Washington and Lee University, founded in 1749, is a private liberal arts institution located in Lexington, Virginia, in the Shenandoah Valley. It offers both undergraduate and graduate education, with an approximate enrollment of 2,281 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1. The university is nationally recognized as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the United States.
The institution combines a rigorous liberal arts curriculum with accredited undergraduate programs in business and journalism. It also maintains a presence in legal education. Its academic calendar is distinctive, structured as a 12-12-4 system that includes an immersive four-week Spring Term.
Washington and Lee demonstrates a commitment to access and affordability through need-blind admissions. The W&L Promise program covers tuition for students from households earning under $150,000 and all costs for those from households earning under $75,000.