University of Virginia-Main Campus (UVA) vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Envision yourself immersed in the vibrant intellectual landscapes of two prestigious institutions: University of Virginia-Main Campus and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence, they offer distinct experiences that cater to diverse aspirations. With acceptance rates of 26% and 7%, respectively, UVA and MIT present varying levels of selectivity. UVA's student body is more diverse, with international students comprising 13% of the population compared to MIT's 28%. Explore the nuances of their academic offerings, as UVA excels in fields like biology, psychology, and economics, while MIT shines in engineering, computer science, and physics. Discover the factors that influence their graduation rates, with UVA's 89% and MIT's 91% reflecting their dedication to student success. Delve into the comparison table to uncover further insights and determine which university aligns best with your academic pursuits and personal aspirations.

	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	University of Virginia-Main Campus
Overview
Location	Cambridge, Massachusetts	Charlottesville, Virginia
Campus setting	City: Midsize	Suburb: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Public
Calendar system	4-1-4	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	99.0%	97.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	4.1%	20.7%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $75	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $85
SAT range	N/A	1380 - 1500
ACT range	N/A	32 - 35
Students submitting SAT score		52.0%
Students submitting ACT score		21.0%
Total number of applicants	33,240	47,971
Total number of admissions given out	1,365	9,951
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,177	3,889
Yield rate	86.2%	39.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$58,920	In state: $36,314 Out of state: $70,696
Average net price	$30,958	$20,401
Tuition	$55,510	In state: $16,010 Out of state: $49,710
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $11,550 Meal plan: $6,550	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)	100.0% Average amount $32,562	46.0% Average amount $19,612
Students receiving federal student loan	6.0% Average amount $5,112	25.0% Average amount $4,845
Students taking out private loans	1.0% Average amount $17,891	6.0% Average amount $11,030

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	4,638 Men 51.9% Women 48.1%	17,294 Men 43.7% Women 56.3%
Graduate students	7,296 Men 62.0% Women 38.0%	8,711 Men 46.9% Women 53.1%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	35.2%
International students	29.2%	8.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	Suburb: Small
Dormitory capacity	6,280	7,645
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	California Texas New York Florida New Jersey	Virginia New York Maryland Pennsylvania New Jersey

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Business Computer and Information Science Architecture Mathematics and Statistics	Business Health Professions Engineering Social Sciences Education
Students to faculty ratio	3:1	15:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	96.2%	93.7%
Dropout rate	3.0%	2.3%
Transferred out	N/A	3.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $144,716 Year 2: $150,045 Year 3: $183,153 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $170,089 Year 2: $165,236 Year 3: $182,183 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $118,191 Year 2: $127,993 Year 3: $163,496 Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $82,796 Year 2: $117,572 Year 3: $155,540 Systems Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $133,685 Year 2: $137,214 Year 3: $155,079 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $104,229 Year 2: $121,226 Year 3: $139,548 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $141,603 Year 2: $126,504 Year 3: $132,987 Mechanical Engineering (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $112,885 Year 3: $124,425 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $135,266 Year 2: $111,435 Year 3: $112,404 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $109,955 Year 2: $104,749 Year 3: $109,672	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 primary academic focuses of UVA and MIT?

The University of Virginia (UVA) offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs, excelling in liberal arts, law, business, medicine, and engineering. It's known for its strong humanities programs and a well-rounded educational experience. MIT, on the other hand, is primarily focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. While MIT does offer programs in humanities, arts, and social sciences (HASS), its core strength and reputation lie in its STEM disciplines.
How do the campus cultures differ between UVA and MIT?

UVA boasts a historic and traditional campus environment with a strong emphasis on student self-governance and a vibrant Greek life. The atmosphere is often described as collegial and community-oriented. MIT's campus culture is more intensely focused on academics and research, with a strong emphasis on innovation and problem-solving. It's known for its collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment, with a less prominent Greek life presence.
What are the typical class sizes and student-to-faculty ratios at UVA and MIT?

UVA generally has larger class sizes, especially in introductory courses, although smaller, more specialized classes are also available. The student-to-faculty ratio is around 12:1. MIT tends to have smaller class sizes, particularly in upper-level courses, and a lower student-to-faculty ratio of approximately 3:1, allowing for more personalized attention and interaction with professors.
How do the research opportunities compare between UVA and MIT?

Both UVA and MIT offer extensive research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. UVA has strong research programs across various disciplines, including medicine, engineering, and the humanities. MIT is a global leader in scientific and technological research, offering unparalleled opportunities in cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence, robotics, and biotechnology. MIT's research focus is generally more heavily weighted towards STEM fields.
What is the cost of attendance and financial aid availability at UVA and MIT?

The cost of attendance at both UVA and MIT is significant, including tuition, fees, room, and board. However, both institutions offer robust financial aid programs. UVA provides need-based and merit-based scholarships and grants. MIT is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, primarily through grants and scholarships, reducing the reliance on loans.
How do the locations of UVA and MIT impact the student experience?

UVA is located in Charlottesville, Virginia, a vibrant college town with a rich history and access to outdoor activities in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The setting offers a more traditional college town experience. MIT is situated in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a bustling urban environment adjacent to Boston. This location provides access to a wide range of cultural attractions, internship opportunities, and a thriving tech industry.
What are the career prospects like for graduates of UVA and MIT?

Graduates from both UVA and MIT enjoy excellent career prospects. UVA graduates are well-prepared for careers in various fields, including law, business, government, and healthcare. MIT graduates are highly sought after in STEM-related industries, research institutions, and entrepreneurial ventures. Both universities have strong alumni networks that can provide valuable career support.
What are the admission requirements and selectivity for UVA and MIT?

Both UVA and MIT are highly selective institutions with rigorous admission requirements. Both universities look for students with strong academic records, standardized test scores (though MIT is test-optional for the class of 2027), and compelling extracurricular involvement. MIT places a greater emphasis on demonstrated aptitude and passion for STEM fields, while UVA seeks well-rounded students with a broad range of interests and leadership potential.
How do UVA and MIT approach undergraduate education?

UVA emphasizes a liberal arts education, encouraging students to explore a wide range of subjects and develop critical thinking skills. The Honor System at UVA promotes a culture of trust and responsibility. MIT focuses on a more specialized, hands-on approach to learning, with a strong emphasis on problem-solving and research. MIT's curriculum is designed to prepare students for careers in STEM fields and to contribute to technological innovation.
What are some notable differences in the social scenes at UVA and MIT?

UVA's social scene is characterized by a strong sense of tradition, a vibrant Greek life, and a focus on community events. MIT's social scene is more academically focused, with a strong emphasis on student clubs, research groups, and hackathons. While both universities offer a variety of social activities, the overall atmosphere and priorities differ significantly.

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