Ninth-oldest US college blending rigorous liberal arts with accredited business, journalism, and law programs.
Washington and Lee integrates a rigorous liberal arts curriculum with nationally accredited undergraduate programs in business, journalism, and engineering, plus a graduate School of Law. The College offers 37 majors and 42 minors across humanities, sciences, social sciences, and fine arts. The Williams School of Commerce, Economics, and Politics provides business education within a liberal arts framework. Students benefit from a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, personal mentorship, and a distinctive 12-12-4 academic calendar featuring a four-week Spring Term for immersive, often off-campus learning. Interdisciplinary study is encouraged, with 41% of students majoring or minoring in both the College and Williams School.
The 430-acre campus sits at the edge of Lexington in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, featuring the historic Colonnade and University Chapel as National Historic Landmarks. Recent investments include an undergraduate library, gymnasium, art/music/theater complex, student center, and renovated fraternity and sorority houses. The Lenfest Center for the Arts (1991) hosts performances; the Reeves Center houses a notable 4,000-year ceramics collection. Students engage through 24 varsity athletic teams (NCAA Division III), the Outing Club, fraternities and sororities, and a student-run Honor System dating to the 1840s that emphasizes self-governance and integrity.
Washington and Lee practices need-blind admissions for all undergraduate applicants and guarantees to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need without loans. The W&L Promise provides full tuition coverage for households under $75,000 and tuition-only coverage for those under $150,000. The Johnson Scholarship Program awards merit-based full-ride scholarships (tuition, room, board) to approximately 10% of each incoming class. The university's endowment stands at $2.19 billion (2025), supporting generous financial aid and merit scholarships.
Over the past decade, an average of 96% of W&L graduates were employed or attending graduate school within six months of graduation. The university provides one-on-one advising, career exploration trips, skill development workshops, and funding for internships, research, and professional conferences. A loyal alumni network opens doors for graduates across industries and cities worldwide. The campus community emphasizes the 'Speaking Tradition'—a friendly, open atmosphere—and the student-run Honor System fosters trust and personal accountability.