Head-to-head · 2026
University of Virginia's College at Wise vs Washington and Lee University
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for University of Virginia's College at Wise, 4 for Washington and Lee University — Washington and Lee University has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | University of Virginia's College at Wise | Washington and Lee University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 12.30 ✓ | 9.97 |
| Avg net price | $9,210 ✓ | $23,781 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $45,325 | $94,810 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 28.5% | 14% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 47.1% | 93.9% ✓ |
| Median debt | $16,750 ✓ | $19,500 |
| Enrollment | 1,101 | 1,881 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1050 | 1498 ✓ |
| Wins | 3 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Washington and Lee University costs $14,571 more per year than University of Virginia's College at Wise ($23,781 vs $9,210). Washington and Lee University graduates report $49,485 higher median earnings after ten years ($94,810 vs $45,325). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Virginia's College at Wise ahead on projected ROI (12.30 vs 9.97, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of Virginia's College at Wise) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, University of Virginia's College at Wise is selective at 28.5% acceptance versus 14% (highly competitive) at Washington and Lee University.
Frequently asked
University of Virginia's College at Wise vs Washington and Lee University, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of Virginia's College at Wise or Washington and Lee University the better value?
University of Virginia's College at Wise has the higher EduGradify ROI score (12.30 vs 9.97), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Virginia's College at Wise is cheaper — average net price $9,210 per year vs $23,781 at Washington and Lee University. The annual difference of $14,571 adds up to about $58,284 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Washington and Lee University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $94,810 vs $45,325 at University of Virginia's College at Wise. The annual gap in the federal data is $49,485.
Which school is harder to get into?
Washington and Lee University is more selective at 14% acceptance vs 28.5% at University of Virginia's College at Wise.
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's College at Wise reports a A value grade; Washington and Lee University reports B.
