Virginia vs. Washington and Lee University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are Virginia law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Virginia is the more selective admit (median LSAT 173 vs 167); Virginia posts the higher first-time bar passage (94.98% vs 89.36%); Washington and Lee University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($57,450 vs $74,078); Virginia places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (98.7% vs 92.7%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Virginia | Washington and Lee University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 173 | 167 | Virginia |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.99 | 3.75 | Virginia |
| Acceptance rate | 10.2% | 22.7% | Virginia |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $74,078 | $57,450 | Washington and Lee University |
| Non-resident tuition | $76,396 | $57,450 | Washington and Lee University |
| Median grant | $35,000 | $33,500 | Virginia |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 94.98% | 89.36% | Virginia |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 100% | 95.76% | Virginia |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +12.2 pts | +9.3 pts | Virginia |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 98.7% | 92.7% | Virginia |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 67.6% | 35.4% | Virginia |
| Federal clerkships | 10.7% | 9.1% | Virginia |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Virginia full profile · Washington and Lee University full profile · All Virginia law schools
FAQ
Is Virginia or Washington and Lee University harder to get into?
Virginia is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 173 against Washington and Lee University's 167.
Which is cheaper, Virginia or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $57,450 versus Virginia's $74,078.
Which has better bar passage, Virginia or Washington and Lee University?
Virginia has the higher first-time bar passage, 94.98% against Washington and Lee University's 89.36%.
Which has better job outcomes, Virginia or Washington and Lee University?
Virginia places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (98.7% vs 92.7%).
Virginia 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), Virginia 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.