Washington Lee
Tradition. Liberal Arts. Leadership. Lexington.
📍 Lexington, United States 🇺🇸
🏆 #21 in United States
Quick Facts about Washington Lee
- Founded: 1749
- Type: Private Non-Profit
- Students: 2,223
- Campus: Rural
- Tuition: $61,750 – $71,365/year
- Language: English
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
- Intakes: August, September, January
About Washington Lee
Academics
W&L offers a robust liberal arts curriculum, complemented by nationally accredited programs in business, journalism, education, and law. The university is divided into three academic units: The College, the Williams School of Commerce, Economics, and Politics, and the School of Law. Popular undergraduate majors include Business Administration and Management, Economics, and Accounting. With no graduate programs outside of law, all undergraduate courses are taught by faculty members, fostering a low student-to-faculty ratio.
International Students
Washington and Lee welcomes international students from around the globe, with approximately 7% of the student body identifying as international. The Center for International Education provides comprehensive support services, including visa advising, assistance with work authorization, taxes, and cultural adjustment. While specific data on English-taught programs isn't highlighted, the university's rigorous academic environment ensures international students are well-prepared. W&L also offers a Friendship Family Program to help international students integrate into the local community.
Campus & Location
W&L's 325-acre campus is nestled in Lexington, Virginia, a historic town in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, situated between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. Lexington offers a charming, small-town atmosphere with abundant opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking, as well as cultural attractions. The campus itself features modern academic, residential, athletic, and arts facilities.
Career Outcomes
Washington and Lee emphasizes career preparation, with a Career and Professional Development Office that offers personalized advising, career exploration programs, and skill development workshops. W&L graduates demonstrate strong outcomes, with many securing meaningful employment and gaining acceptance into top graduate and law schools. For instance, the School of Law consistently reports high employment rates for its graduates, with a significant percentage entering clerkships or law firms. International students can also receive guidance on Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) for internships and post-graduation work opportunities in the U.S.
Information for International Students at Washington Lee
Washington Lee in Lexington, United States welcomes international students.
- Visa support available
- On-campus work allowed
- Student housing available
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: English
Admissions Requirements for Washington Lee
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Washington Lee:
- GPA minimum: 3.85
- Selectivity: Very Selective (<20%)
- Application deadline: January 1
Programs at Washington Lee (15 programs)
Washington Lee offers 15 programs across Bachelor, Master levels.
Bachelor Programs (11)
- Accounting (BS) — 48 months · English · $65,600/yr
The Accounting program provides a strong foundation in financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and managerial accounting, preparing students for careers in public accounting, corporate finance, and government.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Auditor, Tax Accountant, Financial Analyst, Management Consultant - Biology (BS) — 48 months · English · $65,600/yr · STEM
The Biology program offers a comprehensive study of living organisms, from molecular and cellular processes to ecology and evolution, with opportunities for hands-on research.
Field: Natural Sciences
Career outcomes: Research Scientist, Biotechnologist, Environmental Consultant, Healthcare Professional - English (BA) — 48 months · English · $65,600/yr
This program explores literature, language, and writing, developing strong analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills through the study of diverse texts and authors.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Writer, Editor, Journalist, Educator - History (BA) — 48 months · English · $65,600/yr
The History program examines past events, societies, and cultures, fostering critical analysis, research, and interpretive skills essential for understanding the present.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Historian, Archivist, Museum Professional, Policy Advisor - Politics (BA) — 48 months · English · $65,600/yr
This program examines political systems, theories, and behaviors, both domestically and internationally, fostering an understanding of governance, public policy, and international relations.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Policy Analyst, Lobbyist, Diplomat, Campaign Manager - Art History (BA) — 48 months · English · $65,600/yr
This program explores the history of art and visual culture across diverse periods and geographies, developing critical thinking, visual analysis, and research skills.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Museum Curator, Art Critic, Gallery Manager, Archivist - Computer Science (BS) — 48 months · English · $65,600/yr · STEM
This program focuses on the theoretical foundations of computation and practical applications, including programming, algorithms, data structures, and software development.
