Washington and Lee University
Lexington, Virginia, United States
- Cost of Living$ 16,140
- Tuition Fee From$ 51,420
- Country Rank-
- Batch Strength2,223
- Global Diversity-
- Gender Ratio-
Overview
About
Washington and Lee University (W&L) is a private liberal arts university located in Lexington, Virginia. The university was founded in 1749 as Augusta Academy, and in 1796, it was renamed Liberty Hall Academy. In 1802, the school was renamed again to honour George Washington, and in 1870, it was named after Robert E. Lee, who served as president of the university after the Civil War. Today, the university is renowned for its rigorous academic programmes, strong sense of community and commitment to the liberal arts.
W&L has a student population of approximately 2,200 undergraduate students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1. This allows for small class sizes and personalised attention from professors. The university offers 37 majors and 27 minors, including programmes in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and pre-professional fields. In addition, the university has a strong emphasis on experiential learning, with opportunities for internships, research, and study abroad.
The university's campus is known for its stunning beauty and historic architecture. The centrepiece of the campus is the Colonnade, a row of neoclassical buildings that house the academic departments. The Colonnade is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered one of the most beautiful college campuses in the United States. The campus also includes modern facilities, such as the Science Centre, the Johnson Student Centre, and the Lenfest Centre for the Arts.
W&L has a strong commitment to athletics, with 24 varsity sports teams competing in NCAA Division III. The university has a rich athletic tradition, with numerous national championships in sports such as football, soccer, and tennis. In addition, the university offers a variety of intramural and club sports, as well as fitness and wellness programmes.
One unique aspect of the university is its honour system, which dates back to 1905. The honour system is based on the principle of trust between students and faculty, and it requires students to pledge not to lie, cheat, or steal in their academic and personal lives. The honour system is student-run and has been emulated by many other colleges and universities.
Ranking
Washington and Lee University is known for its strong liberal arts education, emphasis on student-faculty relationships, and commitment to producing graduates who are prepared for success in their chosen fields. The university is home to the Alpha Chapter of Virginia, the first chapter of Phi Beta Kappa in the state, and one of the oldest in the country. The university is also included in Kiplinger's 2021 list of "Best College Values," which ranks colleges based on their academic quality and affordability. Here are some of its recent rankings:
- US News Report National Liberal Arts Colleges (2023) - #11
- US News Report Best Value Schools (2023) - #23
- THE National College Rankings (2022) - #73
- Forbes Top National Colleges (2022) - #59
- Money Magazine Best Colleges in America (2022) - #11
- College Factual Top National Colleges (2023) - #103
Year
QS Ranks
US News Ranks
2023
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Facilities
Washington and Lee University focuses on innovation and growth. The facilities offered at the university meet the diverse needs of the community and foster a vibrant and dynamic campus culture. Some of these facilities include -
Libraries: The Leyburn Library and Telford Science Library are the two main libraries on campus. The libraries have a large collection of books, journals, and other resources, as well as quiet study areas, group study rooms, and computer labs.
Academic buildings: The university has several academic buildings, including Tucker Hall, the Wilson Hall Language Centre, and the Hillel House. These buildings are equipped with classrooms, lecture halls, and faculty offices.
Athletic facilities: The Warner Centre is the main athletic facility on campus, which includes a basketball court, indoor track, and weight room. The Duchossois Tennis Centre features 12 outdoor tennis courts, while the Wilson Field hosts soccer, field hockey, and lacrosse games.
Campus dining: The Marketplace at Elrod Commons is the main dining hall on campus, offering a variety of food options. There are also several cafes and coffee shops, including the campus Starbucks.
Residential halls: The university offers several housing options for its students, including traditional residence halls, theme houses, and apartments. All residence halls have Wi-Fi and laundry facilities.
Performing arts venues: The Lenfest Centre for the Arts features a theatre, art galleries, and classrooms for the art department. The Keller Theatre is a smaller venue that hosts music and theatre performances.
Health and wellness facilities: The Student Health Centre provides medical services to students, including routine exams and vaccinations. The fitness centre offers cardio and weight equipment, as well as group fitness classes.
