Head-to-head · 2026
Mary Baldwin University vs Virginia Military Institute
Compare average net price ($12,756 at Mary Baldwin University; $17,113 at Virginia Military Institute), ROI score (8.71 vs 11.30), ten-year median earnings ($44,427 vs $77,369), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Mary Baldwin University; 71.3% at Virginia Military Institute) using federal College Scorecard data. Virginia Military Institute has a 4-1 metric-level edge. Virginia Military Institute leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Mary Baldwin University | Virginia Military Institute |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.71 | 11.30 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $12,756 ✓ | $17,113 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $44,427 | $77,369 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 71.3% |
| Graduation rate | 39.3% | 76.2% ✓ |
| Median debt | $26,586 | $22,996 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 1,090 | 1,527 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1244 |
| Metric advantages | 1 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Virginia Military Institute costs $4,357 more per year than Mary Baldwin University ($17,113 vs $12,756). Virginia Military Institute graduates report $32,942 higher median earnings after ten years ($77,369 vs $44,427). On EduGradify's model that puts Virginia Military Institute ahead on projected ROI (11.30 vs 8.71, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (Virginia Military Institute) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, Virginia Military Institute reports 71.3% acceptance; Mary Baldwin University does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Mary Baldwin University vs Virginia Military Institute, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Mary Baldwin University or Virginia Military Institute the better value?
Virginia Military Institute has the higher EduGradify ROI score (11.30 vs 8.71), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Mary Baldwin University is cheaper — average net price $12,756 per year vs $17,113 at Virginia Military Institute. The annual difference of $4,357 adds up to about $17,428 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Virginia Military Institute reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $77,369 vs $44,427 at Mary Baldwin University. The annual gap in the federal data is $32,942.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Mary Baldwin University reports a B value grade; Virginia Military Institute reports A.