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University of Virginia-Main Campus vs Virginia Commonwealth University

5

University of Virginia-Main Campus

2

Virginia Commonwealth University

Key Metrics Compared

Official Data
Metric University of Virginia-Main Campus Virginia Commonwealth University Winner
Acceptance Rate 17% 93% University of Virginia-Main Campus
Graduation Rate 95% 65% University of Virginia-Main Campus
Avg Earnings (5yr) $72,359 $47,161 University of Virginia-Main Campus
Median Debt $17,500 $21,500 University of Virginia-Main Campus
Tuition (In-State) $20,986 $16,458 Virginia Commonwealth University
Retention Rate 97% 86% University of Virginia-Main Campus
Financial Aid 20% 42% Virginia Commonwealth University

Comparison Analysis

Graduates of the University of Virginia-Main Campus earn significantly more than graduates of Virginia Commonwealth University. The average earnings for UVA graduates is $72,359, while VCU graduates earn $47,161. UVA has a higher tuition cost at $20,986 compared to VCU's $16,458. UVA also has a much higher graduation rate at 95.3% compared to VCU's 64.9%.

VCU has a much higher acceptance rate at 93.1% compared to UVA's 16.9%. UVA's higher graduation rate and graduate earnings suggest a stronger overall value proposition, despite the higher tuition cost.

Students should consider their academic profile and career goals when deciding between these two schools. Students who are admitted to both schools should consider the financial implications of tuition costs and the potential for higher earnings after graduation.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Shared Programs

Shared Major University of Virginia-Main Campus Earnings Virginia Commonwealth University Earnings Difference
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $0 $0
Psychology, General $36,121 $29,462 23% favor University of Virginia-Main Campus
Biology, General $23,395 $31,149 33% favor Virginia Commonwealth University
Business Administration, Management and Operations $189,494 $100,173 89% favor University of Virginia-Main Campus
Economics $74,958 $0
Business Administration, Management and Operations $189,494 $56,750 234% favor University of Virginia-Main Campus
Psychology, General $0 $29,462
Psychology, General $0 $29,462
Criminal Justice and Corrections $0 $38,495
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $93,565 $101,531 9% favor Virginia Commonwealth University

Quick Facts

Type Public
Location Charlottesville, VA
Setting Suburban
Students 17,315
Type Public
Location Richmond, VA
Setting City
Students 20,797

Other Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

University of Virginia-Main Campus has median earnings of $72,359 and tuition of $20,986. Virginia Commonwealth University has median earnings of $47,161 and tuition of $16,458. The best choice depends on your priorities, field of study, and financial situation.

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