Washington and Lee University — ROI, Cost & Payback
Washington and Lee University charges a net price of $23,781/yr after aid — a 4-year total of $95,124. Graduates earn a median $94,810 ten years after entry, $46,450/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline, clearing the total in 2 years — a 20-year net return of $833,876, a strong payback — the degree clears its cost fast. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
Washington and Lee University's 2-year payback ranks #79 of 1,280 US colleges we track — better ROI than 94% of them, and #1 of 81 in Virginia.
| Measure | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Net price (after aid) | $23,781/yr | Scorecard, 2026 |
| Total net cost (4 yrs) | $95,124 | our math |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry | $94,810 | Scorecard, 2026 |
| Earnings premium over HS baseline | $46,450/yr | our math |
| Median debt (completers) | $19,500 | Scorecard, 2026 |
| Payback | 2 yrs | our math |
| 20-year net return | $833,876 | our math |
College Scorecard (2026 release), institution-level · payback and returns are our math.
The arithmetic, on Washington and Lee University's own numbers. Net price $23,781 × 4 years = $95,124 total. Median earnings $94,810 − the $48,360 high-school baseline = $46,450 a year of premium. $95,124 ÷ $46,450 = 2 years to break even; twenty years of that premium minus the cost leaves $833,876. Future dollars are not discounted, and the earnings figure blends every major here — your programme can beat or miss it. Full method.
How much debt do Washington and Lee University students graduate with?
A median $19,500 in federal loans among completers, or 21% of the $94,810 its graduates earn ten years out — our math. The figure excludes private loans and students who left before finishing.
What share of Washington and Lee University students graduate?
94% finish their degree. Spread the $95,124 bill across that completion rate and the cohort pays $101,196 per graduate produced — our math, and the figure a payback number never shows.
Is Washington and Lee University expensive compared with other Virginia colleges?
Its $23,781 net price runs $4,715 above the $19,066 median across the 81 Virginia colleges we profile, or $18,860 more across the full degree.