The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art vs Washington and Lee University
Washington and Lee University is highly selective with a 17.4% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art (19.1%). Graduates of Washington and Lee University earn $10,963 more per year at the 10-year mark ($94,810 vs $83,847). For families earning $48k–$75k, Washington and Lee University is more affordable at $6,983 net price vs $10,457. Students at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art graduate with less debt ($15,000 vs $19,500).
Admissions & Outcomes
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art has a higher yield rate (52.8%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Both schools have similar median SAT scores around 1480, so standardized test scores alone won't differentiate applicants.
Lexington, VA
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Washington and Lee University is more affordable at $76 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $25,870 vs $42,745.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (28%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
- 1 Astronomy and Astrophysics$43,798
Washington and Lee University
- 1 Computer Science$91,744
- 2 Mathematics$76,460
- 3 Accounting and Related Services$66,449
- 4 Business Administration, Management and Operations$56,641
- 5 Economics$55,964
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
- 1 Fine and Studio Arts
- 2 Architecture
- 3 Civil Engineering
- 4 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- 5 Mechanical Engineering
Washington and Lee University
- 1 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 2 Economics
- 3 Political Science and Government
- 4 Accounting and Related Services
- 5 Biology, General
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
- International students14%
- Tuition (international)$44,550
- Est. total cost/year$64,230
- School typePublic
Washington and Lee University
- International students6%
- Tuition (international)$56,170
- Est. total cost/year$73,095
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University is more selective with a 17.4% acceptance rate, compared to 19.1%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $94,810 compared to $83,847. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art or Washington and Lee University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Washington and Lee University has a lower net price at $6,983 per year vs $10,457. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art vs Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 94.9%, compared to 80.7%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art or Washington and Lee University?
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art has a larger international student population at 14% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art and Washington and Lee University?
At The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, Astronomy and Astrophysics graduates earn a median of $43,798 within two years. At Washington and Lee University, the top-earning major is Computer Science at $91,744. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.