Head-to-head · 2026
Piedmont Virginia Community College vs Virginia Military Institute
Compare average net price ($5,963 at Piedmont Virginia Community College; $17,113 at Virginia Military Institute), ROI score (17.09 vs 11.30), ten-year median earnings ($40,752 vs $77,369), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Piedmont Virginia Community College; 71.3% at Virginia Military Institute) using federal College Scorecard data. Piedmont Virginia Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Piedmont Virginia Community College 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 | Piedmont Virginia Community College | Virginia Military Institute |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 17.09 ✓ | 11.30 |
| Avg net price | $5,963 ✓ | $17,113 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $40,752 | $77,369 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 71.3% |
| Graduation rate | 38.6% | 76.2% ✓ |
| Median debt | $8,750 ✓ | $22,996 |
| Enrollment | 3,045 | 1,527 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1244 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Virginia Military Institute costs $11,150 more per year than Piedmont Virginia Community College ($17,113 vs $5,963). Virginia Military Institute graduates report $36,617 higher median earnings after ten years ($77,369 vs $40,752). On EduGradify's model that puts Piedmont Virginia Community College ahead on projected ROI (17.09 vs 11.30, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Piedmont Virginia Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Virginia Military Institute reports 71.3% acceptance; Piedmont Virginia Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Piedmont Virginia Community College vs Virginia Military Institute, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Piedmont Virginia Community College or Virginia Military Institute the better value?
Piedmont Virginia Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (17.09 vs 11.30), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Piedmont Virginia Community College is cheaper — average net price $5,963 per year vs $17,113 at Virginia Military Institute. The annual difference of $11,150 adds up to about $44,600 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Virginia Military Institute reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $77,369 vs $40,752 at Piedmont Virginia Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $36,617.
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. Piedmont Virginia Community College reports a A+ value grade; Virginia Military Institute reports A.