Karia Kiritbhai Study Abroad Course Expert
Study Abroad Course Expert
The University of Virginia, which is situated in Charlottesville, is a prestigious public research university with approximately 27,000 students. The admissions process is competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 17%. Prominent programs includes Law, Business, Public Policy, Computer Science, and Liberal Arts. The graduation rate is very high, approximately 94–96%, and graduates indicate early career salaries of approximately INR 58–64 lakhs ($70–70,000).
Based in Richmond, Virginia, the University of Richmond is a selective private liberal arts university with approximately 4,000 students. The admissions process is competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 23%. Flagship programs includes Business (Robins School), Law, Leadership Studies, and International Relations. The graduation rate is also high at approximately 88–90%, and graduates generally earn early career wages of INR 52–58 lakhs per annum ($63,000–70,000).
| University of Virginia | University of Richmond | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 5.5 Out of 10 | 4.1 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 166 Times Higher Education 2026 # 275 QS World University 2026 # 76 Center for World University Rankings 2025 | # 1884 Center for World University Rankings 2022 # 1858 Center for World University Rankings 2021 # 1858 Center for World University Rankings 2020 |
| Subject Strength | # 39 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 191 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 4 for Law by US News 2025 | # 71 for Law by US News 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -15 PG Programs -34 Doctorate Programs -2 | UG Programs -37 PG Programs -2 |
| Acceptance Rate | 17.0 % | 23.0 % |
| Exam Score | GMAT-640 IELTS-7 SAT-1340 TOEFL-90 | IELTS-7.5 SAT-1270 TOEFL-80 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 49494 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 28380 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 15862 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 53710 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 37200 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 24700 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | Graduate employability rankings (2023)- #101-110.
| 98% of graduates were satisfied (generally satisfied or very satisfied) with their undergraduate education at the University of Richmond one year after graduation. Six-month employment rate: 90% |
| application requirements | UG applicants are required to submit school counselor recommendation. | Submit official transcripts of all previous education Submit English language proficiency test scores Submit official test scores of exams like SAT, ACT, GMAT etc Check program specific requirements |
| Campuses and B-Schools | Darden School of Business | NA |
Top Courses Comparison
| exam scores | IELTS - 7/9PTE - 54/90TOEFL - 90/120 | Duolingo - 135/160IELTS - 7.5/9TOEFL - 100/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -49494 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -65230 |
| application dates | Jan 5, 2024 (Application Deadline) | Nov 1, 2024 (Early Action Application Deadline For 2025 Intake Non-Binding) Nov 1, 2024 (Early Decision 1 Application Deadline For 2025 Intake Binding) Jan 1, 2025 (Early Decision 2 Application Deadline For 2025 Intake Binding) Jan 1, 2025 (Regular Decision Application Deadline For 2025 Intake Non-Binding) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | University of Virginia | University of Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1819 | 1830 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 10:1 | 8:1 |
| Male:Female | 45% Male, 55% Female | 52% Male, 48% Female |
| Location Facts | There are overall 11 schools under University of Virginia located around 8 miles from the airport and 2 miles from rail. The campus area is popularly known as university grounds. | The University of Richmond's campus consists of 350 acres in a suburban setting on the western edge of the city. Most of the campus lies within the city limits; a small section of the south campus, including the Special Programs Building (home to the student health center and the campus police), intramural sports fields, and most of the campus apartments, lies within Henrico County. |
| Library | The university has ten libraries that collectively have 5,000,000 print books; 700,000 ebooks; and 200,000 ejournals. The library also has a collection of 17th century newspapers, astronomical data. | The library offers opportunities for innovation through its digital library services, research and instruction program, rare books and special collections and the Digital Scholarship lab. Library locations include Boatwright Memorial Library (main library), Parsons Music Library at the Modlin Center for the Arts, the Curriculum Materials Center in North Court and the Science Reading Room in Gottwald Science Center. Students and scholars can start their research at library.richmond.edu. The Libraries offer access to over 400 databases, 100,000 full-text journals, 300,000 electronic book titles, 11,000 videos, 1,500 audiobooks and numerous other electronic resources. Research guides and chat services offer online assistance and many library services, such as interlibrary loan, are available on the library’s website. |
| Campus Life | With 800+ student clubs and 27 varsity athletic teams to join, University of Virginia offers you a wide variety of co-curricular to indulge in. The university maintains 17 courts, fields, and recreation centers for providing fitness and welfare programs. The university has both museums (1) and gallery (2) and organizes online exhibitions for its students. | Richmond is enriching — from the scholarly pursuits to the playful, and everything in between. You’ll find opportunities that speak to your interests, immersion experiences that redefine your horizons, and space to improve your well-being along the way. You’ll find a wealth of support and services at Richmond. From our Well-Being Center to various groups that nurture what’s within, you’ll enjoy a multitude of ways to take care of yourself in mind, body, and spirit. Students find a comfortable home in Richmond — both the University and the city. Whether catching up with hallmates over d-hall brunch, studying (or not!) in the library’s comfy chairs, or changing up the scenery along the riverside hiking trails, the students find it hard to be bored. The Center for Student Involvement (CSI) offers advising and support for student organizations wishing to plan events on campus. There are more than 175 student organizations on campus for the students to get involved in. |
