Head-to-head · 2026
University of Virginia-Main Campus vs University of Virginia's College at Wise
Compare average net price ($21,565 at University of Virginia-Main Campus; $9,210 at University of Virginia's College at Wise), ROI score (10.07 vs 12.30), ten-year median earnings ($86,863 vs $45,325), and admissions selectivity (16.8% acceptance at University of Virginia-Main Campus; 28.5% at University of Virginia's College at Wise) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Virginia-Main Campus has a narrow 4-3 metric-level edge. University of Virginia's College at Wise 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 | University of Virginia-Main Campus | University of Virginia's College at Wise |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.07 | 12.30 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $21,565 | $9,210 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $86,863 ✓ | $45,325 |
| Acceptance rate | 16.8% ✓ | 28.5% |
| Graduation rate | 95.6% ✓ | 47.1% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $16,750 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 17,597 | 1,101 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1480 ✓ | 1050 |
| Metric advantages | 4 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Virginia-Main Campus costs $12,355 more per year than University of Virginia's College at Wise ($21,565 vs $9,210). University of Virginia-Main Campus graduates report $41,538 higher median earnings after ten years ($86,863 vs $45,325). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Virginia's College at Wise ahead on projected ROI (12.30 vs 10.07, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of Virginia's College at Wise) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, University of Virginia-Main Campus is selective at 16.8% acceptance versus 28.5% (selective) at University of Virginia's College at Wise.
Frequently asked
University of Virginia-Main Campus vs University of Virginia's College at Wise, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of Virginia-Main Campus or University of Virginia's College at Wise the better value?
University of Virginia's College at Wise has the higher EduGradify ROI score (12.30 vs 10.07), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Virginia's College at Wise is cheaper — average net price $9,210 per year vs $21,565 at University of Virginia-Main Campus. The annual difference of $12,355 adds up to about $49,420 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Virginia-Main Campus reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $86,863 vs $45,325 at University of Virginia's College at Wise. The annual gap in the federal data is $41,538.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Virginia-Main Campus is more selective at 16.8% acceptance vs 28.5% at University of Virginia's College at Wise.
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. University of Virginia-Main Campus reports a B value grade; University of Virginia's College at Wise reports A.