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University of Virginia-Main Campus vs Chamberlain University-Virginia: which has better ROI?

Public, Charlottesville VA · vs · Private for-profit, Vienna VA

The verdict

University of Virginia-Main Campus has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $86,260 in 2.2 years versus 3 years at Chamberlain University-Virginia, on median earnings of $86,863 vs $92,405 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Virginia-Main CampusChamberlain University-Virginia
Net price / yr$21,565$33,199
Total net cost$86,260$132,796
Median earnings, 10 yrs$86,863$92,405
Median debt$17,500$20,919
Payback2.2 yrs3 yrs
20-year net return$683,800$748,104

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, University of Virginia-Main Campus or Chamberlain University-Virginia?

University of Virginia-Main Campus, at $21,565 a year after aid versus $33,199 — a gap of $11,634 a year, or $46,536 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of Virginia-Main Campus or Chamberlain University-Virginia graduates earn more?

Chamberlain University-Virginia graduates report a median $92,405 ten years after entry, $5,542 more than the $86,863 at University of Virginia-Main Campus. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, University of Virginia-Main Campus or Chamberlain University-Virginia?

University of Virginia-Main Campus: its completers carry a median $17,500 in federal loans versus $20,919 at Chamberlain University-Virginia, a difference of $3,419. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

100% of students finish at Chamberlain University-Virginia, against 96% at University of Virginia-Main Campus. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

University of Virginia-Main Campus vs Chamberlain University-Virginia: frequently asked questions

Is University of Virginia-Main Campus or Chamberlain University-Virginia a better value?
University of Virginia-Main Campus. It clears its $86,260 net cost in about 2.2 years versus 3 years at Chamberlain University-Virginia, on median earnings of $86,863 vs $92,405 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Virginia-Main Campus or Chamberlain University-Virginia?
University of Virginia-Main Campus: $21,565/yr net price after aid versus $33,199/yr at Chamberlain University-Virginia — a difference of $11,634 a year, or about $46,536 over four years.
Do University of Virginia-Main Campus or Chamberlain University-Virginia graduates earn more?
Chamberlain University-Virginia graduates earn a median $92,405 ten years after entry, versus $86,863 at University of Virginia-Main Campus — a $5,542 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.