Virginia Wesleyan University (VWU) vs Randolph-Macon College
Virginia Wesleyan University and Randolph-Macon College, both esteemed institutions of higher learning in Virginia, offer distinct educational experiences. Virginia Wesleyan, a private university in Virginia Beach, boasts a higher acceptance rate (75%) compared to Randolph-Macon's selective admissions (49%). While Randolph-Macon's student body is predominantly white (78%), Virginia Wesleyan's student population is more diverse, with a significant international student presence. Both institutions excel in different areas: Virginia Wesleyan is known for its strong nursing and business programs, while Randolph-Macon is recognized for its liberal arts and sciences curriculum. With comparable graduation rates, both universities ensure that their students are well-prepared for their future endeavors. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover which institution aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
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![]() Randolph-Macon College |
![]() Virginia Wesleyan University |
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Overview |
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Location | Ashland, Virginia | Virginia Beach, Virginia |
Campus setting | Suburb: Large | City: Large |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Private (Non Profit) | Private (Non Profit) |
Calendar system | 4-1-4 | 4-1-4 |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 81.0% | 66.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | Methodism | Methodism |
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 83.8% | 86.4% |
Application fees | ||
SAT range | N/A | 1150 - 1380 |
ACT range | N/A | 27 - 31 |
Students submitting SAT score | 13.0% | |
Students submitting ACT score | 4.0% | |
Total number of applicants | 2,250 | 2,076 |
Total number of admissions given out | 1,886 | 1,793 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 345 | 341 |
Yield rate | 18.3% | 19.0% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Required | Not required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Not required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $59,096 | $51,994 |
Average net price | $26,794 | $22,584 |
Tuition | $43,660 | $36,010 |
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$7,260
Meal plan:
$5,870
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$10,264 |
Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
100.0%
Average amount $30,777 |
99.0%
Average amount $27,737 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
60.0%
Average amount $5,384 |
62.0%
Average amount $5,299 |
Students taking out private loans |
13.0%
Average amount $17,336 |
13.0%
Average amount $13,485 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
1,501
Men 45.4% Women 54.6% |
1,241
Men 39.2% Women 60.8% |
Graduate students | N/A |
83
Men 41.0% Women 59.0% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
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Moderate
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Out-of-state students | 21.7% | N/A |
International students | 2.6% | 1.4% |
Campus local/setting | Suburb: Large | City: Large |
Dormitory capacity | 1,256 | 858 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | Virginia Maryland Pennsylvania North Carolina New Jersey | N/A |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 11:1 | 12:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 71.8% | 46.8% |
Dropout rate | 16.3% | 16.2% |
Transferred out | 11.9% | 36.7% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees)
Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Bachelor's Degrees)
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
History (Bachelor's Degrees)
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Sociology (Bachelor's Degrees)
English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Bachelor's Degrees)
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees)
Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees)
International Relations and National Security Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
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