Richmond vs. Washington and Lee University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are Virginia law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Washington and Lee University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 167 vs 164); Washington and Lee University posts the higher first-time bar passage (89.36% vs 80.13%); Washington and Lee University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($57,450 vs $57,700); Washington and Lee University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (92.7% vs 92.3%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Richmond | Washington and Lee University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 164 | 167 | Washington and Lee University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.81 | 3.75 | Richmond |
| Acceptance rate | 39.6% | 22.7% | Washington and Lee University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $57,700 | $57,450 | Washington and Lee University |
| Non-resident tuition | $57,700 | $57,450 | Washington and Lee University |
| Median grant | $40,000 | $33,500 | Richmond |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 80.13% | 89.36% | Washington and Lee University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 93.55% | 95.76% | Washington and Lee University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +2.8 pts | +9.3 pts | Washington and Lee University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 92.3% | 92.7% | Washington and Lee University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 10.2% | 35.4% | Washington and Lee University |
| Federal clerkships | 2.6% | 9.1% | Washington and Lee University |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
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FAQ
Is Richmond or Washington and Lee University harder to get into?
Washington and Lee University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 167 against Richmond's 164.
Which is cheaper, Richmond or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $57,450 versus Richmond's $57,700.
Which has better bar passage, Richmond or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University has the higher first-time bar passage, 89.36% against Richmond's 80.13%.
Which has better job outcomes, Richmond or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (92.7% vs 92.3%).
Richmond vs Washington and Lee University: which is better?
It depends on what you weigh — the table above shows where each wins. Across the four headline measures (selectivity, sticker cost, first-time bar passage, and JD employment), Washington and Lee University leads on more of them, but read the row that matters most to you rather than the count.
Source: ABA Standard 509 Required Disclosures, most recent reported cycle. Last updated June 26, 2026.