Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) vs University of Virginia-Main Campus (UVA)

Case Western Reserve University and University of Virginia-Main Campus, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Case Western, located in Cleveland, Ohio, boasts a lower acceptance rate, a higher percentage of international students, and a focus on STEM fields. On the other hand, UVA, situated in Charlottesville, Virginia, has a higher acceptance rate, a larger student body, and a wider range of academic programs, including strong humanities and social sciences departments. While Case Western's graduates have a slightly higher median salary, UVA's alumni enjoy a larger alumni network. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to discover more key differences and make an informed decision about which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and career goals.

	Case Western Reserve University	University of Virginia-Main Campus
Overview
Location	Cleveland, Ohio	Charlottesville, Virginia
Campus setting	City: Large	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	94.0%	97.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	30.2%	20.7%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $50	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $85
SAT range	1410 - 1530	1380 - 1500
ACT range	32 - 35	32 - 35
Students submitting SAT score	39.0%	52.0%
Students submitting ACT score	31.0%	21.0%
Total number of applicants	33,232	47,971
Total number of admissions given out	10,049	9,951
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,606	3,889
Yield rate	16.0%	39.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$74,114	In state: $36,314 Out of state: $70,696
Average net price	$38,166	$20,401
Tuition	$54,020	In state: $16,010 Out of state: $49,710
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $9,584 Meal plan: $6,898	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)	81.0% Average amount $33,761	46.0% Average amount $19,612
Students receiving federal student loan	61.0% Average amount $5,091	25.0% Average amount $4,845
Students taking out private loans	7.0% Average amount $11,016	6.0% Average amount $11,030

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	5,792 Men 52.5% Women 47.5%	17,294 Men 43.7% Women 56.3%
Graduate students	6,350 Men 45.1% Women 54.9%	8,711 Men 46.9% Women 53.1%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	79.8%	35.2%
International students	19.2%	8.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	Suburb: Small
Dormitory capacity	4,494	7,645
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Ohio New York Illinois Pennsylvania California	Virginia New York Maryland Pennsylvania New Jersey

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Business Engineering Biological and Biomedical Sciences Legal Profession	Business Health Professions Engineering Social Sciences Education
Students to faculty ratio	9:1	15:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	84.4%	93.7%
Dropout rate	15.1%	2.3%
Transferred out	N/A	3.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $166,462 Year 2: $165,486 Year 3: $172,180 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $162,463 Year 3: $149,793 Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $93,570 Year 2: $106,935 Year 3: $130,724 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $112,016 Year 2: $104,192 Year 3: $106,740 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $94,408 Year 3: $106,684 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $81,427 Year 2: $85,860 Year 3: $102,295 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $91,016 Year 2: $90,856 Year 3: $89,798 Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $76,820 Year 2: $82,440 Year 3: $88,856 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,006 Year 2: $71,575 Year 3: $87,454 Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $70,394 Year 2: $73,949 Year 3: $87,134	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 Case Western Reserve University and the University of Virginia?

Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) is located in Cleveland, Ohio, within the University Circle neighborhood, a hub for cultural and educational institutions. The campus has a more urban feel, with easy access to museums, hospitals, and research facilities. The University of Virginia (UVA), on the other hand, is situated in Charlottesville, Virginia, a historic city with a more traditional college town atmosphere. UVA's campus is known for its beautiful architecture, particularly the Academical Village designed by Thomas Jefferson, and offers a blend of historical charm and modern amenities.
How do the academic strengths of Case Western Reserve University and the University of Virginia compare?

Both universities are highly regarded academically. CWRU is particularly strong in engineering, pre-med, and sciences, benefiting from its close ties to the Cleveland Clinic and other research institutions. UVA excels in a broader range of disciplines, including law, business, humanities, and social sciences. UVA's McIntire School of Commerce and its Darden School of Business are especially well-regarded. Both universities offer robust research opportunities and a commitment to undergraduate education.
What is the student body like at Case Western Reserve University versus the University of Virginia?

CWRU has a more diverse student body, with a significant representation of students from various states and international backgrounds. The student body tends to be focused on STEM fields, although other disciplines are well-represented. UVA has a strong in-state presence, with a significant portion of students coming from Virginia. UVA also attracts a diverse group of students from across the US and internationally. UVA's student body is known for its strong sense of community and tradition.
How does the cost of attendance compare between Case Western Reserve University and the University of Virginia?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is generally higher at CWRU than at UVA for out-of-state students. UVA offers a more affordable option for in-state students due to its public university status. Both universities offer financial aid and merit-based scholarships to help offset the cost of attendance. Prospective students should carefully review the financial aid packages offered by each institution.
What are the opportunities for research and experiential learning at Case Western Reserve University and the University of Virginia?

Both universities provide ample opportunities for research and experiential learning. CWRU's location in University Circle provides access to numerous research institutions and hospitals, offering students hands-on experience in various fields. UVA has a strong emphasis on undergraduate research, with opportunities available across all departments. UVA also offers a wide range of study abroad programs, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities, including those related to its historic location.
How do the campus cultures and student life experiences differ between Case Western Reserve University and the University of Virginia?

CWRU has a more academically focused campus culture, with a strong emphasis on research and career preparation. Student life includes a variety of clubs, organizations, and social events, but the focus is often on academic pursuits. UVA is known for its vibrant campus culture, with a strong emphasis on traditions, student self-governance, and a close-knit community. UVA offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including Greek life, sports, and arts, providing a well-rounded student experience.
What are the career services and post-graduate outcomes like at Case Western Reserve University and the University of Virginia?

Both universities have robust career services departments that assist students with internships, job placement, and career planning. CWRU's career services are particularly strong in STEM fields, leveraging the university's connections to industry and research institutions. UVA's career services offer support across a wide range of disciplines, with strong connections to employers in various sectors. Both universities have excellent post-graduate outcomes, with graduates pursuing advanced degrees and successful careers in their respective fields.
How does the application process differ between Case Western Reserve University and the University of Virginia?

Both universities utilize the Common Application. CWRU may have specific supplemental essay requirements. UVA also uses the Common Application and requires supplemental essays. Both universities consider a holistic review of applications, including academic performance, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. Prospective students should carefully review the application requirements and deadlines for each university.
Which university is a better fit for me, Case Western Reserve University or the University of Virginia?

The best fit depends on your individual preferences and academic goals. If you are interested in STEM fields, research opportunities, and a more urban environment, CWRU might be a good choice. If you are looking for a strong sense of community, a traditional college town atmosphere, and a broader range of academic disciplines, UVA might 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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