University of Virginia-Main Campus vs Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
University of Virginia-Main Campus reports the higher median earnings ten years after entry ($86,863 vs $81,698). University of Virginia-Main Campus recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 1.9 yrs vs 2.5 yrs).
| Measure | University of Virginia-Main CampusVA | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityVA |
|---|---|---|
| Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry2020-21 | $86,863 | $81,698 |
| Years to recoup four-year net costearnings 2020-21, net price 2024-25 | 1.9 yrs | 2.5 yrs |
| Average net price per year2024-25 | $21,565 | $24,953 |
| Sticker cost of attendance per year2024-25 | $39,926 | $36,951 |
| Six-year graduation rate2024-25 | 95.6% | 86.2% |
| First-year retention (full-time)2024-25 | 97.5% | 93.1% |
| Admission rate2024-25 | 16.8% | 54.8% |
| Median federal debt at graduation2020-21 | $17,500 | $21,500 |
| Undergraduate enrollment2024-25 | 17,597 | 30,923 |
| Financial health (NACUBO CFI)IPEDS FY2022-23 | 7.1 | 5.1 |
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 Virginia-Main Campus or Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University a better value?
On the transparent payback measure, University of Virginia-Main Campus recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 1.9 yrs vs 2.5 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 Virginia-Main Campus or Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?
University of Virginia-Main Campus's average net price is $21,565 per year and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University's is $24,953 (College Scorecard). Net price is what students pay after grant aid, and varies by family income.
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Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard & IPEDS (data year under each measure); 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.