At $23,262/yr net price, Averett University graduates earn $51,516/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,516/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,262 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $93,048 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,516/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,516/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 43.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,743/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,129/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,655/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,859/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,470/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $63,898 | $39,094 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $49,464 | $30,678 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $48,725 | $25,489 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $28,000 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Bachelor | $37,208 | |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $30,228 | |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs. | Bachelor | $25,709 | $23,500 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $25,194 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
43.6% of students at Averett University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Averett University delivers weak financial returns that put most graduates at economic risk. The median earnings of $51,516 barely justify the $23,262 annual net price, especially when paired with a troubling 43.6% graduation rate that means most students never complete their degrees.
Business Administration offers the only clear financial winner, with graduates earning $63,898 annually. However, these students carry $39,094 in debt, creating a challenging repayment burden even for the highest earners. Criminal Justice graduates face particularly poor outcomes, earning just $38,289 while carrying $28,000 in debt. Education majors through the Curriculum and Instruction program earn $49,464, which provides modest returns given typical teaching career trajectories in Virginia.
The low retention rate of 58.6% signals significant academic and financial struggles that increase your risk of leaving without a degree. This pattern suggests weak student support systems and academic preparation challenges that could derail your investment.
You should consider Averett only if you plan to major in Business Administration and have strong academic preparation to avoid the high dropout risk. The school works best for local students who can minimize living costs and have family support systems nearby. Students seeking Criminal Justice, Education, or other lower-earning programs will find better value at Virginia community colleges or regional public universities.
With only 39% of students receiving financial aid, merit scholarships appear limited. Your best cost strategy involves completing your degree quickly and choosing the Business program, but the institutional risks make this a poor choice for most students seeking solid educational returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Averett University worth the cost?
Averett University's ROI is mixed, with graduates earning $51,516 after 10 years against a $23,262 annual net price. The 43.6% graduation rate is concerning, meaning more than half of students don't finish their degrees.
What are the best paying majors at Averett University?
Business Administration leads at $63,898 in early career earnings, while Curriculum and Instruction graduates earn $49,464. Criminal Justice and Management Sciences lag significantly at under $39,000.
How much debt do Averett University graduates have?
Median debt is $25,000, which is manageable compared to the $51,516 average earnings 10 years out. However, this only applies to the 44% of students who actually graduate.
Does Averett University have good financial aid?
The $23,262 net price suggests decent financial aid for a private school. Still, with low graduation rates and moderate post-graduation earnings, students should carefully consider program choice and completion likelihood.