Academic Comparison between W & M and SVU

William & Mary and Southern Virginia University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. W & M is a four-year, public school located in Williamsburg, VA and SVU is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Buena Vista, VA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • W & M is a public and SVU is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • W & M has more expensive tuition & fees ($51,038) than SVU ($21,030).
  • It is harder to admit to W & M than SVU.
  • W & M has more students with 9,818 students while SVU has 936 students.
  • W & M has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while SVU's ratio is 14 to 1.
  • W & M has more full-time faculties with 689 faculties while SVU has 53 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

William & Maryvs.Southern Virginia University
Williamsburg, VirginiaLocationBuena Vista, Virginia
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedBachelor's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Arts & Sciences
In-State$25,734
Out-Of-State$51,038
2025 Tuition & Fees$21,030
50%% Receiving Financial Aid99%
$23,152Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,839
34.07 %Acceptance Rates96.42 %
26.62 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)21.44 %
1,470SAT Score-
33ACT Score-
89 %Graduation Rate33 %
7 %Transfer-out Rate24 %
95 %Retention Rate74 %
9,818Student Population936
689Number of Faculties53
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio14 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesStudy Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services