Washington and Lee University: A Deep Dive into Student Demographics
Washington and Lee University (W&L), a private liberal arts college in Lexington, Virginia, prides itself on attracting a diverse and capable group of students from varied backgrounds. Understanding the demographics of its student body is crucial to appreciating the university's commitment to creating a vibrant and inclusive learning environment. This article explores the various facets of W&L's student demographics, including geographic origin, age, race and ethnicity, and financial aid distribution.
Geographic Diversity
Washington and Lee University demonstrates a strong ability to attract students from across the United States and around the globe. College Factual ranks Washington and Lee 137 out of 2,183 when it comes to geographic diversity. A significant majority, 81.68%, of Washington and Lee students come from out of state, indicating a broad national reach. Furthermore, 2.79% of the student body hails from outside the United States, adding an international dimension to the campus community. The undergraduate student body represents 35 states (including Washington D.C.). This wide geographic representation enriches the campus environment by bringing together diverse perspectives and experiences. The student location diversity score is 93 out of 100.
Age Diversity
Washington and Lee University effectively attracts students of all ages. The age diversity score this school received indicates it is doing a good job attracting students of all ages. While a traditional college student is defined as being between the ages of 18-21, W&L's ability to draw students from various age groups contributes to a more dynamic and multifaceted learning environment. The student age diversity is 57.55 out of 100.
Race and Ethnicity
The racial and ethnic composition of Washington and Lee University's student body reveals a predominantly white student population, although the university has been making efforts to increase diversity. As of 2023, the enrolled student population at Washington and Lee University is 67.8% White, 8.3% Hispanic or Latino, 4.96% Black or African American, 4.79% Asian, 3.95% Two or More Races, 0.176% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders, and 0.176% American Indian or Alaska Native. Specifically, students enrolled in full-time Undergraduate programs are most commonly White Female (36.2%), followed by White Male (34.9%) and Hispanic or Latino Female (4.24%).
In 2023, the most common race/ethnicity group of degree recipients at Washington and Lee University is white (522 degrees awarded). There were 10.4 times more white recipients than the next closest race/ethnicity group, hispanic or latino (50 degrees).
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It's important to note that diversity initiatives and ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive environment are aimed at further diversifying the student body. In 2014, a large Confederate battle flag and a number of related state flags were removed from University Chapel, after a group of black students protested that the school was unwelcoming to minorities.
Gender Diversity
In 2023, 20 more women than men received degrees from Washington and Lee University. In 2023, 338 degrees were awarded to men at Washington and Lee University, which is 0.944 times less than the number of degrees awarded to females (358).
Financial Aid and Affordability
Washington and Lee University is committed to making education accessible through generous need-based financial aid. The university follows a need-blind admissions policy for all undergraduate applicants and guarantees to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need-without loans. Through the W&L Promise, students from families with annual incomes under $150,000 pay no tuition, while those with incomes under $75,000 receive full coverage for tuition, housing, and meals.
In 2021-22, 57% of first year students received an institutional grant at an average of $57,034 per recipient. Sixty-three (63%) percent of all Washington and Lee undergraduate students received financial aid in 2021-22. In 2021-22, $58,615,087 was awarded in grants and scholarships to W&L undergraduates. This includes all grant and/or scholarship aid dollars received from the federal government, state or local government, the institution, and private grant sources.
Beyond need-based aid, the university awards the prestigious Johnson Scholarship to approximately 10% of each incoming class. This merit-based scholarship covers full tuition, housing, and meals while providing an additional $10,000 for summer experiences. Recipients are selected based on academic excellence, leadership, integrity, and their potential to contribute to the intellectual and civic life of the university and beyond.
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In 2023, the median undergraduate tuition at Washington and Lee University is $63,315, which is $34,035 more than the national average for Baccalaureate Colleges ($29,280). After taking grants and loans into account, the average net price for students is $24,667. In 2023, 64% of undergraduate students attending Washington and Lee University received financial aid through grants. Comparatively, 15% of undergraduate students received financial aid through loans. In 2021 the default rate for borrower's at Washington and Lee University was 0%, corresponding to 0 out of the 264 total borrowers.
Admissions and Enrollment
Washington and Lee University's admissions process is highly selective. In 2023, Washington and Lee University received 6,820 undergraduate applications, which represents a 5.59% annual growth. Out of those 6,820 applicants, 1,184 students were accepted for enrollment, representing a 17.4% acceptance rate. There were 2,277 students enrolled at Washington and Lee University in 2023. 27% of first-time enrollees submitted SAT scores with their applications.
Washington and Lee University has an overall enrollment yield of 42.4%, which represents the number of admitted students who ended up enrolling.
Retention and Graduation Rates
Washington and Lee University boasts impressive retention and graduation rates, indicating a supportive and successful academic environment. The retention rate for full-time undergraduates at Washington and Lee University was 95%. Compared with the full-time retention rate at similar Baccalaureate Colleges (74%), Washington and Lee University had a retention rate higher than its peers.
In 2023, 91% of students graduating from Washington and Lee University completed their program within 100% "normal time" (i.e. 4 years for a 4-year degree). Comparatively, 94% completed their degrees within 150% of the normal time, and 94% within 200%. The student demographic with the highest graduation rate in 2023 at Washington and Lee University is Male and Hispanic or Latino (100% graduation rate).
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Academic Performance and Outcomes
Washington and Lee University voluntarily publishes a number of key undergraduate academic performance indicators, including peer performance metrics, trended over time. In 2020-21, W&L awarded 444 undergraduate degrees to students who completed a total of 585 first and second majors.
And the outcomes are clear. Within six months of graduation, 94% of W&L graduates are employed or pursuing advanced study. Over the past five years, acceptance rates have averaged 92% for medical school and 96% for law school-well above national norms. Whether your path leads to business, medicine, public service, the arts, or beyond, you’ll leave W&L with lasting connections and prepared for whatever comes next.
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