Field: Computer Science
Career outcomes: Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst, Web Developer - Chemistry (BS) — 48 months · English · $65,600/yr · STEM
The Chemistry program covers fundamental chemical principles, including organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical chemistry, with extensive laboratory experience and research opportunities.
Field: Natural Sciences
Career outcomes: Chemist, Pharmacist, Materials Scientist, Forensic Scientist - Journalism (BA) — 48 months · English · $65,600/yr
This program trains students in the principles and practices of journalism, including reporting, writing, editing, and media ethics, across various platforms.
Field: Communication
Career outcomes: Journalist, Reporter, Editor, Public Relations Specialist - Theater (BA) — 48 months · English · $65,600/yr
The Theater program offers comprehensive training in acting, directing, design, and technical theater, combining theoretical study with practical experience in stage productions.
Field: Arts
Career outcomes: Actor, Director, Stage Manager - Economics (BS) — 48 months · English · $65,600/yr
The Economics program analyzes how societies allocate scarce resources, covering microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and various specialized fields.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Economist, Financial Analyst, Policy Analyst, Market Researcher
Master Programs (4)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) (MBA) — 21 months · English · $65,000/yr
The MBA program provides advanced business education, focusing on leadership, strategic management, finance, marketing, and operations, preparing graduates for senior management roles.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: CEO, Consultant, Financial Manager, Marketing Director - Juris Doctor (JD) (JD) — 36 months · English · $60,000/yr
The JD program provides comprehensive legal education, covering constitutional law, contracts, torts, property, and criminal law, preparing students for careers in law.
Field: Law
Career outcomes: Attorney, Judge, Legal Counsel, Public Defender - Master of Business Administration (MBA) (MBA) — 21 months · English · $65,000/yr
The MBA program provides advanced business education, focusing on leadership, strategic management, finance, marketing, and operations, preparing graduates for senior management roles.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: CEO, Consultant, Financial Manager, Marketing Director - Juris Doctor (JD) (JD) — 36 months · English · $60,000/yr
The JD program provides comprehensive legal education, covering constitutional law, contracts, torts, property, and criminal law, preparing students for careers in law.
Field: Law
Career outcomes: Attorney, Judge, Legal Counsel, Public Defender
Scholarships & Tuition at Washington Lee
Annual tuition for international students: $61,750 – $71,365/year
✅ Washington Lee offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of Washington Lee
- National Ranking: #21 in United States
- Ranking tier: Research University
Campus & Facilities at Washington Lee
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Rural
- Average class size: 15
Key Highlights
- Oldest US higher education institution
- Strong liberal arts curriculum
- Small student-to-faculty ratio
- Scenic Lexington, Virginia campus
- Excellent career preparation
Accreditation
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Teacher Education Accreditation Council
Notable Alumni
- Tom Wolfe
- Lewis F. Powell Jr.
- Roger Mudd
- Cy Twombly
- Matt Bevin
Frequently Asked Questions about Washington Lee
What is Washington Lee?
Washington Lee is a private non-profit university located in Lexington, United States, founded in 1749. It has approximately 2,223 students.
How much does it cost to study at Washington Lee?
Tuition fees at Washington Lee for international students range from $61,750 – $71,365/year. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for Washington Lee?
GPA minimum: 3.85. Selectivity: Very Selective (<20%). Application deadline: January 1.
What language are courses taught in at Washington Lee?
Courses at Washington Lee are taught in English.
How many programs does Washington Lee offer?
Washington Lee offers 15 programs: 11 Bachelor's, 4 Master's, and 0 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is Washington Lee ranked?
#21 in United States.
Does Washington Lee offer scholarships?
Yes, Washington Lee offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does Washington Lee provide visa support?
Yes, Washington Lee provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available. On-campus work opportunities are available.
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