Washington and Lee vs Kenyon College

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main differences in campus setting between Washington and Lee and Kenyon?

  Washington and Lee University is located in Lexington, Virginia, a small, historic town in the Shenandoah Valley. This provides a more secluded and traditional college town experience. Kenyon College, on the other hand, is situated in Gambier, Ohio, a village built around the college itself. While also a small town, Kenyon's setting is arguably even more integrated with the college, creating a very tight-knit campus community.

• How do the academic focuses of Washington and Lee and Kenyon differ?

  While both are strong liberal arts colleges, Washington and Lee is known for its pre-professional programs, particularly in business, journalism, and law, alongside its strong liberal arts foundation. Kenyon College maintains a stronger emphasis on the humanities, creative writing, and natural sciences, fostering a more purely liberal arts-focused environment.

• What is the typical student body size and composition at each school?

  Washington and Lee has a slightly larger undergraduate student body, typically around 1,850 students, compared to Kenyon's approximately 1,700. Both institutions attract academically strong students from across the United States and internationally. While specific demographics fluctuate, both strive for a diverse student body, though Washington and Lee has historically had a stronger Southern presence.

• How do the social scenes compare at Washington and Lee and Kenyon?

  Washington and Lee has a more prominent Greek life presence, with a significant portion of the student body participating in fraternities and sororities. This influences the social scene, offering structured social events and a strong sense of tradition. Kenyon's social scene is more centered around campus events, student organizations, and the close-knit community fostered by its residential campus. Greek life exists at Kenyon, but it is less dominant.

• What are the key differences in the academic calendars of Washington and Lee and Kenyon?

  Washington and Lee operates on a semester system. Kenyon also operates on a semester system. Both schools provide ample time for in-depth study and research.

• How do the career services and alumni networks compare between the two colleges?

  Both Washington and Lee and Kenyon offer robust career services, including internship support, resume workshops, and networking opportunities. Washington and Lee's alumni network is particularly strong in the fields of law, business, and journalism, reflecting its pre-professional focus. Kenyon's alumni network is well-connected in the arts, humanities, and non-profit sectors. Both alumni networks are dedicated to supporting graduates in their career pursuits.

• What are the tuition and financial aid options like at Washington and Lee and Kenyon?

  Both Washington and Lee and Kenyon have similar tuition costs, reflecting their status as highly selective private liberal arts colleges. Both institutions offer comprehensive financial aid packages, including need-based grants and merit-based scholarships, to make education accessible to talented students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. It's best to check each school's website for the most up-to-date information on tuition and financial aid policies.

• What are some similar academic strengths shared by Washington and Lee and Kenyon?

  Both Washington and Lee and Kenyon are highly regarded for their commitment to small class sizes, close faculty-student interaction, and a rigorous liberal arts curriculum. They both emphasize critical thinking, effective communication, and intellectual curiosity. Both institutions also encourage undergraduate research and provide opportunities for students to engage in independent study and creative projects.

• How do the athletic programs differ between Washington and Lee and Kenyon?

  Both Washington and Lee and Kenyon offer a variety of NCAA Division III athletic programs. Washington and Lee competes in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC), while Kenyon competes in the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC). While both emphasize the student-athlete experience, Washington and Lee's athletic programs tend to be slightly more competitive, with a history of success in various sports. Kenyon also has strong athletic programs, particularly in swimming and diving.

• What kind of student would thrive at Washington and Lee versus Kenyon?

  A student who is drawn to a traditional, Southern college town with a strong Greek life presence and pre-professional opportunities might find Washington and Lee a good fit. A student who prefers a more intimate, arts-focused environment in a village deeply intertwined with the college, and who values a strong sense of community, might thrive at Kenyon.