Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Lexington, Virginia
17.4% Acceptance Rate
Washington and Lee University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
17.4%Acceptance Rate
3.87Avg GPA
1504Avg SAT
34Avg ACT
$82,990Annual Cost
$94,810Grad Salary
11.1%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
17.4%
Avg GPA
3.87
Avg SAT
1504
Avg ACT
34
Selectivity
Highly Competitive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1410–1530
ACT Middle 50%
32–35
Need-Based Aid
11.1% receive Pell
Washington and Lee University (W&L), founded in 1749, is a prestigious liberal arts university in Lexington, Virginia, that combines tradition with innovation. W&L consists of two undergraduate divisions the College and the Williams School of Commerce, Economics, and Politics along with its nationally ranked School of Law. The university is particularly known for its business journalism, accounting, and pre-law programs. W&L's Speaking Tradition, where students greet each other on campus, reflects its close-knit community. The historic campus features Colonnade, a National Historic Landmark, and state-of-the-art facilities like the Ruscio Center for Global Learning.
W&L's Spring Term offers intensive courses, including popular abroad programs. The university's Honor System, administered entirely by students, fosters a climate of integrity. W&L's alumni network includes Supreme Court justices, senators, and business leaders who remain deeply connected to their alma mater. The university's combination of rigorous academics, leadership development, and Southern charm creates a distinctive educational experience.
Washington and Lee University Acceptance Rate
Washington and Lee University admits about 17.4% of applicants, around 17 per 100, making it a highly competitive option among colleges in Virginia.
What WLU Admissions Looks For
- Sustained Involvement: Depth in 2–3 activities reads better than breadth across ten.
- Clear Intent: Interviews and supplements should show why this school specifically, not just any selective school.
- Consistent Academics: A steady record of A-level performance across core subjects is expected.
Selectivity at a Glance
Highly Competitive
Selectivity scale: Highly Competitive — 17.4% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
WLU reviews the whole profile, not just grades. A well-crafted personal statement genuinely moves the needle here.
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.87 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.67 – 3.86
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.42
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Washington and Lee University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The application deadline for Washington and Lee University is November 1 for Early Decision I applicants, with additional plans listed below. Admission decisions are typically released by December 15.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 86 days left — Early Decision I
Early Decision I
November 1
Decision by: December 15
Early Decision II
January 1
Decision by: February 15
Regular Decision
January 1
Decision by: April 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (2025/12/01 (Johnson Scholarship priority)) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
WLU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at WLU is 3.87. That makes admissions here extremely selective. Most admitted students carry straight A's, with very little room for a B.
If your GPA sits between 3.57 and 3.87, a high SAT or ACT score is the most reliable way to compensate.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently. For an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 4.07–4.27.WLU GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective; GPA is within the typical admitted range.
Recommended Strategy: Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) in the top 5th percentile.
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.87 – 4.00
Competitive Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.67 – 3.86
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.47 – 3.66
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.46
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- The university maintains a highly selective 19% general acceptance rate, requiring high execution across all parts of the file.
- Super-scoring policies allow applicants to combine top section scores from different test sittings to maximize their competitive SAT profile.
- Optional portal video uploads are limited to a strict maximum duration of two minutes and must introduce entirely new personal data points.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at WLU
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Washington and Lee University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Washington and Lee University (WLU) Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if WLU is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into WLU Without SAT or ACT?
WLU considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Washington and Lee University Average SAT Score: 1504
The average SAT score of admitted students at Washington and Lee University is 1504 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1504 — Extremely Competitive
This places WLU in the top tier nationally for SAT scores. It sits well above the 75th percentile of all US test-takers.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1530 SAT or 35 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Washington and Lee University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 1410, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at WLU. Retaking multiple times is completely normal. Most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 740 | 700 | 780 |
| SAT Reading | 730 | 710 | 750 |
| SAT Composite | 1504 | 1410 | 1530 |
Below 1410, you're behind most admitted students; at 1530 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1500
Can I get into Washington and Lee University (WLU) with a 1550 SAT?
A 1550 SAT puts you ahead of most of WLU's admitted class, but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
Washington and Lee University (WLU) ACT Requirements
The average ACT score at WLU is 34.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 34 — Extremely Competitive
An average of 34 places WLU among the most ACT-competitive schools nationally.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 32 | 29 | 34 |
| ACT English | 35 | 34 | 35 |
| ACT Composite | 34 | 32 | 35 |
Can I get into Washington and Lee University with a 35 ACT?
A 35 ACT puts you ahead of 75% of WLU's admitted students. That's a strong position, though the ACT is only one benchmark among several that admissions weighs.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT scores four separate sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, each on a 1–36 scale. A noticeably weak section, especially Science at STEM-focused schools, stands out to reviewers, so it's worth checking your section breakdown for outliers before applying.
Your ACT score clears the first filter, but GPA, course rigor, extracurricular depth, recommendations, and essays are what carry an application the rest of the way at WLU.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for WLU
Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning
At WLU, admissions looks for reliable, high-achieving students. The goal is to land as a top-tier applicant. That's what triggers both admission and the best merit aid.
