Washington and Lee University's published cost of attendance reaches $82,990 annually, including $64,525 in tuition, $17,685 for room and board, and $2,290 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $23,911 after financial aid, representing savings of $59,079 from the sticker price through institutional grant assistance.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $82,990 |
| Tuition and Fees | $64,525 |
| Room and Board | $17,685 |
| Books and Supplies | $2,290 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$59,079 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $23,911 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $76 |
| $30–48k | $887 |
| $48–75k | $6,983 |
| $75–110k | $9,222 |
| $110k+ | $42,745 |
Washington and Lee University's published cost of attendance reaches $82,990 annually, including $64,525 in tuition, $17,685 for room and board, and $2,290 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $23,911 after financial aid, representing savings of $59,079 from the sticker price through institutional grant assistance. This average net price is $2,099 above the peer median of $21,812, reflecting Washington and Lee's premium positioning among private nonprofit institutions.
The institution demonstrates significant commitment to need-based financial aid, with net costs varying dramatically by family income level. Net prices range from just $76 for families earning under $30,000 annually to $42,745 for families earning over $110,000, creating a progressive pricing structure that concentrates financial assistance toward lower-income families. This $42,669 gap between lowest and highest income tiers indicates that Washington and Lee uses substantial institutional resources to make attendance feasible for admitted students from diverse economic backgrounds.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Washington and Lee University graduates maintain relatively controlled debt levels despite the institution's high sticker price. Median student debt reaches $19,500, which is $5,500 below the peer median of $25,000, indicating effective financial aid in limiting borrowing needs.
Debt levels span from $7,500 at the 25th percentile to $27,000 at the 75th percentile, with the $19,500 range reflecting moderate variation in borrowing patterns across students. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.21 indicates that typical graduates can comfortably manage their educational debt given median earnings of $94,810.
Parent PLUS borrowing shows median debt of $39,008 with monthly payments of $514, though this represents raw figures without income context. The combination of below-peer student debt levels and exceptional post-graduation earnings creates favorable conditions for debt repayment and long-term financial stability.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Washington and Lee University represents an exceptional educational investment for students who gain admission and can manage the costs. Graduates earn $28,615 beyond expectations compared to similar students, ranking at the 97.1st percentile nationally for earnings uplift and demonstrating substantial value creation beyond predicted outcomes.
Median earnings of $94,810 exceed the peer median by $44,398 annually, creating a premium of nearly $45,000 in annual earning power. With median debt of $19,500 and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.21, graduates typically can comfortably service their educational debt while benefiting from premium career outcomes.
The institution's position among the top 5% nationally for both median earnings and earnings beyond expectations indicates consistent delivery of exceptional returns across its graduate population. Return on investment ranks at the 99.9th percentile, placing Washington and Lee among institutions with the highest long-term value creation.
Washington and Lee University's financial aid profile reflects both generous institutional support and the economic composition of its student body. With 11.1% of students eligible for Pell grants, the institution serves fewer low-income students than typical four-year colleges, consistent with patterns at highly selective private institutions.
However, the $59,079 average financial aid savings demonstrates substantial institutional investment in making attendance feasible for students from diverse economic backgrounds. The near-zero net price for families earning under $30,000 indicates that Washington and Lee meets full demonstrated need and often provides aid exceeding calculated need for the lowest-income families.
Net price progression by income tier shows that even middle-income families receive meaningful assistance, with those earning $48,000-$75,000 paying just $6,983 annually. This aid structure suggests that Washington and Lee uses significant endowment resources to reduce financial barriers for admitted students, though the relatively low Pell share indicates that socioeconomic diversity remains limited by admission patterns rather than financial aid availability.
