The average acceptance rate at W&L over the past 10 years is 20.10%, and the most recent acceptance rate is 13.97%. Compared to the previous year, it became slightly more competitive to gain admission to W&L in 2025. W&L is highly selective, and gaining admission is challenging for most applicants.
The average yield (enrollment rate) over the period is 39.08%, and the 2025 yield is 41.15%. Overall, the yield has increased by 16.38% from 2015 to 2025.
The number of W&L applicants increased by 20.43% (1,393 applicants) compared to the previous year. Over the entire 10-year period, applicants increased by 52.74% overall.
Key Takeaways: W&L Admission Metrics
Acceptance Rate Overview
The current acceptance rate for the 2025 admission cycle is 13.97%, representing an increasingly selective admissions process. This indicates that W&L has become more competitive over the past decade, as the institution receives a growing number of applications while maintaining or reducing the number of admitted students.
Yield Rate & Enrollment Patterns
The admission yield (the percentage of admitted students who enroll) for the 2025 academic year is 41.15%. This rising yield trend demonstrates that W&L is increasingly successful at converting admitted students into enrolled students. An increasing yield rate suggests stronger student preference for W&L and indicates that the institution's admitted class quality and perceived value continue to improve.
Application Volume & Admission Trends
For the 2025 admission cycle, W&L received approximately 8,213 applications, admitted 1,147 students, and enrolled 472 students. The rising application volume trend indicates that W&L is attracting an increasing number of prospective students over time. This growth in applications typically reflects enhanced institutional visibility, improved marketing initiatives, or increasing perceived value in the higher education market.
Acceptance Rate Changes
W&L 10-Year Admission Rate Summary: The acceptance rate trends at W&L over the past decade show a relatively stable trend, with fluctuations in both directions. The average acceptance rate over this period is 20.10%, while the most recent rate stands at 13.97%. This data reflects the institution's evolving competitiveness in the higher education admissions landscape.
For the most recent admission cycle (2025), the acceptance rate is 13.97%. By gender, the average acceptance rate for men is 19.44% and for women is 20.66%.
The following table and chart show how acceptance rates at W&L have changed over the past 10 years (2015-2025).
Admission Yield (Enrollment Rate) Changes
W&L has demonstrated an improvement in admission yield over the past 10 years. The institution's yield rate has increased from 35.36% in 2015 to 41.15% in 2025, representing a 16.38% increase. The 10-year average yield stands at 39.08%, reflecting strengthening enrollment performance.
The following table and chart illustrate the changes in yield at W&L from 2015 to 2025. The admission yield has increased by 16.38% over this period.
Applicants, Admitted, and Enrolled Headcount Changes
Over the past 10 years, The average number of applicants is 6,184, the average number of admitted is 1,211, and the average number of first-year enrolled students is 473.
The number of W&L applicants increased by 20.43% (1,393 applicants) compared to the previous year. Over the entire 10-year period, applicants increased by 52.74% overall.
The following table and chart show the changes of applicants, admitted, and enrolled headcount at Washington and Lee University from 2015 to 2025.
Compare Acceptance Rate Change to Similar Colleges
The following table compares Washington and Lee University' acceptance rate to similar schools.