Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State 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
Good news if you're stuck between them: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and William & Mary come out about even on financial return. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University scores 89/100 and William & Mary scores 91/100 - close enough that your own situation (your major, the aid package each one offers you, in-state vs out-of-state) will matter more than the score gap.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, William & Mary runs $19,096 a year against $24,953 at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University - $5,857 more a year, or about $23,428 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University graduates earn a median $81,698 against $73,490 at William & Mary. The cost earns itself back in 5.1 years at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State 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 Polytechnic Institute and State University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.43 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 Polytechnic Inst... | William & Mary |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $15,948 | $25,914 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $37,764 | $51,038 |
| Net Price (avg) | $24,953 | $19,096 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $99,812 | $76,384 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $50,400 | $47,400 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $81,698 | $73,490 |
| Graduation Rate | 86.2% | 89.4% |
| Payback Period | 5.1 yr | 5.6 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,500 | $18,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $228 | $196 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.43 | 0.39 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 85.9% | 86.7% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 83.5% | 88.2% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 54.8% | 34.1% |
| Enrollment | 30,923 | 7,055 |
| SAT Range | 1280-1450 | 1400-1530 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Virginia Polytechnic... | William & Mary |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $11,689 | $3,106 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $11,670 | $881 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $17,894 | $5,916 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $25,835 | $16,803 |
| $110,001+ | $34,201 | $34,370 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Virginia Polytechnic... | William & Mary |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $80,023 | $111,366 |
| Economics | $92,653 | $105,467 |
| Physics | $92,746 | $77,863 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $71,988 | $91,065 |
| Sociology | $63,654 | $87,655 |
| Mathematics | $67,763 | $87,170 |
| Chemistry | $73,395 | $78,270 |
| International Relations | $75,687 | $72,173 |
| Public Policy Analysis | $66,177 | $69,118 |
| English Language and Literature | $64,225 | $57,616 |
| History | $59,819 | $63,632 |
| Biology | $61,703 | $49,644 |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | $59,714 | $52,161 |
| Psychology | $56,365 | $59,226 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $58,652 | $29,752 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Virginia Polytechnic... | William & Mary |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 88 | 90 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 93 | 91 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 84 | 88 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 94 | 96 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 88 | 90 |
| Overall ROI Score | 89 | 91 |
The Verdict
It's close. William & Mary edges out Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University by 2 points (91 vs 89), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Strong 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.