Academic Comparison between VSU and W&L

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

  • VSU 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 VSU ($22,650).
  • It is harder to admit to W&L than VSU.
  • W&L has a higher submitted SAT score (945) than VSU (945).
  • W&L has higher submitted ACT score (18) than VSU (18).
  • VSU has more students with 5,605 students while W&L has 2,241 students.
  • W&L has a lower number of students per faculty with 7 to 1 while VSU's ratio is 13 to 1.
  • VSU has more full-time faculties with 313 faculties while W&L has 268 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Virginia State Universityvs.Washington and Lee University
Petersburg, VirginiaLocationLexington, Virginia
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (medium programs)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Arts & Sciences
In-State$10,043
Out-Of-State$22,650
2025 Tuition & Fees$68,045
91%% Receiving Financial Aid65%
$15,647Average Amount of Financial Aid$58,158
88.63 %Acceptance Rates13.97 %
14.27 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)41.15 %
945SAT Score1,480
18ACT Score34
39 %Graduation Rate94 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
69 %Retention Rate97 %
5,605Student Population2,241
313Number of Faculties268
13 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio7 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, 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