What do students do after graduation?

W&L students achieve great success after graduation. Twenty-five percent head directly on to graduate school. Among those entering the workforce, there is a 91% placement rate just six months following graduation. The largest employers of recent W&L graduates include PriceWaterhouseCoopers, JPMorgan & Chase Co., Teach for America, Ernst & Young and Merrill Lynch. Our Career Services office offers numerous resources for our students and graduates.

Do you have an ROTC program?

The Army Department at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) has a partnership agreement with Washington and Lee University for students interested in participating in the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC). More information is available here

Do all students live on campus?

All students are required to live on campus for their freshman and sophomore years. First-year students live in freshman residence halls and sophomores have the option of the upperclass residence hall, Gaines Hall; on-campus apartments at Woods Creek; the University-owned fraternity or sorority houses; or several theme houses, such as the Outing Club or International House. Juniors and Seniors can live on- or off-campus. Housing is guaranteed for all four years.

How large is the student-body?

W&L has an undergraduate population of approximately 1,770. The Law School (our only graduate program) enrolls about 380 students.

What clubs and organizations are available to students?

W&L offers its students a wealth of extracurricular and co-curricular opportunities. There are over 120 student organizations on campus, including groups committed to community service, music and drama, political action, publications, and cultural awareness. Please explore the Student Activities and Organizations section for more details.

What varsity sports do you offer?

We offer varsity sports in 23 areas. Our Division III athletic program is exceptional – students participate in the competitiv eOld Dominion Athletic Conference while balancing academics and additional extracurricular activities. In addition, we have active intramural and club sports, including rugby, fencing, softball, and squash. Over three-quarters of W&L students are involved in athletics at some level. Learn more about W&L athletics: www.generalssports.com

Where is Lexington, and how do I get there?

Lexington is a charming community of approximately 15,000 located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Directions to campus and the Admissions Office can be found on the directions page. More information on Lexington may be found on the Lexington Visitor’s Center website.

How can I get more information?

Sign up for our mailing list. If you are in need of specific information, email the admissions office. If you would like to schedule a visit, call us at 540-458-8710.

What is campus security and safety like?

The Washington and Lee campus is served, 24-hours a day, by the Public Safety Office and their security staff. Information regarding campus safety is available from our Public Safety office.

Click here for an Adobe Acrobat version of the Cleary Act, a federally mandated document which details campus security at W&L.

What is the Honor System and how does it work?

The Honor System is the backbone of the W&L experience. All students pledge not to lie, cheat or steal. This system of behavior fosters a strong sense of trust and academic comfort. Student may schedule their own final exams and take tests unproctored. The library is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during the school year because of the Honor System. Responsibility for the Honor System is placed in the hands of the Executive Committee (EC), a student group which oversees all aspects of the Honor System.