Academic Comparison between Virginia Tech and W&L

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and Washington and Lee University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Virginia Tech is a four-year, public school located in Blacksburg, 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.

  • Virginia Tech 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 Virginia Tech ($37,764).
  • It is harder to admit to W&L than Virginia Tech.
  • W&L has a higher submitted SAT score (1,360) than Virginia Tech (1,360).
  • W&L has higher submitted ACT score (30) than Virginia Tech (30).
  • Virginia Tech has more students with 38,857 students while W&L has 2,241 students.
  • W&L has a lower number of students per faculty with 7 to 1 while Virginia Tech's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • Virginia Tech has more full-time faculties with 2,219 faculties while W&L has 268 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State Universityvs.Washington and Lee University
Blacksburg, 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$15,948
Out-Of-State$37,764
2025 Tuition & Fees$68,045
52%% Receiving Financial Aid65%
$10,993Average Amount of Financial Aid$58,158
54.78 %Acceptance Rates13.97 %
25.35 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)41.15 %
1,360SAT Score1,480
30ACT Score34
86 %Graduation Rate94 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
93 %Retention Rate97 %
38,857Student Population2,241
2,219Number 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 servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services