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.
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![]() Washington and Lee University |
![]() Wesleyan University |
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Overview |
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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% |
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Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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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 |
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Tuition and Fees |
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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
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$17,531 |
Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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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 |
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Students and Campus |
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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
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Low
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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 |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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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 |
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Outcome |
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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)
Law (First Professional Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees)
Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
Journalism (Bachelor's Degrees)
Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
History (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Doctoral Degrees)
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees)
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