Head-to-head · 2026
University of Virginia-Main Campus vs Virginia Military Institute
Compare average net price ($21,565 at University of Virginia-Main Campus; $17,113 at Virginia Military Institute), ROI score (10.07 vs 11.30), ten-year median earnings ($86,863 vs $77,369), and admissions selectivity (16.8% acceptance at University of Virginia-Main Campus; 71.3% at Virginia Military Institute) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Virginia-Main Campus has a 5-2 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 | University of Virginia-Main Campus | Virginia Military Institute |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.07 | 11.30 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $21,565 | $17,113 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $86,863 ✓ | $77,369 |
| Acceptance rate | 16.8% ✓ | 71.3% |
| Graduation rate | 95.6% ✓ | 76.2% |
| Median debt | $17,500 ✓ | $22,996 |
| Enrollment | 17,597 | 1,527 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1480 ✓ | 1244 |
| Metric advantages | 5 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Virginia-Main Campus costs $4,452 more per year than Virginia Military Institute ($21,565 vs $17,113). University of Virginia-Main Campus graduates report $9,494 higher median earnings after ten years ($86,863 vs $77,369). On EduGradify's model that puts Virginia Military Institute ahead on projected ROI (11.30 vs 10.07, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Virginia Military Institute) 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 71.3% (accessible) at Virginia Military Institute.
Frequently asked
University of Virginia-Main Campus vs Virginia Military Institute, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of Virginia-Main Campus or Virginia Military Institute the better value?
Virginia Military Institute has the higher EduGradify ROI score (11.30 vs 10.07), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Virginia Military Institute is cheaper — average net price $17,113 per year vs $21,565 at University of Virginia-Main Campus. The annual difference of $4,452 adds up to about $17,808 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Virginia-Main Campus reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $86,863 vs $77,369 at Virginia Military Institute. The annual gap in the federal data is $9,494.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Virginia-Main Campus is more selective at 16.8% acceptance vs 71.3% at Virginia Military Institute.
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; Virginia Military Institute reports A.