Navigate the Pivot Back to Mandatory Standardized Testing Rules for Fall Entry
Washington and Lee University has officially updated its evaluation criteria, removing its previous test-optional policy. For the 2025-26 admissions cycle tracking into fall 2026 entry, all applicants are required to submit official SAT or ACT scores, except in verified cases of extreme hardship. Because the historical middle 50% benchmarks sit at an elite 1410-1530 for the SAT and 32-35 for the ACT, your standardized testing data must show elite national standing to validate your high school GPA metrics.
Target Section-Specific Scores to Match Rigorous Faculty Benchmarks
The internal academic index expects high proficiency across all testing sections to confirm your readiness for their intense curriculum. Admitted score trends show an SAT Reading and Writing middle 50% range of 700-750, alongside an SAT Math range of 710-780. For ACT submitters, the English section clusters at 33-35, while the Math section requires strong quantitative fluency with a 29-34 middle 50% footprint. If your scores sit below these boundaries, you should execute targeted retakes to protect your file from early statistical sorting.
Optimize Supplemental Profiles Using Optional Written or Video Prompts
The 2025-26 application layout mandates one 250-word essay, while offering advanced short-answer paths accessible through your student portal after initial submission. Washington and Lee allows you to deliver these short-answer responses either as traditional written essays or as a recorded 2-minute video clip. You must use this option to showcase unique parts of your character, structural leadership experiences, or intellectual obsessions that are not detailed in your primary Common Application text.
Address the Mission-Driven Diversity and Global Citizenship Filters directly
The university's core mission centers on preparing graduates for lifelong learning within a diverse global framework. When responding to the supplemental prompts, you must bypass surface-level definitions of inclusivity. Your text or video must explicitly describe how your unique background, identity, or perspective will directly enrich intellectual and social interactions with faculty and peers on the Lexington campus.
Expert Insight: Operating under the outdated assumption that Washington and Lee remains test-optional for fall 2026 enrollment will result in a fatal administrative error-because the university requires official SAT or ACT metrics, failing to transmit scores will cause your file to be marked incomplete and excluded from review.
WLU Profile
Full Name
Washington and Lee University (WLU)
City
Lexington
State
Virginia
ZIP Code
24450-2116
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a WLU Degree Worth It?
WLU offers a rigorous academic environment, but 'worth it' is a personal calculation of cost, program fit, and outcomes. The figures below are a starting point.
The average household income among admitted students is $81,000, with a graduate unemployment rate of 2.65%.
How much does a degree from WLU Cost?
The sticker price is $82,990/year, but the average net price students actually pay, after Pell and federal grants, is typically much lower.
11.1% of students receive a Pell Grant and 15.1% take federal loans at WLU. File your FAFSA early and list WLU as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a WLU Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $94,810. That's about 134% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Washington and Lee University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University Oakland | Oakland, CA | 1472 | 32 |
| Occidental College | Los Angeles, CA | 1461 | 33 |
| Scripps College | Claremont, CA | 1480 | 33 |
| Georgetown University | Washington, DC | 1494 | 33 |
| Grinnell College | Grinnell, IA | 1486 | 33 |
| University of Maryland-College Park | College Park, MD | 1463 | 34 |
| Amherst College | Amherst, MA | 1494 | 33 |
| Boston University | Boston, MA | 1473 | 33 |
| Brandeis University | Waltham, MA | 1473 | 33 |
| Smith College | Northampton, MA | 1480 | 33 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Washington and Lee University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claremont McKenna College | Claremont, CA | 1514 | 34 |
| University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | 1501 | 34 |
| Wesleyan University | Middletown, CT | 1513 | 34 |
| Georgetown University | Washington, DC | 1494 | 33 |
| Emory University | Atlanta, GA | 1507 | 33 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Washington and Lee University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvey Mudd College | Claremont, CA | 1537 | 35 |
| Yale University | New Haven, CT | 1534 | 34 |
| University of Chicago | Chicago, IL | 1554 | 35 |
| Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD | 1553 | 35 |
| Harvard University | Cambridge, MA | 1553 | 35 |
Degree Programs at WLU
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About WLU Admissions
Washington and Lee University graduates typically earn around $94,810 a year, on the higher end depending on industry.
At about $82,990 a year, Washington and Lee University's cost is on the higher end; look closely at aid options.
Washington and Lee University's Pell Grant rate of 11.1% sits below the national average. Merit-based aid is worth checking regardless of income.
Washington and Lee University admits 17.4% of applicants, placing it firmly in the highly competitive range.
Admitted students at Washington and Lee University average a 3.87 GPA.
Washington and Lee University doesn't publish a hard GPA floor, but landing at or above 3.57 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 3.47, Washington and Lee University becomes a harder reach, though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at Washington and Lee University — aim above 1504, ideally within the 1410–1530 range admitted students typically fall in.
The application deadline for Washington and Lee University is November 1 for Early Decision I applicants. Admission decisions are released by December 15.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is 2025/12/01 (Johnson Scholarship priority). Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes, transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most, along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.
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