Washington and Lee University
Lexington, United States • Founded 1749 • World Rank #2834
Overview
Established in 1749, the Washington and Lee University is a non-profit private liberal arts higher education institution located in the rural setting of the medium town of Lexington (population range of 2,500-9,999 inhabitants), Virginia.
Officially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Washington and Lee University (WLU) is a small-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Washington and Lee University (WLU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 275-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 10-19% making this US higher education organization an extremely selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
WLU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Washington and Lee University's contact information and physical address — the basics you'll want before applying or visiting. Bookmark this page as a single reference point during the application cycle.
Academic Details
Washington and Lee University's academic profile in numbers — useful for sizing the institution against your shortlist. Each figure links to a different facet of how the institution operates day to day.
Academic Structures
Washington and Lee University's academic backbone. Endowed schools (named after donors) may differ from general units in funding levels, scholarships available, and curriculum focus.
Unit 3 items
- College
- School of Law
- Williams School
Programs Offered
Washington and Lee University's programme list, with search and degree-level grouping. Search matches programme names; if you don't see your subject, check the divisions section to locate the relevant faculty.
Bachelor's Degree
34 programmes
Washington and Lee University delivers 34 programmes at bachelor's level, the qualifications school-leavers most commonly apply to as their first step into higher education.
Economics Economics
Medieval and Renaissance Studies Liberal Arts
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Religion/Religious Studies Philosophy & Ethics
Chemistry Chemistry
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Research and Experimental Psychology Psychology
Mathematics Mathematics
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology and Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
History History
Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Area Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Journalism Journalism
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Public Relations
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Engineering, General General Engineering
Engineering Physics General Engineering
Engineering Science General Engineering
East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Neurobiology and Neurosciences Neuroscience
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Professional Doctorate
1 programme
Washington and Lee University offers 1 programme at doctoral level — the highest academic tier, centred on original research that contributes new knowledge to a field.
Law Law
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Washington and Lee University
The standard application path for Washington and Lee University, broken into five practical steps with the documents and channels you will need at each stage.
- 1 Identify the right programme
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Washington and Lee University offers 35 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
- 2 Check entry requirements
Each programme at Washington and Lee University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
- 3 Prepare your application documents
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
- 4 Submit via the institution
Apply directly via Washington and Lee University's online portal at www.wlu.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
- 5 Get in touch with admissions
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (540) 458 8400. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Washington and Lee University
Frequently asked questions about Washington and Lee University, covering the institutional basics most prospective applicants want to confirm first.
In what year was Washington and Lee University established?
Washington and Lee University was founded in 1749 (approximately 277 years ago).
Where is Washington and Lee University located?
Washington and Lee University is located in Lexington, United States.
Is Washington and Lee University public or private?
It is a private higher-education institution.
What is the student enrolment at Washington and Lee University?
Student enrolment at Washington and Lee University is around 2,000-2,999.
How is Washington and Lee University ranked?
Washington and Lee University holds rank #2834 globally and #328 in United States.
How many faculties does Washington and Lee University have?
The institution comprises 3 academic units.
Is Washington and Lee University officially recognised?
Yes, Washington and Lee University is recognised by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
What is Washington and Lee University's official website?
The institution's website is www.wlu.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Top universities in the United States typically offer the most generous institutional scholarships. Washington and Lee University's scholarship range relative to these benchmarks reflects funding capacity.
Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Student exchange agreements within National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) formalise mobility opportunities. The universities below typically have dedicated exchange slots reserved for students from Washington and Lee University.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Looking at higher education options close to Washington and Lee University? These nearby campuses share similar academic structures and may suit students prioritising proximity to home or family. Regional ties also affect access to internships and local employer networks.
Where Else to Study Linguistics & Language Studies
For students considering Linguistics & Language Studies, these the United States institutions deliver the discipline alongside Washington and Lee University. Look beyond programme names to compare module content, assessment methods, and stated graduate outcomes.
Universities Often Compared with Washington and Lee University
Selectivity rates (acceptance percentage) cluster around Washington and Lee University for the peer institutions below. Selectivity is one of the more stable signals of institutional positioning over time.
