Head-to-head · 2026
Virginia Military Institute vs Washington and Lee University
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 2 wins for Virginia Military Institute, 5 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 | Virginia Military Institute | Washington and Lee University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 11.30 ✓ | 9.97 |
| Avg net price | $17,113 ✓ | $23,781 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $77,369 | $94,810 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 71.3% | 14% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 76.2% | 93.9% ✓ |
| Median debt | $22,996 | $19,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 1,527 | 1,881 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1244 | 1498 ✓ |
| Wins | 2 | 5 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Washington and Lee University costs $6,668 more per year than Virginia Military Institute ($23,781 vs $17,113). Washington and Lee University graduates report $17,441 higher median earnings after ten years ($94,810 vs $77,369). On EduGradify's model that puts Virginia Military Institute ahead on projected ROI (11.30 vs 9.97, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Virginia Military Institute) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Virginia Military Institute is accessible at 71.3% acceptance versus 14% (highly competitive) at Washington and Lee University.
Frequently asked
Virginia Military Institute vs Washington and Lee University, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Virginia Military Institute or Washington and Lee University the better value?
Virginia Military Institute has the higher EduGradify ROI score (11.30 vs 9.97), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Virginia Military Institute is cheaper — average net price $17,113 per year vs $23,781 at Washington and Lee University. The annual difference of $6,668 adds up to about $26,672 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Washington and Lee University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $94,810 vs $77,369 at Virginia Military Institute. The annual gap in the federal data is $17,441.
Which school is harder to get into?
Washington and Lee University is more selective at 14% acceptance vs 71.3% at Virginia Military Institute.
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. Virginia Military Institute reports a A value grade; Washington and Lee University reports B.