Washington and Lee University delivers exceptional return on investment, ranking at the 99.9th percentile nationally with among the highest performance we track. Graduates earn $28,615 beyond expectations compared to similar students, placing the institution at the 97.1st percentile for earnings uplift and demonstrating substantial value creation beyond predicted outcomes. Median earnings of $94,810 rank in the 98th percentile nationally, exceeding the peer median by $44,398 annually. Student debt remains well-controlled at $19,500, which is $5,500 below the peer median of $25,000. The resulting debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.21 indicates that graduates can comfortably service their educational investment while benefiting from premium career outcomes. This combination of exceptional earnings, controlled borrowing, and substantial value-added performance positions Washington and Lee among the top-performing institutions nationally for long-term economic returns. The institution consistently delivers outcomes that exceed expectations based on student demographics and program mix, creating sustained financial advantages for graduates throughout their professional careers.
Washington and Lee University graduates demonstrate remarkable earnings growth trajectory and consistently strong economic outcomes across career stages. Median earnings progress from $76,516 six years after enrollment to $89,772 at eight years and $94,810 at ten years, representing 23.9% growth from the six-year mark. These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 228 graduates, providing solid confidence in the reported figures despite the institution's small size. Graduates earn $28,615 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Washington and Lee at the 97.1st percentile for earnings uplift—a measure of the institution's ability to enhance career outcomes beyond predicted levels. Earnings distribution shows meaningful variation, with outcomes ranging from $64,147 at the 25th percentile to $141,033 at the 75th percentile. Approximately 22.7% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, though this estimate has low confidence due to the institution's specialized program mix. The combination of strong absolute earnings, exceptional value creation, and steady career progression positions Washington and Lee graduates favorably in the job market across multiple industries and career paths.
Latest FE earnings field: 10-year
Lower quartile, 10-year field
Earnings outcomes at Washington and Lee University reveal substantial upside potential across different career trajectories and program choices. The gap between the 25th percentile ($64,147) and 75th percentile ($141,033) creates a 2.2:1 earnings ratio, indicating significant variation in post-graduation outcomes while maintaining a strong floor for career earnings. This distribution suggests that even graduates in typically lower-earning fields benefit from the institution's reputation and alumni network effects. The institution's strongest programs demonstrate exceptional market value, with Applied Economics producing median earnings of $110,050, while Accounting graduates earn $101,332 and Business Administration graduates earn $98,403. Even traditionally lower-earning liberal arts programs show competitive outcomes, with American History graduates earning $67,315 and English Literature graduates earning $57,710. With 228 graduates in the ten-year earnings cohort across just seven measurable programs, these figures reflect concentrated outcomes rather than statistical noise, providing confidence in the earnings patterns observed across Washington and Lee's academic portfolio.
Financial justification for the investment.
Earnings distribution at Washington and Lee reveals substantial upside potential while maintaining strong outcomes across the spectrum. The gap between 25th percentile earnings of $64,147 and 75th percentile earnings of $141,033 creates a 2.2:1 ratio, indicating meaningful variation in career trajectories while preserving a high floor for post-graduation income. This spread suggests that Washington and Lee graduates benefit from strong baseline outcomes regardless of career path, with exceptional potential for those entering high-earning fields or leveraging alumni networks effectively. The distribution reflects both program diversity and the institution's ability to create premium outcomes across different professional trajectories.
Approximately 22.7% of Washington and Lee graduates continue to graduate or professional school, though this estimate carries low confidence due to the institution's specialized program mix and limited data availability. This continuation rate reflects the institution's strong preparation for advanced study, particularly in law, business, and other professional programs where Washington and Lee's academic reputation provides admission advantages.
Program mix and student pathways explain much of the earnings story.
Program-level earnings demonstrate Washington and Lee's ability to create exceptional outcomes across diverse academic fields. Applied Economics leads with $110,050 median earnings, followed by Accounting at $101,332 and Business Administration at $98,403, establishing the institution's dominance in business-related fields. Liberal arts programs achieve remarkable outcomes given typical field expectations, with American History graduates earning $67,315 and English Literature graduates earning $57,710. Even Mathematics, the institution's single STEM program with sufficient data, produces $76,460 median earnings. These outcomes reflect Washington and Lee's reputation premium and alumni network effects, which create enhanced career opportunities across all academic disciplines. The consistent strength across program categories indicates that institutional prestige and career services support translate into premium outcomes regardless of students' chosen field of study, supporting the institution's exceptional return performance.
See which programs drive the strongest earnings and career trajectories
Upper quartile, 10-year field
Earnings distribution at Washington and Lee reveals substantial upside potential while maintaining strong outcomes across the spectrum. The gap between 25th percentile earnings of $64,147 and 75th percentile earnings of $141,033 creates a 2.2:1 ratio, indicating meaningful variation in career trajectories while preserving a high floor for post-graduation income. This spread suggests that Washington and Lee graduates benefit from strong baseline outcomes regardless of career path, with exceptional potential for those entering high-earning fields or leveraging alumni networks effectively. The distribution reflects both program diversity and the institution's ability to create premium outcomes across different professional trajectories.
