Head-to-head · 2026
Washington and Lee University vs William & Mary
Compare average net price ($23,781 at Washington and Lee University; $19,096 at William & Mary), ROI score (9.97 vs 9.62), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($94,810 vs $73,490), and admissions selectivity (14% acceptance at Washington and Lee University; 34.1% at William & Mary) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Washington and Lee University | William & Mary |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 9.97 ✓ | 9.62 |
| Avg net price | $23,781 | $19,096 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $95,124 | $76,384 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $68,045 | $25,914 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $68,045 | $51,038 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $94,810 ✓ | $73,490 |
| Acceptance rate | 14% | 34.1% |
| Graduation rate | 93.9% ✓ | 89.4% |
| Retention rate | 96.6% ✓ | 94.6% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $18,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 1,881 | 7,055 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1498 | 1473 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Washington and Lee University | William & Mary |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | -$1,777 ✓ | $3,106 |
| Family income $30–48k | $75 ✓ | $881 |
| Family income $48–75k | $4,497 ✓ | $5,916 |
| Family income $75–110k | $8,162 ✓ | $16,803 |
| Family income $110k+ | $40,646 | $34,370 ✓ |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Washington and Lee University | William & Mary |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 13.4% | 16.8% |
| Law | 17% | 7.1% |
| Political Science and Government | 9.9% | 4.5% |
| Economics | 9.9% | 3.7% |
| Biology, General | 3.4% | 5.1% |
| Mathematics | 3.7% | 2.5% |
| History | 2.7% | 3.5% |
| English Language and Literature, General | 3.7% | 2.3% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
William & Mary reports the lower average net price by $4,685 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $18,740 difference over four years ($76,384 vs $95,124).
Washington and Lee University reports $21,320 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($94,810 vs $73,490). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 96.6% at Washington and Lee University and 94.6% at William & Mary. Median federal debt among completers is $19,500 vs $18,500, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
Washington and Lee University vs William & Mary, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
William & Mary is cheaper — average net price $19,096 per year vs $23,781 at Washington and Lee University. The annual difference of $4,685 adds up to about $18,740 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Washington and Lee University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $94,810 vs $73,490 at William & Mary. The gap in the federal data is $21,320. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Washington and Lee University is more selective at 14% acceptance vs 34.1% at William & Mary.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.