Head-to-head comparison
Washington and Lee University vs. Wellesley College
Real published data on acceptance rates, cost, and outcomes. Side by side.
Calculate your odds at bothIs Washington & Lee or Wellesley harder to get into?
Washington & Lee is harder to get into than Wellesley. Washington & Lee's 14.0% acceptance rate is lower than Wellesley's 14.1%.
Which is cheaper, Washington & Lee or Wellesley?
Washington & Lee costs less on average. After grants and scholarships, Washington & Lee's average net price is $23,781 vs $25,496 at Wellesley.
Which has higher post-graduation earnings?
Washington & Lee graduates earn more on average. Median earnings 10 years after entry are $94,810 at Washington & Lee and $84,803 at Wellesley.
Full Comparison
| Metric | Washington & Lee | Wellesley |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 14.0% | 14.1% |
| SAT mid-50% | 1430–1540 | 1460–1560 |
| ACT mid-50% | 33–34 | 33–35 |
| Cost of attendance | $87,000 | $86,290 |
| Avg net price (after aid) | $23,781 | $25,496 |
| Undergrad enrollment | 1,881 | 2,300 |
| 6-yr graduation rate | 93.9% | 91.5% |
| Median earnings (10yr) | $94,810 | $84,803 |
| Setting | Lexington, VA | Wellesley, Massachusetts |
Sources: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (IPEDS) and school-published admit cycle data. Last verified May 2026.
The Real Differences
Selectivity is essentially the same. Washington & Lee's 14.0% acceptance rate and Wellesley's 14.1% are within a percentage point of each other. For an unhooked applicant, the difference is statistical noise. Apply to whichever you genuinely prefer.
Net cost is essentially the same at both schools after grants and scholarships, despite different sticker prices. Both schools meet most demonstrated need for in-range income brackets.
Washington & Lee graduates earn $10,007 more on average at the 10-year mark. This usually reflects major distribution more than school quality — schools that concentrate in CS, engineering, and finance pull higher medians than schools with more humanities and social science graduates. Wellesley grads' earnings within the same major category are typically comparable.
Geographic difference matters more than the campus tour suggests. Washington & Lee is in Lexington, VA; Wellesley is in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Climate, cost-of-living, and proximity to job markets in your target field shape the four-year experience and post-grad pipeline more than most prospective students realize.
Wellesley has a more international student body (13.4% non-resident students vs 8.2%). For applicants who value global exposure or have international academic interests, that mix shows up in classroom culture and alumni network.
Student Body Composition
The two schools have different student body compositions. Washington & Lee is 51.1% women, 8.2% international, and 4.7% Asian-American. Wellesley is 99.9% women, 13.4% international, and 25.7% Asian-American.
| Demographic | Washington & Lee | Wellesley |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 51.1% | 99.9% |
| International | 8.2% | 13.4% |
| White | 68.0% | 29.8% |
| Asian | 4.7% | 25.7% |
| Hispanic | 8.6% | 14.4% |
| Black | 4.6% | 8.4% |
Personalized estimate
What are your odds at Washington & Lee vs. Wellesley?
Get a probability for both schools calibrated to your full profile, not the headline rate.
Run the calculatorThe Verdict
Pick Washington & Lee if
- Net price matters: Washington & Lee costs $1,715 less per year on average
- Higher median post-grad earnings ($94,810 vs $84,803)
- Higher 6-year graduation rate
- the Honor System
Pick Wellesley if
- Your odds are realistic at Wellesley (slightly easier admit)
- cross-registration with MIT
Headline numbers favor one school or the other on each axis, but neither is unambiguously “better.” The right answer depends on your major fit, geographic preference, financial need, and personal odds at each. Most applicants who get into one of these schools also get into the other.
Full School Pages
For complete admissions data, supplemental essay strategy, and class profile breakdowns:
Full profile
Washington and Lee University
14.0% accept · Lexington, VA
Full profile
Wellesley College
14.1% accept · Wellesley, Massachusetts
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard for acceptance rates, test ranges, financial aid, demographics, completion, and earnings.
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) for the underlying federal data.
- Each school's most recent published Common Data Set for cycle-specific admissions stats.
Last verified May 2026. Stats reflect each school's most recent publicly published admit cycle.