Head-to-head · 2026
University of Virginia-Main Campus vs William & Mary
Compare average net price ($21,565 at University of Virginia-Main Campus; $19,096 at William & Mary), ROI score (10.07 vs 9.62), ten-year median earnings ($86,863 vs $73,490), and admissions selectivity (16.8% acceptance at University of Virginia-Main Campus; 34.1% at William & Mary) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Virginia-Main Campus has a 6-1 metric-level edge. University of Virginia-Main Campus 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 | William & Mary |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.07 ✓ | 9.62 |
| Avg net price | $21,565 | $19,096 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $86,863 ✓ | $73,490 |
| Acceptance rate | 16.8% ✓ | 34.1% |
| Graduation rate | 95.6% ✓ | 89.4% |
| Median debt | $17,500 ✓ | $18,500 |
| Enrollment | 17,597 | 7,055 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1480 ✓ | 1473 |
| Metric advantages | 6 | 1 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Virginia-Main Campus costs $2,469 more per year than William & Mary ($21,565 vs $19,096). University of Virginia-Main Campus graduates report $13,373 higher median earnings after ten years ($86,863 vs $73,490). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Virginia-Main Campus ahead on projected ROI (10.07 vs 9.62, 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, University of Virginia-Main Campus is selective at 16.8% acceptance versus 34.1% (selective) at William & Mary.
Frequently asked
University of Virginia-Main Campus vs William & Mary, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of Virginia-Main Campus or William & Mary the better value?
University of Virginia-Main Campus has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.07 vs 9.62), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
William & Mary is cheaper — average net price $19,096 per year vs $21,565 at University of Virginia-Main Campus. The annual difference of $2,469 adds up to about $9,876 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Virginia-Main Campus reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $86,863 vs $73,490 at William & Mary. The annual gap in the federal data is $13,373.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Virginia-Main Campus is more selective at 16.8% acceptance vs 34.1% at William & Mary.
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; William & Mary reports B.