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Washington and Lee University

204 W. Washington St., Lexington, VA 24450, USA

Washington and Lee University award
Washington and Lee University award
US ranking
position: 1087
Tuition & fees per year: $71,365
Acceptance rate: 17.00%
Median alumni salary: $60,434
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1470 SAT, 34 ACT
Entrance difficulty: Very hard

What does Washington and Lee University offer in terms of athletics?

Washington and Lee University provides a diverse athletics program that competes primarily at the NCAA Division III level. The institution supports a wide range of varsity sports for both men and women, creating opportunities for student-athletes to engage in competitive and well-organized team environments. With multiple teams across various disciplines, the university fosters a balance between rigorous academics and athletic commitment.

The sports offerings include traditional team sports such as basketball, soccer, baseball, and lacrosse. Additionally, students can participate in cross country, track and field, swimming, tennis, volleyball, and golf. This variety allows prospective students to find athletic programs that align with their interests and talents while enjoying the camaraderie and discipline that college sports provide.

Beyond varsity athletics, Washington and Lee supports club and intramural sports, encouraging broader participation for those seeking competitive or recreational play without the demands of varsity competition. This inclusivity highlights the university's commitment to physical wellness and community engagement among all students.

Facilities at Washington and Lee are designed to meet the needs of these programs, featuring well-maintained fields, courts, and training resources that support both athletic development and academic schedules. Coaching staffs emphasize personal development, teamwork, and sportsmanship, contributing to a supportive environment for students balancing sport and study.

What student groups and Associations are available at Washington and Lee University?

Washington and Lee University offers a variety of social organizations for its students. Among the student body, 72 men and 71 women participate in these groups. In total, 922 men and 964 women are enrolled at the university, reflecting active involvement by a notable portion of the student population.

Who studies at Washington and Lee University?

Washington and Lee University presents a student body with diverse backgrounds and characteristics, offering prospective students a clear picture of the campus community. The undergraduate population typically ranges in age, with the majority between 18 and 21 years old. Specifically, 862 students fall within the 18 to 19 age bracket, while 893 are aged 20 to 21. Smaller numbers of students are slightly older or younger, reflecting a primarily traditional college-age cohort. Graduate students tend to be older on average; many are between 22 and 29 years old, with 152 aged 22 to 24 and 179 between 25 and 29.

Enrollment numbers for incoming students mirror a mid-sized institution, with around 502 freshmen and about 4 transfer students each year, indicating that the university admits a modest number of new students annually compared to other institutions. The total student body size remains relatively average at 506 for new enrollees, which suggests a focused academic environment rather than a large-scale campus.

When considering the geographic origins of students, the university has a notably low percentage of in-state attendees-only about 17%-placing it in the lower 5% nationally for in-state representation. Conversely, out-of-state students make up a substantial 75%, a figure that ranks in the top 5% nationally, signaling a strong appeal to students beyond Virginia's borders.

Domestic students constitute 92% of the student body, which is fairly average and places the university in the top 40% nationwide. Furthermore, the campus enjoys a robust international presence, with students from eight different foreign countries, positioning Washington and Lee in the top 25% for diversity from abroad. This mix of local, national, and international students contributes to a varied student experience.

The racial and ethnic composition of the university is largely average across most groups when compared nationally. White students represent the largest group at 1,279 individuals, followed by Hispanic students numbering 162, African American students at 86, and Asian students making up 89 of the population. Smaller populations include Native American, Pacific Islander, and students identifying with two or more races, each hovering around 80 or fewer individuals. A segment of the student body, 22 students, did not disclose their ethnicity.

How does student life look like at Washington and Lee University?

Washington and Lee University offers a variety of cultural and media activities that contribute to a vibrant student life. Students can engage with a campus newspaper, participate in drama productions, and join the campus radio station. Additionally, the university supports a campus chorus and operates its own campus television channel, enriching opportunities for student involvement outside the classroom.

Health and well-being resources are available with an on-site health clinic and psychological counseling services, ensuring students have access to necessary support during their studies. However, services such as a legal assistance office or a dedicated veterans affairs office are not provided, nor is there a women's center currently available on campus.

The student body is moderately sized with a total enrollment of around 2,241 students, maintaining a low student-to-faculty ratio of 8 to 1. This ratio places the university in the lower 15 percent nationally, indicating smaller class sizes and potentially more personalized academic attention.

Students at Washington and Lee University come from a diverse international background, with representation from 58 countries, ranking the university in the top 25 percent for global diversity among its peers. This broad international presence adds a multicultural dimension to campus life and classroom discussions.

What libraries are available to students at Washington and Lee University?

Washington and Lee University provides access to three libraries, which ranks it in the top 30% nationally for the number of libraries. Its main facility, the James Graham library, supports a broad range of academic needs. In addition, there are two other libraries, placing the institution in the top 35% for the number of additional library facilities available to students.

The university maintains a considerable collection of resources, including over 700,000 books, which situates it in the top 40% for the quantity of physical books. The number of subscriptions, nearly 8,600, is average but falls below the median nationally. Digital resources are more substantial, with an impressive 1,819,000 digital subscriptions and approximately 1,780,000 ebooks, ranking Washington and Lee University in the top 10% for ebooks and within the top half for digital subscriptions.

The institution offers access to 293 databases, a figure that remains average compared to other universities. Library service hours total 86 per week, with established hours that support sustained access. Students benefit from all-day access and availability of study rooms, physical facilities, and digital access, all supported by trained library staff. The university also participates in shared collection access, broadening the scope of available materials beyond its own holdings.

Washington and Lee University Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

2241

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

472

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

283 full time, 46 part time

Veterans affair office

No

Washington and Lee University Library Services and Resources

Main library name

James Graham

Number of libraries on campus

3

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

Yes

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

Washington and Lee University Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

Washington and Lee University Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshly enrolled students' state of residence

US
International

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

Washington and Lee University Location & Map

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