Notable Alumni
Courses
Admission
Washington and Lee University Entry Requirements
Washington and Lee University has an acceptance rate of 19% and it is a highly selective institution that seeks to admit students who demonstrate academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to community service. Students can apply through the Common Application or QuestBridge Application. The university has a holistic admissions process that takes into account a variety of factors, including academic performance, extracurricular involvement, essays, recommendations and demonstrated interest in the university. Below are the supporting documents required for admission -
Undergraduate Requirements
- Official High School Transcripts
- English Proficiency Test Scores
- SAT/ACT scores - 1420/32
- Letters of Recommendation (two)
- Johnson Scholarship Application or Financial Aid application
- Interview
Graduate Requirements
- Official undergraduate transcripts
- Evaluation of Transcripts from the credential assembly of LSAC
- LSAT score - 154
- Average GPA - 3.60 on a scale of 4.0
- Letters of recommendation
- An essay
- Work experience (if applicable)
Accepted English proficiency test scores
- TOEFL iBT - 75
- IELTS - 6.5
- PTE - 70
Washington and Lee University Fees
Washington and Lee University offers several programmes at different levels. Listed below are the fees based on popular courses offered by the institution -
- Bachelor of Biochemistry - $51,420 /Year
- Bachelor of Science [B.S] Chemistry - $51,420 /Year
- Bachelor of Arts [B.A] Philosophy - $51,420 /Year
- Bachelor of Accounting - $51,420 /Year
- Bachelor of Arts [B.A] Geology - $51,420 /Year
Placements
Washington and Lee University has a strong record of producing successful graduates who go on to achieve success in a variety of fields. The university offers several resources to help students prepare for their careers, including career counselling, job and internship listings, and networking opportunities with alumni and employers. The Career and Professional Development office also hosts career fairs and events throughout the year to connect students with potential employers.
According to the university, the overall placement rate for recent graduates is consistently above 90%, which means that the majority of students find employment or pursue further education within a few months of graduation. Some of the most popular career paths for university graduates include finance, consulting, law, and education. Many graduates also go on to pursue advanced degrees in fields such as business, law, medicine, and engineering.
Additionally, the university has a strong alumni network, with graduates living and working in various parts of the world. This network can be a valuable resource for current students seeking advice, mentorship, or job opportunities.
Scholarship
Regardless of the program you are studying, there are several scholarship opportunities provided by the university as well as other organizations. With so many scholarships available now, overseas students can greatly lower the financial burden of studying in a new country. You can apply for scholarships to study at the Washington and Lee University through UniScholarz. You can find the following types of scholarships based on your academic performance and financial situation:
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Merit-based scholarships
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Need-based scholarships
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Country-specific scholarships
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College-specific scholarships
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Student-specific scholarships
Finances
Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the Washington and Lee University. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!
Accommodation
There are several student housing options available for students planning to attend the Washington and Lee University. You may select from a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, en-suites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.
UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from a wide range of available student accommodations near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are more inexpensive and student-friendly.
Cost of Living
Student life in Lexington is centred around the campuses of Washington and Lee University and VMI, but there are plenty of opportunities for students to explore the town and get involved in the local community. The town's small size and tight-knit community create a welcoming and supportive environment for students. Lexington is generally affordable and its overall cost of living is lower than the national average. Houses and rent are 27% lower than the national average. Costs of groceries and transportation are prices 8% and 4% lower than the national average respectively. All these factors make the city a good option for international students. Below is a list of the expenses that prospective students should keep in mind -
|
Items |
Cost |
|
Off-Campus Accommodation |
$613 |
|
On-Campus Accommodation |
$1,107 |
|
Transportation |
$44 |
|
Food Cost |
$480 |
|
Utility Cost |
$140 |
|
Entertainment |
$48 |
|
Groceries |
$38 |
|
Clothes |
$122 |
|
Health Insurance |
$80 |
|
Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation |
$1,565 |
|
Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation |
$2,059 |
|
Annual Cost of Living |
$24,708 |