About Washington and Lee University
Founded in 1749, Washington and Lee University is named for two of the most influential men in American history: George Washington, whose generous endowment of $20,000 in 1796 helped the fledgling school (then known as Liberty Hall Academy) survive, and Robert E. Lee, whose presidency and innovative leadership brought the University into the national limelight.
The University is located in the historic city of Lexington (population 7,000) in the Great Valley of Virginia about three hours southwest of Washington, D.C. W&L’s 35 principal buildings include the picturesque Washington College group forming the Colonnade facing Lee Chapel, where Robert E. Lee is buried. The Colonnade and Lee Chapel are National Historic Landmarks. New or recently renovated buildings include the John W. Elrod University Commons, the journalism department's Reid Hall, the Doremus fitness center and Wilson Hall, the fine arts and music center.
Academic Divisions
Washington and Lee comprises two undergraduate divisions, the College and the Williams School of Commerce, Economics, and Politics; and a graduate School of Law. The undergraduate institution offers 39 majors and more than 1,100 courses—an enviable curriculum for a school of only 1,770 undergraduate students. W&L also features the only fully-accredited business school and fully-accredited journalism program among the nation's top-tier liberal arts colleges.
The School of Law, one of the smallest nationally recognized legal programs in the country at about 400 students, has its own dean and faculty. It offers both the Juris Doctor degree and the Master of Laws degree in United States Law for international law graduates.
Other facts:
- W&L is the ninth oldest college in the country.
- W&L’s students live in 48 states and the District of Columbia and hold citizenships in 47 other countries.
- Eighty percent of the students were in the top 10 percent of their high school class.
- The mid-50 percent range for SAT scores is 1330-1450
- More than 50 percent of W&L students study abroad during their four years here.
- More than $30 million of aid is awarded each year.
- About 63 percent of all students receive some type of financial aid.