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University of Virginia's College at Wise vs Virginia Military Institute

University of Virginia's College at Wise is a public college in Wise, VA, and Virginia Military Institute is a public institute in Lexington, VA. University of Virginia's College at Wise is the more selective of the two, admitting about 29% of applicants against 71% at Virginia Military Institute. University of Virginia's College at Wise is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $9,210 a year against $17,113 at Virginia Military Institute. About 79% of students graduate at Virginia Military Institute, compared with 48% at University of Virginia's College at Wise. Ten years after enrolling, Virginia Military Institute alumni earn a median of about $77,369, against $45,325 for University of Virginia's College at Wise.

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University of Virginia's College at Wise

Wise, VA · Public

Virginia Military Institute

Lexington, VA · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Wise, VA
Lexington, VA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,101
1,527
Acceptance rate
29%
71%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.31–4
3.42–3.92
SAT (middle 50%)
945–1120
1050–1270
ACT (middle 50%)
18–22
24–31
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$9,210
$17,113
Full cost / yr
$26,593
$34,824
In-state tuition
$11,780
$21,046
Out-of-state tuition
$28,010
$52,638
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$8,891
$12,697
$30k - $48k
$7,668
$9,246
$48k - $75k
$7,455
$12,162
$75k - $110k
$8,813
$13,385
Over $110k
$16,176
$23,434
Outcomes
Graduation rate
48%
79%
Freshman retention
72%
81%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$39,725
$63,545
Median earnings (10 yr)
$45,325
$77,369
Median debt at graduation
$16,750
$22,996
Student body
Pell grant recipients
40%
16%
First-generation students
37%
15%
International students
0%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Feb 1

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 University of Virginia's College at Wise or Virginia Military Institute harder to get into?
University of Virginia's College at Wise is harder to get into. It admits about 29% of applicants, compared with 71% at Virginia Military Institute. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Virginia's College at Wise or Virginia Military Institute?
University of Virginia's College at Wise is cheaper on average. Students pay about $9,210 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $17,113 at Virginia Military Institute. 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 University of Virginia's College at Wise and Virginia Military Institute?
Before aid, University of Virginia's College at Wise costs about $26,593 a year and Virginia Military Institute about $34,824. 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, University of Virginia's College at Wise or Virginia Military Institute?
University of Virginia's College at Wise. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,891 there, against about $12,697 at Virginia Military Institute. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Virginia's College at Wise or Virginia Military Institute?
Virginia Military Institute is the larger of the two, with about 1,527 undergraduates against 1,101 at University of Virginia's College at Wise.
Does University of Virginia's College at Wise or Virginia Military Institute have a better graduation rate?
Virginia Military Institute has the higher graduation rate, at about 79% against 48% at University of Virginia's College at Wise.
Do graduates of University of Virginia's College at Wise or Virginia Military Institute earn more?
Virginia Military Institute alumni earn more on average: a median of about $77,369 ten years after enrolling, against about $45,325 for University of Virginia's College at Wise. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Virginia's College at Wise and Virginia Military Institute require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Virginia's College at Wise is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Virginia Military Institute is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Virginia's College at Wise and Virginia Military Institute look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 945–1120 at University of Virginia's College at Wise and 1050–1270 at Virginia Military Institute. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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