Connecticut vs Virginia — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Virginia is the more selective of the two (16.8% vs 52.4% acceptance). Virginia ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #201-300). Virginia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($87K vs $74K). Connecticut has lower sticker-price tuition ($43,712 vs $59,512 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Connecticut for: lower tuition.
Choose Virginia for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Virginia is more selective (16.8% vs 52.4% acceptance); Virginia has a higher median SAT (1480 vs 1348).
Virginia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($87K vs $74K); Virginia has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.6% vs 83.3%).
Connecticut has lower sticker-price tuition ($43,712 vs $59,512); Virginia offers a larger average aid package ($37,123 vs $21,535).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Connecticut | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 52.4% | 16.8% |
| Yield rate | 15.4% | 40% |
| Median SAT | 1348 | 1480 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 55,479 | 58,951 |
| International students | 11% | 12% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $87K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $66K | $79K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $109K | $130K |
| Graduation rate | 83.3% | 95.6% |
| Retention rate | 92% | 97.9% |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $43,712 | $59,512 |
| Avg. aid package | $21,535 | $37,123 |
| % of need met | 61.6% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $28,506 | $25,137 |
| Application fee | $80 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 28,306 | 26,470 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Connecticut or Virginia?
It's harder to get into Virginia. Connecticut accepts 52.4% of applicants, while Virginia accepts 16.8%.
Do Connecticut or Virginia graduates earn more?
Virginia graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $87K vs $74K.
How much is tuition at Connecticut vs Virginia?
Sticker-price tuition is $43,712 per year at Connecticut and $59,512 per year at Virginia.
What SAT score do you need for Connecticut or Virginia?
The median admitted SAT score is 1348 at Connecticut and 1480 at Virginia; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Connecticut or Virginia?
Virginia ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Connecticut vs #201-300 for Virginia.
Which university offers more financial aid — Connecticut or Virginia?
The average aid package is $21,535 at Connecticut and $37,123 at Virginia.
Harvard
Stanford
Massachusetts institute of technology
Princeton
Yale
Cornell
Penn
Johns hopkins
Washington university
Northwestern