Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

University of Virginia-Main Campus vs Washington and Lee University

Charlottesville, VA · Lexington, VA · Source: IPEDS federal database

University of Virginia-Main CampusWashington and Lee University
Acceptance Rate16.9%17.4%
In-State Tuition$20,986$64,525
Out-of-State Tuition$58,014$64,525
Average Net Price$17,831$11,900
Graduation Rate95.0%95.0%

GradFax Analysis

Both are competitive to get into. University of Virginia-Main Campus accepts 16.9% of applicants; Washington and Lee University accepts 17.4%. University of Virginia-Main Campus's in-state tuition is $20,986. Washington and Lee University's is $64,525. That's a $43,539 difference per year. Six-year graduation rates are close: 95% at University of Virginia-Main Campus, 95% at Washington and Lee University.

Bottom Line

University of Virginia-Main Campus is public; Washington and Lee University is private. If you're an in-state student, University of Virginia-Main Campus will cost significantly less. Check the net price numbers above before deciding.

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →University of Virginia-Main Campus profileWashington and Lee University profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, University of Virginia-Main Campus or Washington and Lee University?

University of Virginia-Main Campus. It accepts 16.9% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is University of Virginia-Main Campus or Washington and Lee University more affordable?

University of Virginia-Main Campus has lower published tuition: $20,986 versus $64,525. Financial aid can flip this, so compare your actual award letters.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

Nearly the same. University of Virginia-Main Campus is at 95%; Washington and Lee University is at 95%.

Source: IPEDS

Data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Figures represent the most recent available academic year.

University of Virginia-Main Campus vs Washington and Lee University: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax