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Marymount University vs Virginia Commonwealth University

Marymount University is a private university in Arlington, VA, and Virginia Commonwealth University is a public university in Richmond, VA. Both admit about 93% of applicants. Virginia Commonwealth University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $23,433 a year against $29,137 at Marymount University. About 64% of students graduate at Virginia Commonwealth University, compared with 56% at Marymount University. Ten years after enrolling, Marymount University alumni earn a median of about $67,516, against $58,128 for Virginia Commonwealth University.

Marymount University

Arlington, VA · Private

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, VA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Arlington, VA
Richmond, VA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,810
20,753
Acceptance rate
93%
93%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.16–3.66
3.23–3.73
SAT (middle 50%)
970–1170
1010–1270
ACT (middle 50%)
20–28
22–30
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$29,137
$23,433
Full cost / yr
$57,184
$38,954
In-state tuition
$40,920
$16,945
Out-of-state tuition
$40,920
$40,109
Application fee
$0
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$27,413
$17,512
$30k - $48k
$27,111
$17,777
$48k - $75k
$27,718
$20,925
$75k - $110k
$31,962
$24,691
Over $110k
$30,618
$32,739
Outcomes
Graduation rate
56%
64%
Freshman retention
73%
85%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$57,801
$47,161
Median earnings (10 yr)
$67,516
$58,128
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
23%
31%
First-generation students
30%
28%
International students
12%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Marymount University or Virginia Commonwealth University harder to get into?
They are about equally selective: both admit around 93% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Marymount University or Virginia Commonwealth University?
Virginia Commonwealth University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,433 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $29,137 at Marymount University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Marymount University and Virginia Commonwealth University?
Before aid, Virginia Commonwealth University costs about $38,954 a year and Marymount University about $57,184. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Marymount University or Virginia Commonwealth University?
Virginia Commonwealth University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,512 there, against about $27,413 at Marymount University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Marymount University or Virginia Commonwealth University?
Virginia Commonwealth University is the larger of the two, with about 20,753 undergraduates against 1,810 at Marymount University.
Does Marymount University or Virginia Commonwealth University have a better graduation rate?
Virginia Commonwealth University has the higher graduation rate, at about 64% against 56% at Marymount University.
Do graduates of Marymount University or Virginia Commonwealth University earn more?
Marymount University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $67,516 ten years after enrolling, against about $58,128 for Virginia Commonwealth University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Marymount University and Virginia Commonwealth University require SAT or ACT scores?
Marymount University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Virginia Commonwealth University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Marymount University and Virginia Commonwealth University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 970–1170 at Marymount University and 1010–1270 at Virginia Commonwealth University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school