| Hostel | #Housing - $8942 | #Off campus (with family) - $1060 #On campus - $11820 #Off campus (not with family) - $11820 |
| Famous Alumni | Robert F. Kennedy (former US attorney journal), Tina Fey (actress), Larry Sabato (Americal political scientist), Ted Kennedy (former American senator), Katie Couric (TV journalist), Edgar Allan Poe (writer), Tiki Barber (footballer), David Baldacci (novelist), Mark Sanford (former governor of South Carolina), Sean Maloney (US representative), etc. | Leslie M. Baker, Jr. (Class of 1964) – former President and CEO, Wachovia Corporation Josh Abramson – co-founder of CollegeHumor |
| City Life | Charlottesville is situated at the foot of blue ridge mountains. It offers something for every adventure junkie, like countless hikes, kayaking & canoeing on Rivanna river. The city is ranked among the nation’s most restaurants per capita. In 2017, it was ranked the third happiest city in the US. | Richmond — or "RVA" as locals call it — has a little bit of everything. From a river running through the heart of our city to a thriving arts scene, there's plenty to love. James River is the centerpiece of Richmond’s thriving outdoor scene and distinguishes the city as the only American city with Class IV rapids within city limits. For you, that means canoeing, kayaking, hiking, biking, rock climbing, swimming, fishing, and just generally relaxing are all right at your fingertips — not to mention a prime and popular site for faculty and student research projects. Richmond’s food scene is one of its calling cards. Here, the hard part isn’t finding a great place to eat — it’s deciding which option to choose. More than 700 restaurants range from national award winners to beloved local comfort food spots, while popular farmers’ markets and food festivals happen all year long. As the capital of Virginia, Richmond is at the center of the state’s business and government activity. From the state legislature, federal courts, and the home of the Governor, to a Federal Reserve Bank, numerous Fortune 500 companies, and nationally acclaimed creative agencies — Richmond has it all. |
| Weather |
University of Virginia vs University of Richmond
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
The University of Virginia (UVA) consistently places in the global rankings of 100–120, and is especially strong in Business, Law, Political Science, Engineering, and the social sciences. The University of Richmond (UR) usually places lower in global rankings, around 500–700, and has strong programs in Business (Robins School), Law, Leadership Studies, and the Humanities. UVA has much more recognition globally and higher research productivity globally; Richmond is known for its student-centered treatment and strong undergraduate quality.
General Information
UVA is one of the oldest public research universities in the US, founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, located in Charlottesville, Virginia, with about 25,000 students. It has an esteemed academic program, a historic campus, and strong tradition of academic research. The University of Richmond, established in 1830 in Richmond, Virginia, is a private liberal arts institution with around 4,000 students, providing strong faculty-student interaction and an small class sizes with a focus on undergraduate teaching.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
UVA has an acceptance rate of 17%, which is moderately selective, but has intense competition for Business, Engineering, and Law-related tracks. Richmond is more selective for a small private institution, with an overall acceptance rate of 23%. Richmond emphasizes academic performance, demonstrated leadership, and a holistic review. UVA attracts a larger applicant pool nationally and internationally, while Richmond draws very engaged students who are interested in a liberal arts environment.
Research Impact & Facilities
The University of Virginia (UVA) is a prominent research university with strong emphasis in business, law, social sciences, medicine, and engineering, and is home to modern laboratories and research institutes. The University of Richmond has a more teaching-focused approach with applied research in business, leadership, and social sciences, serving mainly at the regional and national levels. The University of Virginia has a strong research output and global academic presence while the University of Richmond focuses on student engagement and individualized research opportunities.
Cost & Financial Aid
International tuition at UVA may be around $60,000/year, while Richmond would charge approximately $58,000/year. The cost of living would be a little bit more expensive at Richmond based on its urban location; however, both are reasonable amounts relative to other private universities in the United States. Both institutions provide both merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid and UVA has some state-funded scholarships, while Richmond will be providing a great deal of private endowment support.
Career Destinations & Graduates' Success
Graduates from the University of Virginia primarily work in business, law, public service, engineering, and research, leveraging strong alumni networks and prominent exposure at a global level. Graduates from the University of Richmond primarily work in business, law, leadership roles, and public service, while also taking advantage of close faculty support and corporate partnerships. Graduates from the University of Virginia will have greater national and international prestige, while graduates from the University of Richmond will have a much more tailored educational experience and greater success in professional and leadership roles.
