Lexington, VA · Private University
Is Washington and Lee University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$94,810
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$64,525
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$64,525
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$258,100
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.47x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
4.3 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
94.9%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$19,500
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$23,911
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Washington and Lee University graduates earn $49,810 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Washington and Lee University ranked by graduate earnings
24 graduates
20 graduates
18 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Washington and Lee University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| EconomicsBest ROI | $110,050 | 1.7x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $101,332 | 1.6x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $98,403 | 1.5x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
How It Compares
ROI at similar schools
| School | ROI Ratio | Earnings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington and Lee University | 1.47x | $94,810 | Average ROI |
| Davidson College | 1.35x | $81,400 | Average ROI |
| Haverford College | 1.17x | $79,966 | Average ROI |
| Wellesley College | 1.32x | $84,803 | Average ROI |
| University of Richmond | 1.22x | $76,178 | Average ROI |
| Williams College | 1.37x | $88,665 | Average ROI |
The Bottom Line
Washington and Lee University delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $94,810 10 years after starting — $49,810 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 4.3 years — faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.