University of Maryland-College Park vs University of Virginia-Main Campus

University of Virginia-Main Campus reports the higher median earnings ten years after entry ($86,863 vs $82,860). University of Maryland-College Park recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 1.5 yrs vs 1.8 yrs).

Measure University of Maryland-College ParkMD University of Virginia-Main CampusVA
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry$82,860$86,863
Years to recoup four-year net cost1.5 yrs1.8 yrs
Average net price per year$15,678$21,565
Sticker cost of attendance per year$29,299$39,926
Share earning above a high-school grad77.4%78.6%
Six-year graduation rate88.6%95.6%
First-year retention (full-time)96.2%97.5%
Admission rate44.8%16.8%
Median federal debt at graduation$19,000$17,500
Undergraduate enrollment30,76017,597
Financial health (NACUBO CFI)4.97.1

Highlighted cells mark the stronger figure on measures with a clear better direction (admission rate and enrollment are shown for context only, with no winner). “Years to recoup” divides four-year net cost by the annual earnings premium over a state high-school graduate. A transparent data comparison, not an Ibex endorsement or a guarantee of any individual outcome; your program and aid package will differ.

Is University of Maryland-College Park or University of Virginia-Main Campus a better value?

On the transparent payback measure, University of Maryland-College Park recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 1.5 yrs vs 1.8 yrs).. Value depends on your program, your net price after aid, and your goals; use the table as a starting point and check each school's profile for peer context.

Which costs more, University of Maryland-College Park or University of Virginia-Main Campus?

University of Maryland-College Park's average net price is $15,678 per year and University of Virginia-Main Campus's is $21,565 (College Scorecard). Net price is what students actually pay after grant aid, and varies by family income.

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Value rankings

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard & IPEDS (2024-25); earnings baselines from the U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year. Compiled by Ibex Insights. For informational planning only, not financial advice. See the methodology.