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NYU vs University of Virginia

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

12.2% NYU acceptance
16.3% UVA acceptance
$47,280 UVA cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

NYU
New York, New York
Private
Founded
1831
Enrollment
59,144
Setting
Urban
UVA
Charlottesville, Virginia
Public
Founded
1819
Enrollment
26,082
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition UVA saves $4,524
NYU
$60,438
UVA
$55,914
Acceptance Rate NYU more selective
NYU
12.2%
UVA
16.3%
Graduation Rate UVA higher
NYU
87%
UVA
94%
Avg SAT Score NYU higher
NYU
1480
UVA
1440
Starting Salary NYU higher
NYU
$74,100
UVA
$71,500

Detailed Comparison

Metric NYU UVA Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$60,438$55,914UVA
Tuition (In-State)$60,438$20,342UVA
Room & Board$21,578$14,282UVA
Acceptance Rate12.2%16.3%NYU
Graduation Rate87%94%UVA
Average SAT14801440NYU
Student-Faculty Ratio8:115:1NYU
Enrollment59,14426,082-
Avg Financial Aid$38,960$21,700NYU
Starting Salary$74,100$71,500NYU
Endowment$6.2B$14.5BUVA
Campus Size230 acres1,682 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

NYU
$328,064
4-year total (private)
VS
UVA
$280,784
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: NYU = $172,224 | UVA = $193,984. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

NYU Top Majors

BusinessLiberal StudiesFilmEconomicsComputer Science

UVA Top Majors

EconomicsBusinessComputer ScienceBiologyPsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
NYUUrban
UVASuburban
Campus Size
NYU230 ac
UVA1,682 ac
Athletics
NYUNCAA D3
UVANCAA D1
Region
NYUNortheast
UVASouth
Founded
NYU1831
UVA1819
Enrollment
NYU59,144
UVA26,082

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is NYU or UVA harder to get into?+
NYU is more selective with an acceptance rate of 12.2% compared to 16.3%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, NYU or UVA?+
At sticker price, UVA costs less over 4 years ($280,784 vs $328,064). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. NYU offers an average of $38,960/year in aid while UVA offers $21,700/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for NYU and UVA?+
The average SAT score at NYU is 1480 and at UVA it is 1440. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do NYU or UVA graduates earn more?+
Graduates of NYU have a higher average starting salary ($74,100 vs $71,500). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
NYU has a 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio while UVA has 15:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do NYU and UVA compare for campus life?+
NYU is located in New York, New York (urban setting) with a 230-acre campus. UVA is in Charlottesville, Virginia (suburban setting) with 1,682 acres. NYU competes in NCAA D3 athletics and UVA in NCAA D1.