204 W. Washington Street
Lexington, VA 24450-2116

Washington and Lee University is a private four-year liberal arts college located in the historic city of Lexington, Virginia. This Virginia university was founded in 1749 and is named for two of the most notable men in history, George Washington and Robert E. Lee. The University was ranked #15 among best liberal arts colleges according to US News and World Report's Americas Best Colleges of 2008.

With about 39 Undergraduate majors and programs ranging from journalism to neuroscience, this institution boasts a diverse range of opportunities for all students.

The rural campus at Washington and Lee University includes roughly 35 principal buildings located only about three hours from Washington D.C. Among them are The Lenfest Center for the Arts; a state of the art visual and performing arts complex, where Studio Art, Art History, Music and Theatre majors frequent often. There are two major undergraduate divisions at Washington and Lee. The College of Arts and Sciences is a division of the university which includes the journalism program, the only one of its kind at a national ranked liberal arts institution and the other is Williams School of Commerce, Economics and Politics.

Not only does Washington and Lee offer notable academic programs, but also a unique athletic program for students as well. With about 23 co-ed varsity sports that all compete at the NCAA Division III level, such as tennis, soccer, riding and baseball, students can enhance and diversify their athletic skills.

Quick Facts:

Student Undergraduate enrollment at Washington and Lee University is about 1,777, which represents about 40 states and 11 foreign countries. About 14% of undergraduates come from Virginia, with large numbers of students arriving from Maryland, Texas, Georgia, New York, Pennsylvania and California.

The average class size is 16 students, and more than one-fourth of all classes have no more than 10 students. The student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1.

Full-time Faculty is about 173 virtually all of whom hold the Ph.D. degree or equivalent earned doctoral degree

In 2008 a $100 million gift from an anonymous alumnus as well as the generosity of numerous individuals and corporations have resulted in the Johnson Scholarship Program, a competitive program which allows a percentage of the incoming class with at least tuition, room and board.

Washington and Lee University has received a $1.3 million grant from the prestigious Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) to support the University's undergraduate biological sciences programs. W&L was one of only 48 institutions out of 192 applicants to receive a grant.












This school profile has been compiled and updated by The CollegeBound Network. The school is not affiliated with The CollegeBound Network and shall not be considered a sponsor of this program.