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University of Maryland vs University of Virginia

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

44.0% Maryland acceptance
16.3% UVA acceptance
$62,224 Maryland cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Maryland
College Park, Maryland
Public
Founded
1856
Enrollment
41,200
Setting
Suburban
UVA
Charlottesville, Virginia
Public
Founded
1819
Enrollment
26,082
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition Maryland saves $15,608
Maryland
$40,306
UVA
$55,914
Acceptance Rate UVA more selective
Maryland
44.0%
UVA
16.3%
Graduation Rate UVA higher
Maryland
88%
UVA
94%
Avg SAT Score UVA higher
Maryland
1410
UVA
1440
Starting Salary UVA higher
Maryland
$70,900
UVA
$71,500

Detailed Comparison

Metric Maryland UVA Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$40,306$55,914Maryland
Tuition (In-State)$11,505$20,342Maryland
Room & Board$14,334$14,282UVA
Acceptance Rate44.0%16.3%UVA
Graduation Rate88%94%UVA
Average SAT14101440UVA
Student-Faculty Ratio18:115:1UVA
Enrollment41,20026,082-
Avg Financial Aid$14,200$21,700UVA
Starting Salary$70,900$71,500UVA
Endowment$2.3B$14.5BUVA
Campus Size1,335 acres1,682 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Maryland
$218,560
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UVA
$280,784
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Maryland = $161,760 | UVA = $193,984. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Maryland Top Majors

Computer ScienceBiologyEngineeringBusinessCriminology

UVA Top Majors

EconomicsBusinessComputer ScienceBiologyPsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
MarylandSuburban
UVASuburban
Campus Size
Maryland1,335 ac
UVA1,682 ac
Athletics
MarylandNCAA D1
UVANCAA D1
Region
MarylandNortheast
UVASouth
Founded
Maryland1856
UVA1819
Enrollment
Maryland41,200
UVA26,082

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Maryland or UVA harder to get into?+
UVA is more selective with an acceptance rate of 16.3% compared to 44.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Maryland or UVA?+
At sticker price, Maryland costs less over 4 years ($218,560 vs $280,784). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Maryland offers an average of $14,200/year in aid while UVA offers $21,700/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Maryland and UVA?+
The average SAT score at Maryland is 1410 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 Maryland or UVA graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UVA have a higher average starting salary ($71,500 vs $70,900). 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?+
Maryland has a 18:1 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 Maryland and UVA compare for campus life?+
Maryland is located in College Park, Maryland (suburban setting) with a 1,335-acre campus. UVA is in Charlottesville, Virginia (suburban setting) with 1,682 acres. Maryland competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UVA in NCAA D1.