W&L Acceptance Rate

Washington and Lee University, located in Lexington, Virginia, is known for its highly selective undergraduate admissions process. For the most recent admission cycle (Class of 2028), the university reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 16.8%, reflecting its competitive nature. This selectivity is influenced by a growing applicant pool, with thousands of students vying for a limited number of spots each year, as well as the university’s strong academic reputation and personalized liberal arts education. Washington and Lee provides transparent admission statistics through its official website and the Common Data Set, offering prospective students reliable insights into their chances of admission.

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 16.8% for the Class of 2028, with around 7,200 applicants and approximately 1,210 admitted students, marking a slight decrease from the previous year.
• Early Decision Rate: Estimated at 40.0%, as early decision applicants often demonstrate strong commitment to the university, resulting in a higher acceptance rate compared to regular decision.
• International Student Rate: Specific data unavailable for the Class of 2028, but historically around 15.0%, reflecting the university’s global appeal and rigorous evaluation of international applicants.

Over the past few years, Washington and Lee University has seen increasing competitiveness in its admissions process, with acceptance rates trending downward due to a surge in applications. The Early Decision option plays a significant role, often yielding higher acceptance rates for committed applicants, while regular decision remains more competitive. International student admissions also contribute to the university’s selectivity, as global interest continues to rise. Compared to peer liberal arts colleges like Swarthmore or Amherst, Washington and Lee’s acceptance rate positions it as similarly selective, often falling within the 15-20% range. Prospective students are encouraged to explore detailed statistics on the university’s official admissions page or the Washington and Lee Admissions website for the most up-to-date information.