Washington and Lee vs Wesleyan University

Nestled in the heart of Virginia, Washington and Lee University, and Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut, stand as two distinct beacons of higher education. While both institutions share a commitment to academic excellence and a vibrant campus life, they offer unique experiences that cater to different student aspirations. Washington and Lee, with its strong liberal arts tradition and renowned law school, attracts students seeking a well-rounded education. Wesleyan, known for its innovative curriculum and emphasis on social justice, draws students eager to make a positive impact on the world. As you explore the comparison table below, discover the nuances that set these two universities apart, from their acceptance rates and popular majors to student body demographics and graduation rates. Whether you're a prospective student seeking the ideal academic environment or a curious mind seeking insights into higher education, this side-by-side analysis will guide you towards the institution that best aligns with your aspirations.
Washington and Lee University logo

Washington and Lee University

Wesleyan University logo

Wesleyan University

Overview

Location Lexington, Virginia Middletown, Connecticut
Campus setting Town: Distant City: Small
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system 4-1-4 Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 96.0% 95.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 18.8% 19.4%
Application fees $60 $55
SAT range 1410 - 1530 1300 - 1510
ACT range 32 - 35 31 - 34
Students submitting SAT score 26.0% 51.0%
Students submitting ACT score 32.0% 27.0%
Total number of applicants 6,621 13,067
Total number of admissions given out 1,248 2,540
Admitted students who chose to enroll 484 910
Yield rate 38.8% 35.8%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Not required Not required
Recommendation letters Required Required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Not required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $80,300 $82,245
Average net price $26,063 $20,535
Tuition $58,260 $61,449
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $8,600

Meal plan: $7,670
$17,531
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Other alternative tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

56.0%
Average amount $51,537
40.0%
Average amount $58,925
Students receiving federal student loan 13.0%
Average amount $4,878
18.0%
Average amount $3,834
Students taking out private loans 6.0%
Average amount $25,474
2.0%
Average amount $27,881

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 1,857
Men 48.7% Women 51.3%
3,385
Men 43.8% Women 56.2%
Graduate students 381
Men 48.8% Women 51.2%
196
Men 42.3% Women 57.7%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Low
Out-of-state students 81.2% 90.3%
International students 5.0% 11.3%
Campus local/setting Town: Distant City: Small
Dormitory capacity 1,520 3,063
First year students are required to live on campus? Yes Yes
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Virginia North Carolina Texas New York Georgia New York California Connecticut New Jersey Pennsylvania

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Legal Profession
  • Social Sciences
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Foreign Languages and Literatures
  • Physical Science
  • Social Sciences
  • Psychology
  • Ethnic Studies
  • Visual & Performing Arts
  • Physical Science
Students to faculty ratio 8:1 8:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome

Graduation rate 93.6% 91.0%
Dropout rate 6.2% 3.6%
Transferred out N/A 5.3%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,231
  • Year 2: $56,641
  • Year 3: $85,103
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,586
  • Year 2: $72,642
  • Year 3: $83,304
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $66,449
  • Year 3: $79,551
Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $76,460
  • Year 3: $69,951
Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $51,643
  • Year 2: $55,964
  • Year 3: $68,713
Journalism (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $42,682
  • Year 3: $54,059
Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $47,231
  • Year 2: $41,007
  • Year 3: $45,285
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $91,744
  • Year 3: N/A
English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $37,593
  • Year 3: N/A
History (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $30,409
  • Year 3: N/A
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $53,775
  • Year 3: $53,847
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $38,232
  • Year 2: $36,334
  • Year 3: $45,541

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