Head-to-head · 2026
Virginia Military Institute vs William & Mary
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for Virginia Military Institute, 4 for William & Mary — William & Mary has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | Virginia Military Institute | William & Mary |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 11.30 ✓ | 9.62 |
| Avg net price | $17,113 ✓ | $19,096 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $77,369 ✓ | $73,490 |
| Acceptance rate | 71.3% | 34.1% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 76.2% | 89.4% ✓ |
| Median debt | $22,996 | $18,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 1,527 | 7,055 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1244 | 1473 ✓ |
| Wins | 3 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
William & Mary costs $1,983 more per year than Virginia Military Institute ($19,096 vs $17,113). Virginia Military Institute graduates report $3,879 higher median earnings after ten years ($77,369 vs $73,490). On EduGradify's model that puts Virginia Military Institute ahead on projected ROI (11.30 vs 9.62, 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, Virginia Military Institute is accessible at 71.3% acceptance versus 34.1% (selective) at William & Mary.
Frequently asked
Virginia Military Institute vs William & Mary, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Virginia Military Institute or William & Mary the better value?
Virginia Military Institute has the higher EduGradify ROI score (11.30 vs 9.62), 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 $19,096 at William & Mary. The annual difference of $1,983 adds up to about $7,932 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Virginia Military Institute reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $77,369 vs $73,490 at William & Mary. The annual gap in the federal data is $3,879.
Which school is harder to get into?
William & Mary is more selective at 34.1% 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. Virginia Military Institute reports a A value grade; William & Mary reports B.