Academic Comparison between VCU and W&L

Virginia Commonwealth University and Washington and Lee University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. VCU is a four-year, public school located in Richmond, VA and W&L is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Lexington, VA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • VCU is a public and W&L is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • W&L has more expensive tuition & fees ($68,045) than VCU ($39,884).
  • It is harder to admit to W&L than VCU.
  • W&L has a higher submitted SAT score (1,130) than VCU (1,130).
  • W&L has higher submitted ACT score (25) than VCU (25).
  • VCU has more students with 28,464 students while W&L has 2,241 students.
  • W&L has a lower number of students per faculty with 7 to 1 while VCU's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • VCU has more full-time faculties with 2,149 faculties while W&L has 268 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Virginia Commonwealth Universityvs.Washington and Lee University
Richmond, VirginiaLocationLexington, Virginia
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Arts & Sciences
In-State$16,720
Out-Of-State$39,884
2025 Tuition & Fees$68,045
70%% Receiving Financial Aid65%
$13,626Average Amount of Financial Aid$58,158
92.62 %Acceptance Rates13.97 %
21.59 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)41.15 %
1,130SAT Score1,480
25ACT Score34
63 %Graduation Rate94 %
21 %Transfer-out Rate-
85 %Retention Rate97 %
28,464Student Population2,241
2,149Number of Faculties268
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio7 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services