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College comparison
Boston College vs Washington & Lee
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Boston College Chestnut Hill, MA |  Washington & Lee Lexington, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateWashington and Lee University is more selective | 16% | 14% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1440–1540 | 1430–1540 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 10,085 | 1,881 |
| Avg net price | $41,704 | $23,781 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Boston College reports higher median earnings | $103,937 | $94,810 |
| Graduation rate | 91% | 94% |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $19,500 |
| Economic mobility | 1.6% | 0.6% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Boston College vs Washington & Lee: how they compare
Boston College and Washington and Lee University are both selective private institutions, but they offer different value propositions and campus environments.
By the numbers Based on AdmitQuant's verified data, the core trade-off is between higher earnings and higher value. Boston College reports higher 10-year median earnings ($104k vs. $95k) and a stronger economic-mobility rate (160% vs. 57%). However, its average net price is $42k, nearly double that of Washington and Lee ($24k). Consequently, W&L delivers significantly higher financial value, returning 4.0x in earnings per dollar of net price compared to BC's 2.5x. Selectivity is similar, with W&L slightly more selective (14% vs. 16% acceptance) and both having comparable SAT ranges (1440–1540 vs. 1430–1540). W&L has a marginally higher graduation rate (94% vs. 91%), while BC shows higher admit-rate volatility (70% vs. 54%) and a stronger DOE financial-health score (3.0 vs. 2.3).
Where they overlap Both are private liberal arts institutions with strong academic reputations, high graduation rates, and committed alumni networks. They attract high-achieving students.
How they differ The divergence is in setting and culture. Boston College offers a Jesuit university experience in a major city. Washington and Lee is defined by its historic culture in a college town, with an emphasis on honor and undergraduate focus within a rural setting.
Who each suits Choose Boston College for a university atmosphere with the internships and cultural amenities of a major Northeastern city, alongside a faith-based educational tradition. Choose Washington and Lee for a close-knit liberal arts experience centered on student self-governance and tradition, suited for students who value a tight-knit, collegiate environment.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Boston College or Washington and Lee University harder to get into?
- Washington and Lee University is more selective: Boston College's acceptance rate is approximately 16% and Washington and Lee University's is approximately 14% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Boston College vs Washington and Lee University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1440–1540 at Boston College and 1430–1540 at Washington and Lee University. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.