Virginia Commonwealth University vs University of Virginia-Main Campus
Virginia Commonwealth University is a public university in Richmond, VA, and University of Virginia-Main Campus is a public university in Charlottesville, VA. University of Virginia-Main Campus is the more selective of the two, admitting about 17% of applicants against 93% at Virginia Commonwealth University. University of Virginia-Main Campus is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $21,565 a year against $23,433 at Virginia Commonwealth University. About 95% of students graduate at University of Virginia-Main Campus, compared with 64% at Virginia Commonwealth University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Virginia-Main Campus alumni earn a median of about $86,863, against $58,128 for Virginia Commonwealth University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Richmond, VA
Charlottesville, VA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
20,753
17,597
Acceptance rate
93%
17%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.23–3.73
3.49–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1010–1270
1410–1540
ACT (middle 50%)
22–30
32–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,433
$21,565
Full cost / yr
$38,954
$39,926
In-state tuition
$16,945
$21,803
Out-of-state tuition
$40,109
$59,512
Application fee
$70
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,512
$8,174
$30k - $48k
$17,777
$9,696
$48k - $75k
$20,925
$13,283
$75k - $110k
$24,691
$20,822
Over $110k
$32,739
$35,402
Outcomes
Graduation rate
64%
95%
Freshman retention
85%
98%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,161
$72,359
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,128
$86,863
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
$17,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
31%
16%
First-generation students
28%
16%
International students
2%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 5
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.
- Is Virginia Commonwealth University or University of Virginia-Main Campus harder to get into?
- University of Virginia-Main Campus is harder to get into. It admits about 17% of applicants, compared with 93% at Virginia Commonwealth University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Virginia Commonwealth University or University of Virginia-Main Campus?
- University of Virginia-Main Campus is cheaper on average. Students pay about $21,565 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $23,433 at Virginia Commonwealth 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 Virginia Commonwealth University and University of Virginia-Main Campus?
- Before aid, Virginia Commonwealth University costs about $38,954 a year and University of Virginia-Main Campus about $39,926. 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, Virginia Commonwealth University or University of Virginia-Main Campus?
- University of Virginia-Main Campus. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,174 there, against about $17,512 at Virginia Commonwealth University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Virginia Commonwealth University or University of Virginia-Main Campus?
- Virginia Commonwealth University is the larger of the two, with about 20,753 undergraduates against 17,597 at University of Virginia-Main Campus.
- Does Virginia Commonwealth University or University of Virginia-Main Campus have a better graduation rate?
- University of Virginia-Main Campus has the higher graduation rate, at about 95% against 64% at Virginia Commonwealth University.
- Do graduates of Virginia Commonwealth University or University of Virginia-Main Campus earn more?
- University of Virginia-Main Campus alumni earn more on average: a median of about $86,863 ten years after enrolling, against about $58,128 for Virginia Commonwealth University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Virginia Commonwealth University and University of Virginia-Main Campus require SAT or ACT scores?
- Virginia Commonwealth University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Virginia-Main Campus is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Virginia Commonwealth University and University of Virginia-Main Campus look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1010–1270 at Virginia Commonwealth University and 1410–1540 at University of Virginia-Main Campus. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Virginia Commonwealth University vs Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityVirginia Commonwealth University vs James Madison UniversityVirginia Commonwealth University vs George Mason UniversityUniversity of Virginia-Main Campus vs Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityUniversity of Virginia-Main Campus vs James Madison UniversityUniversity of Virginia-Main Campus vs George Mason University
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