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 1.8 yrs vs 2.3 yrs).
| Measure | University of Virginia-Main CampusVA | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityVA |
|---|---|---|
| Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry | $86,863 | $81,698 |
| Years to recoup four-year net cost | 1.8 yrs | 2.3 yrs |
| Average net price per year | $21,565 | $24,953 |
| Sticker cost of attendance per year | $39,926 | $36,951 |
| Share earning above a high-school grad | 78.6% | 79.2% |
| Six-year graduation rate | 95.6% | 86.2% |
| First-year retention (full-time) | 97.5% | 93.1% |
| Admission rate | 16.8% | 54.8% |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $17,500 | $21,500 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 17,597 | 30,923 |
| Financial health (NACUBO CFI) | 7.1 | 5.4 |
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 1.8 yrs vs 2.3 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 actually pay after grant aid, and varies by family income.
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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.