Washington and Lee University vs. William & Mary: 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 166); Washington and Lee University posts the higher first-time bar passage (89.4% vs 83.6%); William & Mary is cheaper on sticker tuition ($38,734 vs $57,450); William & Mary places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (93.5% vs 92.7%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Washington and Lee University | William & Mary | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 167 | 166 | Washington and Lee University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.75 | 3.82 | William & Mary |
| Acceptance rate | 22.7% | 22.0% | William & Mary |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $57,450 | $38,734 | William & Mary |
| Non-resident tuition | $57,450 | $62,900 | Washington and Lee University |
| Median grant | $33,500 | $29,302 | Washington and Lee University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 89.4% | 83.6% | Washington and Lee University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 95.8% | 98.6% | William & Mary |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +9.3 pts | +3.6 pts | Washington and Lee University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 92.7% | 93.5% | William & Mary |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 35.4% | 23.6% | Washington and Lee University |
| Federal clerkships | 9.1% | 6.0% | Washington and Lee University |
trajectory since 2011
Full profiles & related
Washington and Lee University full profile · William & Mary full profile · Pin both on the interactive map → · All Virginia law schools
FAQ
Is Washington and Lee University or William & Mary harder to get into?
Washington and Lee University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 167 against William & Mary's 166.
Which is cheaper, Washington and Lee University or William & Mary?
William & Mary is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $38,734 versus Washington and Lee University's $57,450.
Which has better bar passage, Washington and Lee University or William & Mary?
Washington and Lee University has the higher first-time bar passage, 89.4% against William & Mary's 83.6%.
Which has better job outcomes, Washington and Lee University or William & Mary?
William & Mary places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (93.5% vs 92.7%).
Source: ABA Standard 509 Required Disclosures, most recent reported cycle. Last updated June 26, 2026.