2026-2027 Tuition Letter

April 2, 2026

Dear W&L Parents and Family Members:

At a recent meeting, Washington and Lee University's Board of Trustees approved the following tuition and fees for 2026-27:

Tuition                              $73,575
Room                                $10,580
Board                                $9,995
Student Activity Fee         $715
Student Technology Fee   $320
Student Health Fee           $250

In recent years, the university has enhanced academic and student life facilities through the Leading Lives of Consequence capital campaign, including the construction of the Lindley Center for Student Health and Wellness, the new Williams School building, and an expansion to Elrod Commons. Beginning this summer, the university will begin construction of Founders Hall that will serve as the home for undergraduate admissions and financial aid as well as expand meeting room capacity for the entire campus. From a programming perspective, through new endowments, the university has expanded student internships, research and experiential learning opportunities. The establishment of the Miller Opportunity Fund, with the unprecedented gift of $132 million, has enabled the university to recruit all incoming first-year students under a need-blind admissions policy while continuing to meet each undergraduate student's full demonstrated financial need without loans.

All of these investments are made to enhance the student experience and distinguish a Washington and Lee University education from other liberal arts institutions. As the parent or family member of a student, we recognize that you have also made a significant investment and sacrifice so that your child can have this opportunity. As such, it is our responsibility to be good stewards of these funds. To that end, we benchmark our operational performance against our top liberal arts college peers. In the most recent year's comparison, W&L spent $4,600 more per student on instructional costs but $10,000 less per student on total expenses than the peer mean. Additionally, as a measure of operational efficiency, we consider the ratio of administrative costs to instructional costs. In 2025, W&L had the third-lowest ratio at 66% of the median of our peer group.

We understand that rising prices have a significant impact on families, and we strive to keep increases in tuition and fees as low as possible. Families applying for need-based financial aid for next year will see their awards adjusted to reflect the increase and their individual family circumstances. If you have concerns that may not have been addressed in a prior year's need-based application process, we encourage you to notify the Office of Financial Aid. Typically, these are situations that limit the family's ability to pay for education, such as serious illness, financial support for family members, unusual expenses, or loss of income due to changes in employment. Our objective is to ensure that we offer exceptional opportunities to each of these talented students so that they may reach their full potential while at W&L and in their endeavors after graduation.

Cordially,

Steve McAllister

Treasurer and Vice President for Finance