Head-to-head · 2026
University of Virginia's College at Wise vs Virginia Military Institute
Compare average net price ($9,210 at University of Virginia's College at Wise; $17,113 at Virginia Military Institute), ROI score (12.30 vs 11.30), ten-year median earnings ($45,325 vs $77,369), and admissions selectivity (28.5% acceptance at University of Virginia's College at Wise; 71.3% at Virginia Military Institute) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Virginia's College at Wise 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's College at Wise | Virginia Military Institute |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 12.30 ✓ | 11.30 |
| Avg net price | $9,210 ✓ | $17,113 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $45,325 | $77,369 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 28.5% ✓ | 71.3% |
| Graduation rate | 47.1% | 76.2% ✓ |
| Median debt | $16,750 ✓ | $22,996 |
| Enrollment | 1,101 | 1,527 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1050 | 1244 ✓ |
| Metric advantages | 4 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Virginia Military Institute costs $7,903 more per year than University of Virginia's College at Wise ($17,113 vs $9,210). Virginia Military Institute graduates report $32,044 higher median earnings after ten years ($77,369 vs $45,325). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Virginia's College at Wise ahead on projected ROI (12.30 vs 11.30, 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's College at Wise is selective at 28.5% acceptance versus 71.3% (accessible) at Virginia Military Institute.
Frequently asked
University of Virginia's College at Wise vs Virginia Military Institute, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of Virginia's College at Wise or Virginia Military Institute the better value?
University of Virginia's College at Wise has the higher EduGradify ROI score (12.30 vs 11.30), 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 $17,113 at Virginia Military Institute. The annual difference of $7,903 adds up to about $31,612 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Virginia Military Institute reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $77,369 vs $45,325 at University of Virginia's College at Wise. The annual gap in the federal data is $32,044.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Virginia's College at Wise is more selective at 28.5% 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's College at Wise reports a A value grade; Virginia Military Institute reports A.