University of Richmond vs. VMI

Comparable Facts

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

University of Richmond is larger than VMI based on total student enrollment (3,722 students vs. 1,527 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Richmond is located in University of Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting); Virginia Military Institute is in Lexington, VA (Distant Rural setting).
• University of Richmond is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Military Institute is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Richmond 7:1; Virginia Military Institute 9:1.

University of Richmond vs. VMI Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Richmond 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 University of Richmond ($18,825 vs. $30,037).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Virginia Military Institute are 34% lower than at University of Richmond ($11,310 vs. $17,140).
• University of Richmond is 209.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than VMI (about $44,184 more per year; $65,230.00 vs. $21,046.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.9% higher at University of Richmond than at Virginia Military Institute (about $12,592 more per year; $65,230.00 vs. $52,638.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Virginia Military Institute than at University of Richmond (81% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Richmond students is 114.3% larger than aid received by Virginia Military Institute students ($51,039 vs. $23,821).

University of Richmond vs. VMI Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Richmond 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 University of Richmond.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Richmond (1470) is 310 points higher than at VMI (1160).
• Incoming University of Richmond students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 27 at VMI).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Richmond 1410/1530; Virginia Military Institute 1050/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Richmond 33/35; Virginia Military Institute 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Richmond - Test optional; VMI - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Richmond Jan 1, 2027; VMI Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Richmond students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at VMI (3.65).
• VMI has a higher acceptance rate (71.2%) than University of Richmond (22.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.5% at University of Richmond vs. 31.7% at VMI.

University of Richmond vs. VMI Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Richmond 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).

• University of Richmond's six-year graduation rate (83%) is higher than Virginia Military Institute's (69%).
• Graduates from University of Richmond earn a median of about $11,800 more per year than VMI graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,900 vs. $62,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Richmond graduates have a $3,852 lower median loan debt than VMI graduates ($21,148 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Richmond graduates have an estimated $40 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VMI graduates ($218 vs. $258).
• More VMI graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Richmond students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 75%)

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.