Head-to-head · 2026
University of Virginia-Main Campus vs Washington and Lee University
Compare average net price ($21,565 at University of Virginia-Main Campus; $23,781 at Washington and Lee University), ROI score (10.07 vs 9.97), ten-year median earnings ($86,863 vs $94,810), and admissions selectivity (16.8% acceptance at University of Virginia-Main Campus; 14% at Washington and Lee University) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Virginia-Main Campus has a narrow 4-3 metric-level edge. The ROI scores are close, so aid letters, program fit, graduation rate and debt should decide the better fit.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | University of Virginia-Main Campus | Washington and Lee University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.07 ✓ | 9.97 |
| Avg net price | $21,565 ✓ | $23,781 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $86,863 | $94,810 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 16.8% | 14% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 95.6% ✓ | 93.9% |
| Median debt | $17,500 ✓ | $19,500 |
| Enrollment | 17,597 | 1,881 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1480 | 1498 ✓ |
| Metric advantages | 4 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Washington and Lee University costs $2,216 more per year than University of Virginia-Main Campus ($23,781 vs $21,565). Washington and Lee University graduates report $7,947 higher median earnings after ten years ($94,810 vs $86,863). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Virginia-Main Campus ahead on projected ROI (10.07 vs 9.97, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of Virginia-Main Campus) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, University of Virginia-Main Campus is selective at 16.8% acceptance versus 14% (highly competitive) at Washington and Lee University.
Frequently asked
University of Virginia-Main Campus vs Washington and Lee University, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of Virginia-Main Campus or Washington and Lee University the better value?
University of Virginia-Main Campus has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.07 vs 9.97), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Virginia-Main Campus is cheaper — average net price $21,565 per year vs $23,781 at Washington and Lee University. The annual difference of $2,216 adds up to about $8,864 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Washington and Lee University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $94,810 vs $86,863 at University of Virginia-Main Campus. The annual gap in the federal data is $7,947.
Which school is harder to get into?
Washington and Lee University is more selective at 14% acceptance vs 16.8% at University of Virginia-Main Campus.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. University of Virginia-Main Campus reports a B value grade; Washington and Lee University reports B.