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Transformative Education

Washington and Lee’s innovative curriculum encourages students to explore a variety of subjects and make connections between them.

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Impactful Experiences

The Washington and Lee experience extends beyond the classroom to opportunities that have been proven to have a significant educational impact, including internships, service-learning, research with faculty, and study abroad.

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Engaged Community

When W&L students and alumni describe what makes Washington and Lee special, they invariably mention the community.

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Lives of Consequence

Washington and Lee students graduate equipped with the habits of mind, strength of character, and essential knowledge needed to pursue lives of consequence.

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Why W&L

ÄûÃÊÊÓÆµ is a small liberal arts university nestled in the mountains of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. We are committed to providing a highly personalized academic experience, making our education affordable for all students, and preparing our graduates for lives of personal fulfillment and professional success.

Access and Affordability

Washington and Lee’s dedication to access and affordability is reflected in its generous need-based financial aid and merit-based scholarships. The university is need-blind for all undergraduate students and guarantees to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need with aid packages that do not include loans. Through the W&L Promise, students with an annual household income of less than $150,000 pay no tuition, and those with an annual household income of less than $75,000 pay no tuition, room or board.

In addition to need-based aid, the Johnson Scholarship Program awards merit-based, full tuition, room and board scholarships to roughly 10% of each incoming class.

Academic Opportunities

Solving problems in today’s world requires bringing ideas and people together in unexpected ways. At W&L, students cultivate their intellectual curiosity in small classes with the guidance of faculty mentors who teach them to collaborate, ask difficult questions and discover meaningful connections across academic disciplines.

Our expansive liberal arts curriculum is amplified by nationally accredited programs in business, journalism, education and law. The unusual breadth of educational opportunities we offer encourages exploration and discovery. Students have abundant options for in-depth and experiential learning, including our immersive four-week Spring Term.

Post-Graduate Success

A W&L education develops versatile, necessary skills like critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and effective communication that prepare students not only for their first job after college but for every job they’ll have in their careers.

From the moment students arrive on campus, they have opportunities for one-on-one advising, career exploration trips, and skill development workshops. We offer funding for students to pursue internships, research opportunities, and professional conferences, and our loyal alumni network opens doors for graduates in cities and industries around the world.

The results speak for themselves. Over the past decade, an average of 96% of graduates were employed or attending graduate school within six months of graduation.

Beautiful Setting

Nestled in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, Washington and Lee is located in Lexington, Virginia — just three hours from D.C., and a quick drive from Roanoke. It’s a small town with a big personality, offering the best of both worlds: space to focus, and endless ways to get involved.

There are abundant opportunities to connect with the local community through hands-on learning and service, while also exploring the outdoors year-round. Hike to the summit of House Mountain, kayak the Maury River, or take part in excursions through our Outing Club—one of the most popular organizations on campus.

Life in Lexington means fewer distractions, more adventure, and a community that feels like home. Many students come for the education—and leave with a lifelong connection to the town.


Explore Our Curriculum

Undergraduate Experience


The Campaign for Washington and Lee

Leading Lives of Consequence

Leading Lives of Consequence celebrates Washington and Lee’s ideals and represents a powerful investment in current and future students who will carry those values forward. This campaign funds critical priorities that will allow the transformative power of a W&L education to endure for generations to come.

Scene on Campus

Scene on Campus is a frequently updated collection of candid photos highlighting W&L campus life.


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Every day at W&L our community comes together to research to mentor to collaborate to learn.