Texas A & M University-College Station (TAMU) vs University of Virginia-Main Campus (UVA)

Envision yourself immersed in the vibrant college towns of College Station, Texas, and Charlottesville, Virginia, home to two esteemed institutions of higher learning: Texas A&M University-College Station and University of Virginia-Main Campus. While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence, they offer distinct experiences shaped by their unique identities. Delve into our comprehensive comparison to discover the nuances that set these institutions apart. Explore the contrasting acceptance rates, unravel the diverse range of popular majors, immerse yourself in the vibrant student body demographics, and uncover the remarkable graduation rates. Our side-by-side analysis empowers you to make an informed decision, aligning your academic aspirations with the ideal educational environment.

	Texas A & M University-College Station	University of Virginia-Main Campus
Overview
Location	College Station, Texas	Charlottesville, Virginia
Campus setting	City: Midsize	Suburb: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	93.0%	97.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	64.3%	20.7%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $50	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $85
SAT range	1140 - 1380	1380 - 1500
ACT range	25 - 31	32 - 35
Students submitting SAT score	72.0%	52.0%
Students submitting ACT score	28.0%	21.0%
Total number of applicants	43,763	47,971
Total number of admissions given out	28,132	9,951
Admitted students who chose to enroll	12,323	3,889
Yield rate	43.8%	39.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Required
High school transcript	Required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $31,703 Out of state: $58,598	In state: $36,314 Out of state: $70,696
Average net price	$22,253	$20,401
Tuition	In state: $9,339 Out of state: $36,234	In state: $16,010 Out of state: $49,710
Room & board	$11,400	Room/dormitory: $7,110 Meal plan: $5,550
Available payment plans	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	64.0% Average amount $10,877	46.0% Average amount $19,612
Students receiving federal student loan	27.0% Average amount $5,082	25.0% Average amount $4,845
Students taking out private loans	6.0% Average amount $17,615	6.0% Average amount $11,030

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	56,723 Men 52.9% Women 47.1%	17,294 Men 43.7% Women 56.3%
Graduate students	15,807 Men 52.3% Women 47.7%	8,711 Men 46.9% Women 53.1%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	4.9%	35.2%
International students	6.6%	8.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	Suburb: Small
Dormitory capacity	11,342	7,645
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Texas California Louisiana Virginia Colorado	Virginia New York Maryland Pennsylvania New Jersey

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Business Health Professions Multidisciplinary Studies Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Business Health Professions Engineering Social Sciences Education
Students to faculty ratio	19:1	15:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	83.4%	93.7%
Dropout rate	3.0%	2.3%
Transferred out	12.8%	3.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $123,529 Year 2: $134,726 Year 3: $134,672 Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $199,818 Year 2: $144,240 Year 3: $132,724 Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $115,892 Year 2: $105,083 Year 3: $132,550 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $93,294 Year 2: $115,761 Year 3: $126,377 Petroleum Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $84,377 Year 2: $92,124 Year 3: $105,826 Real Estate (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $75,282 Year 2: $82,685 Year 3: $97,319 Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $87,907 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $96,092 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $76,110 Year 2: $80,669 Year 3: $95,309 Marine Transportation (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,754 Year 2: $86,129 Year 3: $94,608 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $81,783 Year 2: $83,177 Year 3: $92,911	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 main differences in location and campus environment between Texas A&M and UVA?

Texas A&M University-College Station is located in College Station, Texas, a mid-sized city deeply intertwined with the university's identity. The campus is expansive and has a strong sense of tradition and Aggie spirit. The University of Virginia-Main Campus is situated in Charlottesville, Virginia, a smaller city known for its historical significance and proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains. UVA's campus, designed by Thomas Jefferson, boasts a beautiful and historic atmosphere.
How do the academic reputations of Texas A&M and UVA compare?

Both Texas A&M and UVA are highly respected institutions. Texas A&M is particularly strong in engineering, agriculture, and business. UVA is renowned for its programs in law, medicine, business, and liberal arts. Both universities attract high-achieving students and have a strong research focus.
What is the difference in cost of attendance between Texas A&M and UVA?

Generally, Texas A&M is more affordable than UVA, especially for in-state students. Out-of-state tuition at UVA can be significantly higher. It's important to check the most recent tuition and fees on each university's website, as well as explore available financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
What are the student demographics like at each university?

Texas A&M has a larger undergraduate population than UVA. Texas A&M also has a higher percentage of students from Texas. UVA draws students from a more geographically diverse pool, including a significant number from the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond. Both universities are working to increase diversity within their student bodies.
How do the student cultures differ between Texas A&M and UVA?

Texas A&M is known for its strong traditions, Aggie spirit, and a close-knit community. There's a significant emphasis on school pride and involvement in campus activities. UVA has a more academically focused atmosphere, with a strong emphasis on student self-governance and a vibrant social scene centered around the Lawn and Greek life. While both have active student bodies, the emphasis and traditions differ.
What are the popular majors at Texas A&M and UVA?

At Texas A&M, popular majors include engineering (especially petroleum, mechanical, and aerospace), business, agriculture, and biomedical sciences. At UVA, popular majors include business, economics, political science, biology, and English.
What are the career opportunities like for graduates of each university?

Both Texas A&M and UVA graduates have excellent career prospects. Texas A&M's strong ties to the energy, aerospace, and agricultural industries provide graduates with opportunities in those sectors. UVA's location and reputation open doors in finance, law, consulting, and government, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic region and nationally. Both universities have strong alumni networks that support graduates in their career searches.
How do the athletic programs compare between the two schools?

Both Texas A&M and UVA are Division I schools with competitive athletic programs. Texas A&M is part of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), known for its strong football program. UVA is part of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and has strong programs in basketball, baseball, and lacrosse. Both universities offer a wide range of varsity and intramural sports.
What is the surrounding city like for each university?

College Station is a university town, meaning the city's economy and culture are heavily influenced by Texas A&M. Charlottesville offers a blend of history, culture, and outdoor activities. It's a smaller city with a thriving arts and music scene, as well as easy access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
What are the acceptance rates for Texas A&M and UVA?

Both universities are selective, but UVA generally has a lower acceptance rate than Texas A&M. This means that UVA is typically more competitive to get into. Check the most recent admissions statistics on each university's website for the most up-to-date information.
How do the research opportunities compare at Texas A&M and UVA?

Both Texas A&M and UVA are major research universities with extensive research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. Texas A&M has significant research funding in areas like engineering, agriculture, and life sciences. UVA has strong research programs in medicine, engineering, and the humanities. Students at both universities can find opportunities to work with faculty on cutting-edge research projects.
What resources are available for international students at each university?

Both Texas A&M and UVA have dedicated offices and resources for international students, including visa assistance, orientation programs, language support, and cultural events. These offices help international students adjust to life in the United States and provide support throughout their academic careers.

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