Incredible opportunity
for those with
incredible potential.

Why W&L

Washington and Lee University is a small liberal arts college nestled in the Virginia mountains. We are known for our personal and engaging undergraduate experience and highly regarded School of Law.

W&L Advantage

Founded in 1749, W&L is the 9th oldest college in the United States, even older than the U.S. Constitution.

Today, W&L is a top-ranked liberal arts university that continues to build on its innovative and flexible approach to education. W&L’s motto, “Not unmindful of the future,” reflects our commitment to an education that is relevant to the 21st century.

Making College Affordable

We are committed to meeting 100% of student financial need.

Every year, W&L awards about $53 million in institutional grants in addition to federal and state awards. And because of the strength of our need-based aid, only a fraction of families choose to take out optional loans.

Engaged Community

We are a close-knit, residential campus where students build lifelong friendships by living on campus, working and studying together, participating in clubs and activities, and serving the community.

A community which is strengthened by the student-run Honor System, and the commitment students make not to lie, cheat, steal or otherwise violate the trust of the community.

Pool of Opportunities

Our size, resources and commitment to innovation mean students have access to faculty and resources from day one.

One of the hallmarks of the W&L experience is the accessibility of faculty. Every class is taught by a faculty member who often becomes a mentor, colleague and champion, pushing students to raise the bar.

Adventure-Ready Location

Our campus is about 50 miles from Roanoke, 140 miles from the state capital of Richmond, and 180 miles from the national capital of Washington, D.C.

Lexington — and the adventure-ready landscape that surrounds it — become such a part of students’ lives that graduates often return to visit long after their college days are behind them.

Scene on Campus

Scene on Campus is a frequently updated collection of candid photos highlighting W&L campus life.

The Heart Of W&L

We have a long tradition of educating smart, ambitious students who have the ability and the desire to make a difference in the world.

Fly high

Fly high

Experiential Education

At Washington and Lee University, we believe in the power of learning by doing, so students are encouraged to push beyond traditional classroom experiences.

Experiential Education at W&L

Fly high

Fly high

Global Education

Most students participate in an experience abroad during their W&L experience. This may be for a term or full-year, Spring Term, summer program, internship, research, or service.

Study Abroad

Fly high

Fly high

Undergraduate Research

Students are encouraged to pursue undergraduate research whether independent or in partnership with faculty.

Research at W&L

Distinctively W&L

Our size, resources, innovative teaching and interdisciplinary learning, means students get personal attention and have opportunities for distinctive experiences.

Distinctive Programming

From The Columns

Read The Columns for W&L stories on campus and around the world.

Student Organization Spotlight: GAB

Washington and Lee's Generals Activities Board has taken a dynamic approach to bringing the student body together through live music.

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W&L Student Performs at Havana Jazz Festival

A meeting with a Broadway legend allowed engineering major Zaria Daniels ’26 to take her vocal talents to Cuba.

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Career and Professional Development Tech and Writing trip to NYC, Feb. 2023

Exploring Careers in the Big Apple

W&L's Office of Career and Professional Development gave students the opportunity to network and explore potential career paths over Washington Break.

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"W&L After Class" podcast!

W&L Podcast Releases New Episode Featuring Wythe Whiting

"W&L After Class" invites listeners to join W&L faculty to discuss their teaching, research and passion projects.

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Alex Miller

Alex Miller Named Next Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Washington and Lee

Miller, whose appointment is effective July 1, joined Denison as vice president of student life in 2020 and has over 20 years of experience in higher education as a student affairs professional. 

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Veronika Kolosova '25 and Jessie Zhang '26 in the WLUR studio.

Voices from the Generals

The Harte Center for Teaching and Learning is bringing student voices to a new podcast designed to share perspectives on transitioning to college life.

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Leyburn stacks

W&L’s Librarians Recommended Library Finds

Washington and Lee’s library staff share their recommendations for your next trip to the University Library.

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Laura Murambadoro '26

An Extraordinary Combination

Laura Murambadoro ’26 brings varied interests, a collaborative leadership style and a passion for community engagement to W&L’s campus.

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"W&L After Class" podcast!

W&L After Class Podcast Begins its Fifth Season

“W&L After Class,” now entering its fifth season, invites listeners to join conversations with W&L’s expert faculty about their teaching, research and passion projects.

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W&L Repertory Dance Company students and alumni participate in a joint concert in Brooklyn, NY. Alumni include Rasaq Lawal ’10, Elliot Emadian ’17, Runa King ‘21, Amalia Nafal ‘21, and Mary Pace Lewis ‘21.

Alumni and Students Connect Through Choreography

The W&L Repertory Dance Company’s alumni-student dance performance in New York City’s Center for Performance Research returned after a four-year hiatus.

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The Human Library in the Harte Center for Teaching and Learning

Unjudge Someone

The Human Library, a collaboration between the Mudd Center for Ethics and Leyburn Library, brought the W&L community together in conversation.

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Students in Accounting 452 VITA program Winter Term 2024

VITA Program Returns

Washington and Lee students are applying their accounting skills in the community as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.

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