William & Mary vs UVA: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for William & Mary and University of Virginia, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
William & Mary vs UVA at a glance
William & Mary admits 34.1% of applicants and UVA 16.8% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $18,880 at William & Mary and $18,056 at UVA. Six-year graduation rates are 88.3% and 94.4%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- William & Mary admits 34.1% of applicants and UVA 16.8%, so UVA is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $18,880 a year at William & Mary and $18,056 at UVA; UVA costs $824 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $3,292 at William & Mary and $9,479 at UVA.
- 88.3% of students graduate within six years at William & Mary, against 94.4% at UVA.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $83,488 for William & Mary and $96,468 for UVA; UVA is $12,980 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $17,417 at William & Mary and $15,000 at UVA.
- William & Mary enrolls 7,055 students (small suburb) and UVA 17,597 (small suburb).
Side by side
William & Mary and UVA in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | William & Mary | UVA |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 34.1% | 16.8% |
| Applicants | 17,475 | 47,971 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1400–1530 | 1410–1540 |
| ACT middle 50% | 32–34 | 32–35 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $18,880 | $18,056 |
| Tuition, in state | $26,456 | $22,431 |
| Tuition, out of state | $52,725 | $61,457 |
| Cost of attendance | $45,606 | $41,803 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $3,292 | $9,479 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $4,385 | $8,203 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $6,345 | $13,391 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $14,265 | $17,879 |
| Over $110,000 | $37,032 | $33,994 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 88.3% | 94.4% |
| First-year retention | 94.6% | 97.6% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $83,488 | $96,468 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $17,417 | $15,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $198 | $170 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 7,055 | 17,597 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | Suburb: Small | Suburb: Small |
| Location | Williamsburg, VA | Charlottesville, VA |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
William & Mary reports 34 bachelor's programs and UVA 66; 30 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about William & Mary vs UVA
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into William & Mary or UVA?
UVA is harder to get into by acceptance rate: William & Mary admits 34.1% of applicants and UVA admits 16.8%. Middle 50% SAT scores: William & Mary 1400–1530; UVA 1410–1540.
Which is cheaper, William & Mary or UVA?
UVA has the lower average net price after grants: $18,880 a year at William & Mary against $18,056 at UVA. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $3,292 and $9,479. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do William & Mary or UVA graduates earn more?
UVA graduates earn more at the median: $83,488 ten years after entry for William & Mary and $96,468 for UVA. Median federal debt at graduation is $17,417 and $15,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, William & Mary or UVA?
UVA does: 88.3% of William & Mary students graduate within six years, against 94.4% at UVA.
How big are William & Mary and UVA?
William & Mary has 7,055 students in Williamsburg, VA and UVA has 17,597 students in Charlottesville, VA.