Texas rio grande valley vs West virginia — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
West virginia is the more selective of the two (89% vs 94.2% acceptance). West virginia ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#801-900 vs #501-600). West virginia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($56K vs $50K). Texas rio grande valley has lower sticker-price tuition ($19,827 vs $28,608 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 Texas rio grande valley for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
Choose West 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
West virginia is more selective (89% vs 94.2% acceptance); West virginia has a higher median SAT (1122 vs 985).
West virginia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($56K vs $50K); West virginia has a higher 6-year graduation rate (64.7% vs 50.9%).
Texas rio grande valley has lower sticker-price tuition ($19,827 vs $28,608); West virginia offers a larger average aid package ($16,730 vs $11,242).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Texas rio grande valley | West virginia |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #801-900 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 94.2% | 89% |
| Yield rate | 55.4% | 26.5% |
| Median SAT | 985 | 1122 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.70 |
| Number of applications | 12,137 | 20,150 |
| International students | 3% | 5% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $50K | $56K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $44K | $53K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $67K | $84K |
| Graduation rate | 50.9% | 64.7% |
| Retention rate | 78.9% | 83.4% |
| Median debt | $12,950 | $22,500 |
| Tuition · year | $19,827 | $28,608 |
| Avg. aid package | $11,242 | $16,730 |
| % of need met | 72% | 63% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $14,589 | $36,010 |
| Application fee | — | $65 |
| Enrollment | 31,864 | 23,643 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Texas rio grande valley or West virginia?
It's harder to get into West virginia. Texas rio grande valley accepts 94.2% of applicants, while West virginia accepts 89%.
Do Texas rio grande valley or West virginia graduates earn more?
West virginia graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $56K vs $50K.
How much is tuition at Texas rio grande valley vs West virginia?
Sticker-price tuition is $19,827 per year at Texas rio grande valley and $28,608 per year at West virginia.
What SAT score do you need for Texas rio grande valley or West virginia?
The median admitted SAT score is 985 at Texas rio grande valley and 1122 at West virginia; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Texas rio grande valley or West virginia?
West virginia ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #801-900 for Texas rio grande valley vs #501-600 for West virginia.
Which university offers more financial aid — Texas rio grande valley or West virginia?
The average aid package is $11,242 at Texas rio grande valley and $16,730 at West virginia.
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