HPU vs. VMI

Comparable Facts

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

High Point University is larger than VMI based on total student enrollment (6,331 students vs. 1,527 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• High Point University is located in High Point, NC (Midsize City setting); Virginia Military Institute is in Lexington, VA (Distant Rural setting).
• High Point University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Military Institute is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: High Point University 21:1; Virginia Military Institute 9:1.

HPU vs. VMI Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, HPU 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 HPU ($18,825 vs. $43,086).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Virginia Military Institute are 40.2% lower than at High Point University ($11,310 vs. $18,924).
• High Point University is 115.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than VMI (about $24,266 more per year; $45,312.00 vs. $21,046.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.2% higher at VMI than at High Point University (about $7,326 more per year; $52,638.00 vs. $45,312.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at High Point University than at Virginia Military Institute (95% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Virginia Military Institute students is 5.1% larger than aid received by High Point University students ($23,821 vs. $22,664).

HPU vs. VMI Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, HPU 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 HPU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at High Point University (1220) is 60 points higher than at VMI (1160).
• Incoming HPU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at VMI).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: High Point University 1110/1320; Virginia Military Institute 1050/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: High Point University 24/33; Virginia Military Institute 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: HPU - Test optional; VMI - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: HPU Mar 1, 2027; VMI Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman VMI students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at HPU (3.4).
• HPU has a higher acceptance rate (75.3%) than VMI (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at HPU vs. 31.7% at VMI.

HPU vs. VMI Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for HPU 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).

• Graduates from Virginia Military Institute earn a median of about $20,100 more per year than HPU graduates about ten years after starting college ($62,100 vs. $42,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, High Point University graduates have a $2,579 lower median loan debt than VMI graduates ($22,421 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, HPU graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VMI graduates ($231 vs. $258).
• More VMI graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former HPU students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 69%)

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.