Head-to-head · 2026
Radford University vs William & Mary
Compare average net price ($14,578 at Radford University; $19,096 at William & Mary), ROI score (9.22 vs 9.62), ten-year median earnings ($53,739 vs $73,490), and admissions selectivity (89.5% acceptance at Radford University; 34.1% at William & Mary) using federal College Scorecard data. William & Mary has a 6-1 metric-level edge. William & Mary 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 | Radford University | William & Mary |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.22 | 9.62 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $14,578 ✓ | $19,096 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $53,739 | $73,490 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 89.5% | 34.1% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 48.7% | 89.4% ✓ |
| Median debt | $24,000 | $18,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 6,038 | 7,055 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1060 | 1473 ✓ |
| Metric advantages | 1 | 6 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
William & Mary costs $4,518 more per year than Radford University ($19,096 vs $14,578). William & Mary graduates report $19,751 higher median earnings after ten years ($73,490 vs $53,739). On EduGradify's model that puts William & Mary ahead on projected ROI (9.62 vs 9.22, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (William & Mary) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, Radford University is accessible at 89.5% acceptance versus 34.1% (selective) at William & Mary.
Frequently asked
Radford University vs William & Mary, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Radford University or William & Mary the better value?
William & Mary has the higher EduGradify ROI score (9.62 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 $19,096 at William & Mary. The annual difference of $4,518 adds up to about $18,072 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
William & Mary reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $73,490 vs $53,739 at Radford University. The annual gap in the federal data is $19,751.
Which school is harder to get into?
William & Mary is more selective at 34.1% 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; William & Mary reports B.