Washington and Lee University vs Chamberlain University-Virginia: which has better ROI?
Washington and Lee University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $95,124 in 2 years versus 3 years at Chamberlain University-Virginia, on median earnings of $94,810 vs $92,405 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Washington and Lee University | Chamberlain University-Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $23,781 | $33,199 |
| Total net cost | $95,124 | $132,796 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $94,810 | $92,405 |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $20,919 |
| Payback | 2 yrs | 3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $833,876 | $748,104 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Washington and Lee University or Chamberlain University-Virginia?
Washington and Lee University, at $23,781 a year after aid versus $33,199 — a gap of $9,418 a year, or $37,672 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Washington and Lee University or Chamberlain University-Virginia graduates earn more?
Washington and Lee University graduates report a median $94,810 ten years after entry, $2,405 more than the $92,405 at Chamberlain University-Virginia. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Washington and Lee University or Chamberlain University-Virginia?
Washington and Lee University: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $20,919 at Chamberlain University-Virginia, a difference of $1,419. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
100% of students finish at Chamberlain University-Virginia, against 94% at Washington and Lee University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.