Washington and Lee University
Get to know W&L
School Profile
College Town campus setting
1,912 undergraduate students
369 graduate students
499 first-year students
12% first-generation students
Students hail from 50 U.S. states and territories and 55 countries
Admissions
Academics
Introduction to W&L
Think freely, creatively, and humanely
That’s the heart of the academic experience at Washington and Lee University. W&L empowers you to own your perspective, explore boldly across disciplines, and find unexpected connections along the way. With a flexible curriculum and supportive faculty, you’ll chart your own intellectual path.
W&L includes an undergraduate College of Arts and Sciences, the Williams School of Commerce, Economics, and Politics—one of only two fully-accredited business programs among QuestBridge partner liberal arts colleges—and a graduate School of Law. You’ll apply once to W&L and gain access to all undergraduate programs.
W&L offers a fully in-house, four year Engineering Program ending with a Bachelor of Science, and are on track for ABET accreditation for the class of 2030. You’ll also find distinctive interdisciplinary programs that span the arts, 12 world languages, sciences, business, and law—like Africana Studies, Data Science, Entrepreneurship, Ethics, and Law, Justice, and Society—or programs focused on social equity such as Poverty Studies, Southern Race Relations, and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.
Think globally, learn deeply
Whether you’re studying abroad or conducting research with a professor, you’ll develop the habits of a curious, critical thinker—someone ready to tackle big questions with nuance and creativity. Each year, a four-week immersive Spring Term invites you to focus intensely on a single course, designed by faculty to explore their most engaging and imaginative ideas.
Live with honor, integrity, and respect
W&L’s student-run honor system is central to campus life. You'll take unproctored exams and submit independent work, building relationships on a foundation of mutual trust and respect. You’ll engage every person and idea with curiosity and openness, qualities that are hallmarks of the W&L community.
Learn for life
W&L students graduate with more than knowledge—they leave with adaptable skills for a rapidly changing world. You'll sharpen how you analyze problems, test solutions, and communicate with clarity—skills that transcend industries and job titles, even those yet to be invented.
Lead with purpose
At W&L, leadership is grounded in service, civility, and community. You’ll be supported by a university committed to equity, sustainability, and access. That includes no-loan financial aid for all admitted students. You'll join a tight-knit campus in Lexington, Virginia, and become part of a 32,000-strong alumni network eager to support and mentor the next generation.
See what's possible after W&L
Outcomes speak for themselves: 94% of graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. Over the past five years, W&L students have been accepted to law school at an average rate of 87%, and to medical school at an average rate of 92%. Whether your path leads to business, medicine, public service, the arts, or beyond, you’ll leave W&L with lasting connections and prepared for whatever comes next.
Explore more
As you research QuestBridge partner colleges, W&L hopse you’ll discover a place that challenges, supports, and inspires you. To learn more, consider applying to W&L’s fly-in program, or connect with a QuestBridge Admissions Coordinator.
W&L was ranked #1 in the nation by the 2025 Princeton Review for "Best Classroom Experience" and "Great Financial Aid".
W&L's 98% first-year retention rate is the highest amongst all liberal arts colleges in the nation.
Explore W&L through photos