The W&L Difference
More than just a top liberal arts college
Students are drawn to W&L for many reasons. Some decide to attend because of our small size and personal attention; others will say it’s our academic reputation or the breadth and depth of our curriculum. Still others are drawn to our scenic location or the strength and quality of our community.
Whatever their reason, once here, students find a place to grow personally and intellectually, unlock opportunities and prepare for the future. W&L students hold each other to the highest standard of integrity, united by the student-run Honor System. They graduate prepared to meet the world’s challenges as ethical leaders, visionary thinkers and compassionate citizens, with a network of support, lifelong friendships and a degree that opens professional doors.
The Best of Both Worlds
Transformative Education
As a small, private liberal arts university with established undergraduate programs in business, economics, politics, entrepreneurship, journalism, strategic communication, and engineering, as well as a graduate law school, Washington and Lee combines the advantages of a small liberal arts college with the opportunities of a research university. Our expansive curriculum encourages students to explore a variety of subjects and make connections between them.
Bringing Learning to Life
Impactful Experiences
While our distinctive curriculum gives students academic options not available at other schools of our size, the full W&L experience extends beyond the classroom. It includes opportunities that have been proven to have significant educational impact, including internships or field experience, service-learning, research with faculty, and capstone projects.
A Place Like No Other
Engaged Community
When students and alumni describe what makes Washington and Lee special, they invariably mention the community. Our Speaking Tradition is indicative of the open, friendly atmosphere on campus, where community members and visitors are greeted with a friendly hello. Our student-run Honor System creates trust between students and faculty, who take each other at their word. Exams are self-scheduled and unproctored and most buildings are open to students 24 hours a day. Our small size and extensive resources ensure that students can take advantage of a world of academic, athletic and extracurricular activities regardless of their major, and have access to a strong support system to help them succeed in whatever they choose to do.
Non in Cautus Futuri
Lives of Consequence
W&L’s motto, “not unmindful of the future,” underlies the University’s commitment to providing a liberal arts education that is vital and relevant in the 21st century. By combining the benefits of a liberal arts foundation with emerging technologies and interdisciplinary perspectives, our students head into life after college equipped with the habits of mind, strength of character and essential knowledge needed to pursue lives of consequence.
