University of Miami vs University of Virginia-Main Campus (UVA)

Considering the University of Miami and the University of Virginia-Main Campus for your higher education? Our comprehensive comparison table provides a detailed analysis of these two esteemed institutions, highlighting their unique strengths and differences. From acceptance rates and popular majors to student body demographics and graduation rates, this side-by-side comparison offers valuable insights to help you make an informed decision. Dive into the data and discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	University of Miami	University of Virginia-Main Campus
Overview
Location	Coral Gables, Florida	Charlottesville, Virginia
Campus setting	City: Small	Suburb: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	93.0%	97.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	28.5%	20.7%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $85	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $85
SAT range	1300 - 1460	1380 - 1500
ACT range	30 - 33	32 - 35
Students submitting SAT score	31.0%	52.0%
Students submitting ACT score	24.0%	21.0%
Total number of applicants	42,245	47,971
Total number of admissions given out	12,037	9,951
Admitted students who chose to enroll	2,766	3,889
Yield rate	23.0%	39.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$79,410	In state: $36,314 Out of state: $70,696
Average net price	$34,492	$20,401
Tuition	$53,112	In state: $16,010 Out of state: $49,710
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $9,180 Meal plan: $6,800	Room/dormitory: $7,110 Meal plan: $5,550
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	71.0% Average amount $35,012	46.0% Average amount $19,612
Students receiving federal student loan	30.0% Average amount $3,991	25.0% Average amount $4,845
Students taking out private loans	5.0% Average amount $28,087	6.0% Average amount $11,030

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	12,089 Men 46.5% Women 53.5%	17,294 Men 43.7% Women 56.3%
Graduate students	7,007 Men 44.4% Women 55.6%	8,711 Men 46.9% Women 53.1%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	71.6%	35.2%
International students	13.4%	8.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	Suburb: Small
Dormitory capacity	5,307	7,645
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Florida New York New Jersey Pennsylvania Maryland	Virginia New York Maryland Pennsylvania New Jersey

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Business Legal Profession Biological and Biomedical Sciences Visual & Performing Arts	Business Health Professions Engineering Social Sciences Education
Students to faculty ratio	13:1	15:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	83.5%	93.7%
Dropout rate	15.8%	2.3%
Transferred out	N/A	3.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $125,015 Year 3: $172,147 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $92,295 Year 2: $95,591 Year 3: $108,205 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $78,024 Year 2: $83,022 Year 3: $88,651 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $51,220 Year 2: $72,796 Year 3: $87,198 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $60,833 Year 2: $60,623 Year 3: $78,127 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $67,830 Year 2: $71,095 Year 3: $77,849 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $59,299 Year 2: $58,673 Year 3: $75,770 Biomedical/Medical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $48,570 Year 2: $53,358 Year 3: $72,668 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $57,413 Year 2: $60,623 Year 3: $72,612 Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $57,755 Year 2: $58,980 Year 3: $67,113	Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $185,710 Year 2: $162,255 Year 3: $193,013 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $157,071 Year 2: $155,263 Year 3: $176,237 Computer Software and Media Applications (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $86,350 Year 2: $101,406 Year 3: $125,729 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $103,426 Year 2: $107,256 Year 3: $120,362 Systems Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $108,239 Year 2: $95,739 Year 3: $109,956 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $83,639 Year 2: $92,077 Year 3: $108,272 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $84,682 Year 2: $90,146 Year 3: $101,904 Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $76,602 Year 2: $82,440 Year 3: $95,939 Systems Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $79,487 Year 2: $82,808 Year 3: $94,931 Public Policy Analysis (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $54,807 Year 2: $70,596 Year 3: $84,597

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in location and campus environment between the University of Miami and the University of Virginia?

The University of Miami is located in Coral Gables, Florida, offering a vibrant, tropical campus experience with easy access to Miami's beaches, nightlife, and cultural attractions. The University of Virginia (UVA), on the other hand, is situated in Charlottesville, Virginia, a historic town nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. UVA's campus is known for its beautiful architecture and strong sense of tradition, with a more distinct seasonal climate compared to Miami's consistently warm weather.
How do the academic programs compare at the University of Miami and the University of Virginia?

Both universities offer a wide range of academic programs. UVA is particularly strong in its liberal arts, law, and engineering programs, with a highly regarded McIntire School of Commerce. The University of Miami excels in programs related to marine science, music (Frost School of Music), and business (Miami Herbert Business School), and also has a strong medical school. Both universities provide robust research opportunities and a commitment to undergraduate education.
What is the student life like at the University of Miami versus the University of Virginia?

Student life at the University of Miami is characterized by a strong emphasis on social activities, Greek life, and a diverse student body. The university's location in South Florida provides numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation and entertainment. UVA boasts a vibrant student life centered around its historic traditions, student-run honor code, and a strong sense of community. Both universities offer a wide array of student organizations, clubs, and activities.
How does the cost of attendance compare between the University of Miami and the University of Virginia?

The University of Miami generally has a higher overall cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, compared to the University of Virginia. UVA, as a public institution, offers lower tuition rates for in-state students. However, both universities provide financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help make education more affordable. It's important to check the specific tuition and fees for the current academic year on each university's website.
What are the admission requirements and selectivity levels of the University of Miami and the University of Virginia?

Both universities are highly selective. UVA generally has a slightly higher acceptance rate than the University of Miami. Admission requirements for both institutions typically include a strong academic record, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may be in place), letters of recommendation, and a well-crafted application essay. Both universities consider a holistic review of applicants, taking into account extracurricular activities, leadership experience, and demonstrated interest.
How do the athletic programs and sports culture differ at the University of Miami and the University of Virginia?

The University of Miami is known for its strong athletic programs, particularly in football, baseball, and basketball, with a passionate fan base. UVA also has competitive athletic programs, especially in basketball, soccer, and lacrosse. Both universities compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), providing exciting opportunities for students to support their teams and participate in campus traditions related to sports.
What are the career services and alumni networks like at the University of Miami and the University of Virginia?

Both universities offer robust career services to assist students with internships, job searches, and career planning. UVA's alumni network is particularly strong, with a long history and a dedicated alumni base. The University of Miami also has a growing and active alumni network, particularly strong in fields like business, communications, and the arts. Both universities provide resources for networking, career counseling, and job placement.
What are the housing options like at the University of Miami and the University of Virginia?

Both universities offer a variety of on-campus housing options, including residence halls and apartments. The University of Miami provides a range of housing styles, reflecting its diverse student body. UVA's housing options include traditional dorms and more modern facilities, often integrated with the university's historic architecture. Both universities also offer off-campus housing options for students who prefer to live independently.
How do the research opportunities compare at the University of Miami and the University of Virginia?

Both universities are committed to research and offer numerous opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in research projects. UVA has a strong research focus across various disciplines, with significant funding for research initiatives. The University of Miami also has a robust research environment, particularly in areas related to marine science, medicine, and climate change. Both universities encourage student involvement in research through labs, grants, and faculty mentorship.
Which university is a better fit for me: the University of Miami or the University of Virginia?

The best fit depends on your individual preferences and academic goals. If you're looking for a warm-weather environment, a vibrant social scene, and strong programs in areas like marine science or music, the University of Miami might be a good choice. If you prefer a historic campus, a strong sense of tradition, and excellent programs in the liberal arts, law, or engineering, the University of Virginia could be a better fit. Consider visiting both campuses, if possible, and researching the specific programs and opportunities that align with your interests.

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