Virginia Commonwealth University vs William & Mary
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, William & Mary comes out ahead: 91/100 to 55/100, a 36-point edge over Virginia Commonwealth University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, William & Mary runs $19,096 a year against $23,433 at Virginia Commonwealth University - $4,337 more a year, or about $17,348 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, William & Mary graduates earn a median $73,490 against $58,128 at Virginia Commonwealth University. The cost earns itself back in 10.1 years at Virginia Commonwealth University and 5.6 years at William & Mary.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave William & Mary owing a median $18,500 versus $21,500 at Virginia Commonwealth University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.57 and 0.39 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Virginia Commonwealth Uni... | William & Mary |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $16,945 | $25,914 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $40,109 | $51,038 |
| Net Price (avg) | $23,433 | $19,096 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $93,732 | $76,384 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $37,500 | $47,400 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $58,128 | $73,490 |
| Graduation Rate | 63.2% | 89.4% |
| Payback Period | 10.1 yr | 5.6 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,500 | $18,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $228 | $196 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.57 | 0.39 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 64.7% | 86.7% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 61.3% | 88.2% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 92.6% | 34.1% |
| Enrollment | 20,753 | 7,055 |
| SAT Range | 1010-1270 | 1400-1530 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Virginia Commonwealt... | William & Mary |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $17,512 | $3,106 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $17,777 | $881 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $20,925 | $5,916 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $24,691 | $16,803 |
| $110,001+ | $32,739 | $34,370 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Virginia Commonwealt... | William & Mary |
|---|---|---|
| Sociology | $53,122 | $87,655 |
| Mathematics | $68,457 | $87,170 |
| Chemistry | $67,439 | $78,270 |
| Physics | $77,737 | $77,863 |
| Philosophy | $64,402 | $75,423 |
| International Relations | $62,182 | $72,173 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $55,855 | $70,523 |
| Area Studies | $45,852 | $68,909 |
| History | $53,186 | $63,632 |
| Psychology | $51,440 | $59,226 |
| Biology | $58,420 | $49,644 |
| English Language and Literature | $45,844 | $57,616 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $43,690 | $29,752 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Virginia Commonwealt... | William & Mary |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 54 | 90 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 61 | 91 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 58 | 88 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 65 | 96 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 26 | 90 |
| Overall ROI Score | 55 | 91 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: William & Mary clearly outperforms Virginia Commonwealth University (91 vs 55), a 36-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Virginia Commonwealth University brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to William & Mary.
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Virginia Commonwealth University
Below Average Value - Full profile and breakdown
William & Mary
Exceptional Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.