About W&L
Founded in 1749, W&L is the ninth-oldest college in the U.S. Today, W&L is a place where students grow intellectually, unlock opportunities and prepare for their futures.
Distinctively W&L
Washington and Lee is a top-ranked, private institution in Lexington, Virginia, where we integrate the rigorous inquiry and critical thinking of a liberal arts curriculum with nationally accredited undergraduate programs in business and journalism, and a graduate School of Law. Our graduates, mentored by a dedicated faculty of teacher-scholars, are equipped with the practical skills, habits of mind, and strength of character to make a meaningful impact wherever they go in the world.
Founded in
1749
Washington and Lee University is the ninth-oldest college in the United States.
Our Motto
Non Incautus Futuri
W&L’s motto, “not unmindful of the future,” underlies the University’s commitment to providing a liberal arts education that is vital and relevant to the 21st century.
Academic Calendar
12-12-4
Our distinctive undergraduate academic calendar includes two tradition 12-week terms and an immersive four-week Spring Term, where students take a single class -- frequently off-campus or abroad.
Our President
William C. Dudley
William C. (Will) Dudley became Washington and Lee University’s 27th president on Jan. 1, 2017. Previously provost and professor of philosophy at Williams College, President Dudley is a native Virginian who was born in Charlottesville and raised in Arlington.
Total Enrollment
2263
2023-24 student enrollment (1884 undergraduate, 379 law)
Degrees Offered
B.A., B.S., J.D.
Washington and Lee is the only top liberal arts college with accredited programs in business and journalism and a graduate School of Law.
Founded in
1749
Washington and Lee University is the ninth-oldest college in the United States.
Our Motto
Non Incautus Futuri
W&L’s motto, “not unmindful of the future,” underlies the University’s commitment to providing a liberal arts education that is vital and relevant to the 21st century.
Academic Calendar
12-12-4
Our distinctive undergraduate academic calendar includes two tradition 12-week terms and an immersive four-week Spring Term, where students take a single class -- frequently off-campus or abroad.
Our President
William C. Dudley
William C. (Will) Dudley became Washington and Lee University’s 27th president on Jan. 1, 2017. Previously provost and professor of philosophy at Williams College, President Dudley is a native Virginian who was born in Charlottesville and raised in Arlington.
Total Enrollment
2263
2023-24 student enrollment (1884 undergraduate, 379 law)
Degrees Offered
B.A., B.S., J.D.
Washington and Lee is the only top liberal arts college with accredited programs in business and journalism and a graduate School of Law.
The W&L Difference
Transformative Education
As a small, private liberal arts university with established undergraduate programs in business, economics, politics, entrepreneurship, journalism, strategic communication, and engineering, as well as a graduate law school, Washington and Lee combines the advantages of a small liberal arts college with the opportunities of a research university. Our expansive curriculum encourages students to explore a variety of subjects and make connections between them.
Impactful Experiences
While our distinctive curriculum gives students academic options not available at other schools of our size, the full W&L experience extends beyond the classroom. It includes opportunities that have been proven to have significant educational impact, including internships or field experience, service-learning, research with faculty, and capstone projects.
Engaged Community
When students and alumni describe what makes Washington and Lee special, they invariably mention the community. Our Speaking Tradition is indicative of the open, friendly atmosphere on campus, where community members and visitors are greeted with a friendly hello. Our student-run Honor System creates trust between students and faculty, who take each other at their word. Our small size and extensive resources ensure that students can take advantage of a world of academic, athletic and extracurricular activities regardless of their major, and have access to a strong support system to help them succeed in whatever they choose to do.
Lives of Consequence
W&L’s motto, “not unmindful of the future,” underlies the University’s commitment to providing a liberal arts education that is vital and relevant in the 21st century. By combining the benefits of a liberal arts foundation with emerging technologies and interdisciplinary perspectives, our students head into life after college equipped with the habits of mind, strength of character and essential knowledge needed to pursue lives of consequence.
Past, Present, and Future
About W&L
The ninth-oldest college in the nation, Augusta Academy eventually became Washington and Lee University, recognizing the direct contributions of George Washington and Robert E. Lee to the school’s growth and curricular innovation.
Our Distinctive Structure
A Liberal Arts University
At W&L, students enjoy small classes and close relationships with professors, while choosing from a remarkable variety of majors, minors, and hands-on learning opportunities usually found only at large universities. We are one of the only top liberal arts institutions in the nation to have an accredited undergraduate school of business and a graduate School of Law.
Making Ends Meet
Access and Affordability
Washington and Lee’s dedication to access and affordability is reflected in its generous need-based financial aid and merit-based scholarships. The university is need-blind for all undergraduate students and guarantees to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need with aid packages that do not include loans. Through the W&L Promise, students with an annual household income of less than $150,000 pay no tuition, and those with an annual household income of less than $75,000 pay no tuition, room or board.
In the Heart of the Shenandoah
Lovable Lexington, VA
W&L is located in Lexington (pop. 7,000), a vibrant and picturesque town in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Money magazine has named W&L one of the 10 best colleges for people who love the outdoors.