2021-2022 Tuition Letter

April 7, 2021

Dear Parents and Family Members:

At its meeting in February, the Board of Trustees approved the following tuition and fees for 2021-22:

  • Tuition $58,260
  • Room $8,600
  • Board $7,670
  • Student Activity Fee $550
  • Student Technology Fee $320
  • Student Health Fee $250

Washington and Lee University recognizes the challenges our students have faced over the last year as we have worked to maintain a safe learning environment during the pandemic. Our hope for the 2021-22 academic year is that the coming year will look very different from this one as vaccines become more widely available. In spite of the operating challenges, W&L continues to make investments in the facilities and people that help us provide an education of the highest quality.

With the Richard L. Duchossois Athletic and Recreation Center opening last August, the Harte Center for Teaching and Learning opening this fall, and a major renovation of student-centered spaces in the Elrod Commons beginning this summer, the university will invest more than $40 million in new or renovated facilities over a three-year period.

Over the last year, we have added several student-facing staff positions in the Counseling Center, the Center for Inclusion and Engagement, the Student Health Center and the Mathematics and Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences departments. And we were pleased to be able to maintain full employment of our faculty and staff throughout the pandemic.

While we believe in investing in what matters, the university also makes a concentrated effort to operate as efficiently as possible. One way we measure this is by looking at educational costs per student and total costs per student relative to peers. Compared to other colleges in the U.S. News Top 25 National Liberal Arts Colleges last year, W&L spent on average $1,600 more per student on educational costs while spending $9,500 less in total costs than the average of the group. We are grateful for the dedication of our alumni, parents and friends, whose generosity supports our distinctive educational experience. In 2020, tuition revenues only accounted for 35% of total operating costs while 55% of the costs were supported by philanthropy.

At Washington and Lee, we pride ourselves on providing an incredible opportunity for those with incredible potential. We understand and appreciate the level of sacrifice you make on behalf of your child, and we will continue to strive to enhance the long-term value of a W&L education.

Cordially,

Steven G. McAllister
Treasurer and Vice President for Finance