Gannon University vs. VMI

Comparable Facts

Compare Gannon University in Erie, PA with Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Gannon University is larger than VMI based on total student enrollment (4,189 students vs. 1,527 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gannon University is located in Erie, PA (Midsize City setting); Virginia Military Institute is in Lexington, VA (Distant Rural setting).
• Gannon University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Military Institute is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gannon University 11:1; Virginia Military Institute 9:1.

Gannon University vs. VMI Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Gannon University or VMI? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Virginia Military Institute than Gannon University ($18,825 vs. $23,123).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Virginia Military Institute are 29.1% lower than at Gannon University ($11,310 vs. $15,960).
• Gannon University is 93.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than VMI (about $19,610 more per year; $40,656.00 vs. $21,046.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.5% higher at VMI than at Gannon University (about $11,982 more per year; $52,638.00 vs. $40,656.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gannon University than at Virginia Military Institute (85% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gannon University students is 25.1% larger than aid received by Virginia Military Institute students ($29,799 vs. $23,821).

Gannon University vs. VMI Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Gannon University or VMI? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between VMI and Gannon University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Virginia Military Institute (1160) is 40 points higher than at Gannon University (1120).
• Incoming VMI students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 24 at Gannon University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gannon University 990/1250; Virginia Military Institute 1050/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gannon University 20/28; Virginia Military Institute 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Gannon University - Test-free; VMI - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VMI Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman VMI students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Gannon University (3.59).
• Gannon University has a higher acceptance rate (74.2%) than VMI (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.4% at Gannon University vs. 31.7% at VMI.

Gannon University vs. VMI Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Gannon University and VMI? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Virginia Military Institute's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Gannon University's (66%).
• Graduates from Virginia Military Institute earn a median of about $9,200 more per year than Gannon University graduates about ten years after starting college ($62,100 vs. $52,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Virginia Military Institute graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Gannon University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, VMI graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Gannon University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More VMI graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Gannon University students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 67%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.