Head-to-head · 2026
Radford University vs University of Virginia-Main Campus
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 1 wins for Radford University, 6 for University of Virginia-Main Campus — University of Virginia-Main Campus has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | Radford University | University of Virginia-Main Campus |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.22 | 10.07 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $14,578 ✓ | $21,565 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $53,739 | $86,863 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 89.5% | 16.8% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 48.7% | 95.6% ✓ |
| Median debt | $24,000 | $17,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 6,038 | 17,597 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1060 | 1480 ✓ |
| Wins | 1 | 6 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Virginia-Main Campus costs $6,987 more per year than Radford University ($21,565 vs $14,578). University of Virginia-Main Campus graduates report $33,124 higher median earnings after ten years ($86,863 vs $53,739). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Virginia-Main Campus ahead on projected ROI (10.07 vs 9.22, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (University of Virginia-Main Campus) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, Radford University is accessible at 89.5% acceptance versus 16.8% (selective) at University of Virginia-Main Campus.
Frequently asked
Radford University vs University of Virginia-Main Campus, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Radford University or University of Virginia-Main Campus the better value?
University of Virginia-Main Campus has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.07 vs 9.22), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Radford University is cheaper — average net price $14,578 per year vs $21,565 at University of Virginia-Main Campus. The annual difference of $6,987 adds up to about $27,948 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Virginia-Main Campus reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $86,863 vs $53,739 at Radford University. The annual gap in the federal data is $33,124.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Virginia-Main Campus is more selective at 16.8% acceptance vs 89.5% at Radford University.
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. Radford University reports a B value grade; University of Virginia-Main Campus reports B.