Students at Washington and Lee University achieve some of the strongest financial outcomes in American higher education, earning nearly $95,000 ten years after graduation with an extraordinary $28,616 advantage over similar students elsewhere.
This combination of high absolute earnings and exceptional relative performance places W&L among the most financially rewarding colleges nationwide.
Washington and Lee University stands as one of the most financially rewarding private liberal arts colleges in the nation, delivering exceptional long-term value for students who can access it. Located in Lexington, Virginia, this small, highly selective institution consistently produces graduates who earn far more than peers at similar colleges nationwide. With median 10-year earnings of $94,810 and an extraordinary earnings advantage of $28,616 beyond what similar students achieve elsewhere, W&L ranks in the 97th percentile nationally for return on investment.
The university's strength lies in its ability to combine rigorous liberal arts education with practical career preparation. Despite its small size, W&L graduates consistently outperform expectations across multiple fields, from business and accounting to mathematics and political science. The institution's 95% six-year graduation rate reflects both the caliber of students it attracts and the support systems that help them succeed.
What makes Washington and Lee particularly distinctive is how it balances traditional liberal arts values with modern career outcomes. Students benefit from small class sizes, close faculty relationships, and an alumni network that opens doors in finance, consulting, law, and business. For families who can manage the substantial upfront investment, W&L delivers some of the strongest financial returns available at any American college or university.
Washington and Lee University's program portfolio reflects its liberal arts foundation while delivering strong career outcomes across multiple disciplines. Business Administration emerges as the standout program, combining the largest enrollment (95 graduates) with solid early-career earnings that contribute significantly to the university's overall financial performance. The program's scale and outcomes make it a key driver of W&L's exceptional return on investment metrics.
Accounting represents another professionally-oriented strength, with 61 graduates earning approximately $66,449 in early career—strong performance that reflects the program's practical focus and employer demand. Mathematics majors achieve the highest early earnings at around $76,460, demonstrating the university's ability to prepare students for quantitative careers in finance, consulting, and technology. Even Political Science, traditionally a lower-earning field, produces graduates earning $41,007, which remains competitive for liberal arts disciplines.
The university's small size creates intensive, personalized programs that leverage strong faculty-student relationships and extensive alumni networks. This combination of rigorous academics and powerful career connections helps explain why W&L graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations across diverse fields. The institution's ability to deliver strong outcomes in both traditional liberal arts areas and more professionally-oriented programs reflects its successful balance of intellectual breadth and career preparation.
Washington and Lee University delivers exceptional financial outcomes that place it among the top-performing institutions nationwide. Graduates earn a median of $94,810 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 97th percentile nationally and reflecting the university's ability to prepare students for high-earning careers. Even more impressive is the $28,616 earnings advantage W&L graduates achieve compared with similar students at other institutions—one of the largest earnings premiums we track among liberal arts colleges.
The university's program mix drives these strong outcomes through a combination of traditional liberal arts disciplines and professionally-oriented fields. Business Administration stands out as both the largest program and highest aggregate return major, graduating 95 students annually who contribute significantly to the university's overall earnings profile. Accounting graduates earn around $66,449 early in their careers, while Mathematics majors achieve approximately $76,460, demonstrating strength across both quantitative and business-focused disciplines. Even traditionally lower-earning fields like Political Science produce graduates earning $41,007, which remains competitive for liberal arts majors.
The university's small size and prestigious reputation create powerful networking advantages that compound over time. W&L's alumni connections in finance, consulting, and law help explain why graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations by such wide margins. This combination of rigorous academics, strong career services, and influential alumni networks creates a career acceleration effect that continues paying dividends throughout graduates' professional lives.
Washington and Lee University requires a substantial financial commitment, particularly for middle and upper-income families, though the institution provides exceptional aid for students who qualify. Low-income students pay just $76 annually after aid—essentially a full ride—while middle-income families face net costs around $6,983 per year, making the university surprisingly accessible for those who receive significant financial aid. However, high-income families pay the full freight of approximately $42,745 annually, reflecting the university's premium positioning in the private college market.
The university's aid strategy focuses resources heavily on students with the greatest financial need, creating a bifurcated affordability picture. For families who qualify for substantial aid, W&L becomes remarkably affordable given its academic quality and career outcomes. For those who don't qualify for significant aid, the investment is considerable but justified by the exceptional long-term returns graduates achieve.
Debt levels remain manageable for most students, with typical federal loan debt of $19,500—well below national averages for private colleges. The university's strong earnings outcomes mean that even students who borrow can comfortably service their debt, with loan repayment rates exceeding 95% and zero federal loan defaults. This combination of strong aid for low-income students and manageable debt levels for borrowers helps ensure that W&L's high-quality education remains accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds.
Washington And Lee University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
