Emory vs Virginia — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Emory is the more selective of the two (10.7% vs 16.8% acceptance). Emory ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#101-150 vs #201-300). Virginia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($87K vs $80K). Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($59,512 vs $64,280 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 Emory for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a larger aid package.
Choose Virginia for: higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Emory is more selective (10.7% vs 16.8% acceptance); Emory has a higher median SAT (1520 vs 1480).
Virginia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($87K vs $80K); Virginia has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.6% vs 91.1%).
Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($59,512 vs $64,280); Emory offers a larger average aid package ($67,329 vs $37,123).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Emory | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 10.7% | 16.8% |
| Yield rate | 40.4% | 40% |
| Median SAT | 1520 | 1480 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | — |
| Number of applications | 34,614 | 58,951 |
| International students | 19% | 12% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $80K | $87K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $84K | $79K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $120K | $130K |
| Graduation rate | 91.1% | 95.6% |
| Retention rate | 96% | 97.9% |
| Median debt | $18,250 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $64,280 | $59,512 |
| Avg. aid package | $67,329 | $37,123 |
| % of need met | 99.9% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,562 | $25,137 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 15,179 | 26,470 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Emory or Virginia?
It's harder to get into Emory. Emory accepts 10.7% of applicants, while Virginia accepts 16.8%.
Do Emory or Virginia graduates earn more?
Virginia graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $87K vs $80K.
How much is tuition at Emory vs Virginia?
Sticker-price tuition is $64,280 per year at Emory and $59,512 per year at Virginia.
What SAT score do you need for Emory or Virginia?
The median admitted SAT score is 1520 at Emory and 1480 at Virginia; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Emory or Virginia?
Emory ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Emory vs #201-300 for Virginia.
Which university offers more financial aid — Emory or Virginia?
The average aid package is $67,329 at Emory and $37,123 at Virginia.
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