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