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