics and integrity
Demonstrated interest matters significantly; visit if possible
W&L values tradition, community, and Southern hospitality
The Brutal Truth About W&L Admissions
The numbers are brutal. With a 17% acceptance rate, W&L rejected over 6,640 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.
Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At W&L, having a 3.8 GPA and 1430 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.
The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. W&L doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.
Bottom line: Apply if W&L genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 17%-acceptance-rate basket.
W&L Admissions FAQ
What is the acceptance rate at Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University has an acceptance rate of 17% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 8,000+ applicants, approximately 475 students were admitted to the incoming class.
What GPA do I need to get into W&L?
The average GPA of admitted students at Washington and Lee University is 3.8. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.65, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.
What SAT score do I need for W&L?
The middle 50% SAT range for admitted W&L students is 1370-1490. The average SAT score is 1430. For ACT, the range is 32-34 with an average of 33.
Is W&L hard to get into?
Yes, Washington and Lee University is very selective with an acceptance rate of just 17%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.
How much does W&L cost?
Tuition at Washington and Lee University is $62,150 per year, with total cost of attendance at $79,600. However, 45% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $55,000+.
What are my chances of getting into W&L?
Your chances of getting into Washington and Lee University depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 17% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.
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