Two older academies merged in 1865 to form Washington & Jefferson College, in the small city of Washington, about 30 miles south-west of Pittsburgh. W&J is a private liberal arts college of roughly 1,300 students. It has a long record of sending graduates to medical and law school, and its advising for those paths is a big part of the pitch. Classes are small and almost everyone lives on campus.
Washington, Pennsylvania, United States
Official website: washjeff.edu
1865
Private liberal arts college
About 1,300 students
$52,000 – $56,000
Tuition and fees, before scholarships
$14,000 – $17,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on washjeff.edu before you apply.
BA Biology
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
BA Economics
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
BA Accounting
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
BA Computing and Information Studies
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
BA Chemistry
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
Pre-health and pre-law advising with a long track record.
Small classes taught by faculty, not assistants.
Pittsburgh's hospitals and firms within an hour.
Many graduates go on to medical, law and graduate school.
Economics and accounting graduates join firms in Pittsburgh and beyond.
Bachelor's graduates can apply for OPT to work in the US.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
The campus is a few blocks from the town's Main Street, with residence halls, fraternity houses and athletic fields close together. Students live on campus all four years.
Washington is a small, affordable city. Pittsburgh is about 45 minutes by car, and its airport is a little closer.
Form I-20 issued by Washington and Jefferson College
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
W&J has Early Decision and Early Action deadlines in November and December, then admits on a rolling basis. International applicants should apply by early spring for fall.
First-year students start in late August.
International students come in on an F-1 visa. The I-20 comes from Washington and Jefferson College after you confirm your place and show you can cover a year of costs; you then pay the SEVIS fee, fill in the DS-160 and book your consulate interview.
Biology, economics, accounting, computing and chemistry are popular. Admission is based on grades, essays and references. Non-native speakers need about IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 80.
W&J gives merit scholarships to most students, including international students. Awards are decided at admission and can reduce tuition considerably.
