Virginia vs Houston — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Virginia is the more selective of the two (16.8% vs 73.9% acceptance). Virginia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($87K vs $62K). Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 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 Virginia for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Houston for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Virginia is more selective (16.8% vs 73.9% acceptance); Virginia has a higher median SAT (1480 vs 1250).
Virginia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($87K vs $62K); Virginia has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.6% vs 64.6%).
Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $59,512); Virginia offers a larger average aid package ($37,123 vs $16,450).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Virginia | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #201-300 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 16.8% | 73.9% |
| Yield rate | 40% | 26.5% |
| Median SAT | 1480 | 1250 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.50 |
| Number of applications | 58,951 | 31,716 |
| International students | 12% | 16% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $87K | $62K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $79K | $61K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $130K | $93K |
| Graduation rate | 95.6% | 64.6% |
| Retention rate | 97.9% | 87% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $18,194 |
| Tuition · year | $59,512 | $22,547 |
| Avg. aid package | $37,123 | $16,450 |
| % of need met | 100% | 55.1% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $25,137 | $21,819 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 26,470 | 47,980 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Virginia or Houston?
It's harder to get into Virginia. Virginia accepts 16.8% of applicants, while Houston accepts 73.9%.
Do Virginia or Houston graduates earn more?
Virginia graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $87K vs $62K.
How much is tuition at Virginia vs Houston?
Sticker-price tuition is $59,512 per year at Virginia and $22,547 per year at Houston.
What SAT score do you need for Virginia or Houston?
The median admitted SAT score is 1480 at Virginia and 1250 at Houston; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university offers more financial aid — Virginia or Houston?
The average aid package is $37,123 at Virginia and $16,450 at Houston.
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