For two and a half centuries, Washington & Jefferson College has provided a first-rate liberal arts education that is both broad and practical, preparing students as ethical leaders poised for professional success. The W&J experience stands apart by emphasizing continuous professional preparation and the development of leaders committed to a standard of uncommon integrity.
A Legacy of Leadership
As one of the oldest colleges west of the Allegheny Mountains, W&J College has been educating people who become leaders in their professions and communities since 1781. We empower our students to assume roles of leadership throughout campus, and we lead the way in integrating professional readiness with intellectual engagement. Ethical leadership is embedded in our DNA – it’s how we approach our work and live our lives, how we learn and interact with our peers – and regardless of your academic pursuit, you will learn the key principles of leading with integrity.
Our Campus
Our beautiful 65-acre campus in Washington, Pennsylvania is in walking distance of the restaurants, coffee shops, and community events in a growing downtown business district. It’s also just 30 miles south of Pittsburgh and all it has to offer. On campus, you’ll find comfy spaces for study and social time in our eclectic mix of historic and modern buildings. And, with a variety of student activities like concerts and movie nights at our amphitheater, there’s always something going on.
Community Connections
We foster a supportive, diverse culture where all members of our campus community are valued, included, and able to realize their full potential. You’ll find community on campus through clubs and organizations centered around your interests, and internships, volunteer opportunities and more, you’ll build your community off-campus, too. With more than 20,000 hours of community service last year, we're taking the lead in living, playing, and serving in our extended community.
We would love to show you around.
Schedule a visit and experience life at W&J!
John C. Knapp, Ph.D.
President and Professor
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A Message from the President
Welcome to Washington & Jefferson College, one of America's oldest and most distinguished liberal arts institutions. We have a proud tradition of preparing students for post-graduation success in a way that few colleges or universities can match.
W&J students discover their unique gifts and interests while benefitting from a personalized educational experience designed to meet the needs of each individual. Our students often graduate with more than one major, and many take advantage of the opportunity to create a customized major of their own. Beyond the classroom, W&J students participate in more than 90 student organizations, play championship varsity sports, develop exceptional leadership qualities, and explore their interests around the world through our acclaimed Magellan Project.
Student success at Washington & Jefferson College begins with a generous financial aid program undergirded by substantial endowed scholarship resources provided by generations of alumni and friends of the college. It continues with devoted faculty mentors who support academic performance every step of the way. And it extends beyond graduation as our network of 15,000 graduates helps students and fellow alumni find opportunities in every field of endeavor. Just as important, W&J students graduate in four years - we guarantee it.
Nothing reflects the spirit of W&J more than the experience of living and learning in a community where everyone is known by name. My wife Kelly and I are fortunate to live on campus where we form friendships with our students and frequently host them in our home. As parents of five adult children - all college graduates - we know how important it is to be in a supportive and caring environment during the formative college years. We look forward to the opportunity to get to know you and will consider it a privilege to be part of your educational experience.
Student to faculty ratio. Most of our classes have fewer than 20 students.
Annual average institutional financial aid for 2018 enrolled freshmen.
Free weekend shuttle runs from campus to downtown Pittsburgh each year.
Directions and Travel Information
Whether you are a prospective student or visitor, learn more about preparing for your visit.
For prospective student visits
For visitors during on-campus events