Washington and Lee University

Date: Apr 18 2011
Major: Language - French/Spanish/etc. (This Major's Salary over time)
For me, Washington & Lee was more damaging than helpful. With few exceptions, I would recommend against going to W&L. Keep in mind that once you go, you cannot transfer out.

If you earn a degree from there, you will need to get a graduate degree to get some recognition. The reputation is always expressed in terms of a good

small, liberal arts college.

Without that qualifier, it cannot compete.

In the 1980s, I found it to be an odd school. It was both small, exceedingly impersonal, and clique-ish. The professors and the administration were not particularly interested in teaching or communicating with students. The class size was small, but that does not mean the professors took a personal interest in their work. They did not.

The school had limited resources. To describe it as a university rather than a college is a stretch. I think most students would find it academically limited. The Commerce School was more a vocational school. It did not have the resources for anyone interested in accounting or finance. The sciences were weak, but that is acceptable. At W&L, you were either pre-med or you needed to get your degree elsewhere.

It is an odd place. It is also a lonely place.

In my opinion, it is not worth $35,000 a year.

My review may be out of date as well, but I would encourage students to seek out and ask W&L alumni from the late 70s and 80s. I would also ask more recent graduates, because, honestly, the school may have improved.