Randolph-Macon College vs W&J College

Randolph-Macon College and Washington & Jefferson College, both esteemed liberal arts institutions, offer distinct educational experiences. Randolph-Macon, nestled in Ashland, Virginia, boasts a higher acceptance rate (75%) compared to Washington & Jefferson's selective 60%. While both colleges share a strong commitment to the humanities and sciences, Randolph-Macon's popular majors lean towards the social sciences and business, while Washington & Jefferson excels in pre-professional programs like pre-law and pre-med. Explore the detailed comparison table to delve into further differences, including student body demographics, graduation rates, and more, to determine which college aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Randolph-Macon College	Washington & Jefferson College
Overview
Location	Ashland, Virginia	Washington, Pennsylvania
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	4-1-4	4-1-4
Degrees offered	Undergraduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	81.0%	78.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation	Methodism

Admission
Acceptance rate	83.8%	83.7%
Application fees
SAT range	N/A	1050 - 1300
ACT range	N/A	21 - 31
Students submitting SAT score		38.0%
Students submitting ACT score		11.0%
Total number of applicants	2,250	3,150
Total number of admissions given out	1,886	2,636
Admitted students who chose to enroll	345	328
Yield rate	18.3%	12.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$59,096	$65,164
Average net price	$26,794	$27,101
Tuition	$43,660	$49,612
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,260 Meal plan: $5,870	Room/dormitory: $7,788 Meal plan: $5,484
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	100.0% Average amount $30,777	100.0% Average amount $37,783
Students receiving federal student loan	60.0% Average amount $5,384	96.0% Average amount $5,631
Students taking out private loans	13.0% Average amount $17,336	13.0% Average amount $15,545

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	1,501 Men 45.4% Women 54.6%	1,156 Men 51.0% Women 49.0%
Graduate students	N/A	1 Men 0.0% Women 100.0%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	21.7%	N/A
International students	2.6%	1.3%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	1,256	1,399
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Virginia Maryland Pennsylvania North Carolina New Jersey	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Physical Science Social Sciences Foreign Languages and Literatures Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Biological and Biomedical Sciences Business Computer and Information Science Physical Science Foreign Languages and Literatures
Students to faculty ratio	11:1	9:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	71.8%	76.1%
Dropout rate	16.3%	23.9%
Transferred out	11.9%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $47,260 Year 3: $58,784 Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $43,426 Year 3: $54,587 Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $35,457 Year 2: $44,276 Year 3: $51,931 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $38,559 Year 2: $41,342 Year 3: $47,953 Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $33,281 Year 3: $44,475 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $35,485 Year 2: $36,848 Year 3: $42,134 History (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $36,141 Year 3: $41,172 Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $36,402 Year 2: $30,988 Year 3: $39,062 Sociology (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $36,154 Year 2: $35,861 Year 3: $35,289 English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $29,681 Year 2: $38,289 Year 3: N/A	Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $51,790 Year 2: $51,392 Year 3: $60,675 Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $41,446 Year 2: $41,286 Year 3: $55,237 Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $43,356 Year 2: $46,087 Year 3: $51,440 English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $26,605 Year 2: $32,925 Year 3: $45,345 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $33,333 Year 2: $35,954 Year 3: $38,468 Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $32,664 Year 2: $28,055 Year 3: N/A Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $51,273 Year 3: N/A Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $37,624 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A History (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $38,289 Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary differences in location and campus setting between Randolph-Macon College and Washington & Jefferson College?

Randolph-Macon College is located in Ashland, Virginia, a small, historic town offering a close-knit community feel. The campus is known for its traditional architecture and beautiful green spaces. Washington & Jefferson College, on the other hand, is situated in Washington, Pennsylvania, a larger town with a more urban feel. While W&J also boasts a historic campus, its setting provides access to a wider range of amenities and opportunities in the surrounding area.
How do the academic focuses and strengths of Randolph-Macon College and Washington & Jefferson College compare?

Both Randolph-Macon and Washington & Jefferson College offer strong liberal arts educations. Randolph-Macon is particularly well-regarded for its programs in business, economics, and the sciences, with a strong emphasis on experiential learning through internships and research. Washington & Jefferson College also excels in the liberal arts, with notable programs in pre-med, pre-law, and the humanities. W&J is known for its emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and preparing students for professional careers.
What is the typical student body size and student-to-faculty ratio at each college?

Randolph-Macon College typically has a student body of around 1,500 students, fostering a close-knit community with personalized attention. The student-to-faculty ratio is approximately 12:1. Washington & Jefferson College has a similar student body size, usually around 1,300 students, and a comparable student-to-faculty ratio of about 11:1. Both colleges prioritize small class sizes and close interaction between students and professors.
How do the costs of attending Randolph-Macon College and Washington & Jefferson College compare, and what financial aid opportunities are available?

The cost of attendance at both Randolph-Macon College and Washington & Jefferson College is comparable, including tuition, fees, and room and board. Both institutions offer a range of financial aid options, including merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and student loans. It's best to visit each college's financial aid website to determine your eligibility and potential aid package based on your individual circumstances. Contacting the financial aid offices directly is also recommended.
What are the key differences in campus culture and student life at Randolph-Macon College and Washington & Jefferson College?

Randolph-Macon College is known for its strong sense of community and active Greek life. Student life revolves around campus events, clubs, and organizations, with a focus on tradition and Yellow Jacket pride. Washington & Jefferson College also offers a vibrant campus life with a wide range of extracurricular activities, including clubs, organizations, and athletic teams. W&J emphasizes student leadership and community engagement, with opportunities for students to get involved in the local community.
What athletic opportunities are available at Randolph-Macon College and Washington & Jefferson College?

Randolph-Macon College competes in NCAA Division III athletics as part of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC). They offer a variety of varsity sports for both men and women, with a strong emphasis on competitive excellence. Washington & Jefferson College also competes in NCAA Division III athletics, as part of the Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC). They similarly offer a wide range of varsity sports and encourage student participation in athletics.
What career services and alumni networks are available to students at each college?

Both Randolph-Macon College and Washington & Jefferson College provide comprehensive career services to help students prepare for their future careers. These services include career counseling, resume and cover letter workshops, internship assistance, and job search resources. Both colleges also have active alumni networks that provide valuable connections and mentorship opportunities for current students and graduates. The strength of the alumni network can be a significant asset for career advancement.
How do the graduation rates and post-graduate outcomes compare between Randolph-Macon College and Washington & Jefferson College?

Both Randolph-Macon College and Washington & Jefferson College boast strong graduation rates, indicating a high level of student success. Graduates from both institutions go on to pursue a variety of career paths and graduate studies. Specific data on graduation rates and post-graduate outcomes can be found on each college's website, providing insights into the success of their alumni.
What are some unique programs or opportunities offered at Randolph-Macon College that are not available at Washington & Jefferson College, and vice versa?

Randolph-Macon College is known for its 'Edge' career preparation program, which integrates career development into the curriculum. Washington & Jefferson College offers a distinctive Magellan Project, which provides funding for students to pursue independent research or creative projects anywhere in the world. Exploring these unique offerings can help you determine which college aligns best with your individual interests and goals.
How can I schedule a visit to Randolph-Macon College and Washington & Jefferson College to experience the campuses firsthand?

Scheduling a campus visit is the best way to get a feel for each college. You can schedule a visit to Randolph-Macon College through their admissions website or by contacting the admissions office directly. Similarly, you can schedule a visit to Washington & Jefferson College through their admissions website or by contacting their admissions office. Both colleges offer campus tours, information sessions, and opportunities to meet with current students and faculty.

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