Academic Comparison between W & M and W&L

William & Mary and Washington and Lee University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. W & M is a four-year, public school located in Williamsburg, 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.

  • W & M 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 W & M ($51,038).
  • It is harder to admit to W&L than W & M.
  • W&L has a higher submitted SAT score (1,470) than W & M (1,470).
  • W&L has higher submitted ACT score (33) than W & M (33).
  • W & M has more students with 9,818 students while W&L has 2,241 students.
  • W&L has a lower number of students per faculty with 7 to 1 while W & M's ratio is 12 to 1.
  • W & M has more full-time faculties with 689 faculties while W&L has 268 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

William & Maryvs.Washington and Lee University
Williamsburg, VirginiaLocationLexington, Virginia
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Arts & Sciences
In-State$25,734
Out-Of-State$51,038
2025 Tuition & Fees$68,045
50%% Receiving Financial Aid65%
$23,152Average Amount of Financial Aid$58,158
34.07 %Acceptance Rates13.97 %
26.62 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)41.15 %
1,470SAT Score1,480
33ACT Score34
89 %Graduation Rate94 %
7 %Transfer-out Rate-
95 %Retention Rate97 %
9,818Student Population2,241
689Number of Faculties268
12 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 services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services