At $20,814/yr net price, Longwood University graduates earn $52,347/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,347/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,814 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $83,256 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,347/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,347/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 61.6% |
| 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 | $14,546/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,727/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,489/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,915/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,405/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $59,350 | $26,799 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $57,995 | $47,619 |
| Education, General. | Master | $46,087 | $24,250 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $45,902 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $45,417 | $23,092 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $41,119 | $24,801 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $36,668 | $27,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $34,633 | $26,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $34,321 | $21,000 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Bachelor | $32,925 | $25,750 |
The Risk Factor
61.6% of students at Longwood University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 38% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Longwood University delivers mixed financial returns, with nursing graduates earning solid money while most other majors produce modest outcomes relative to the investment. The $52,347 median earnings after 10 years barely justify the $20,814 annual net price, especially when nearly 40% of students never finish their degrees.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $59,350 annually and carrying reasonable debt loads of $26,799. Communication disorders also pays well at $57,995, though the $47,619 debt burden cuts into the return. Education majors face a tougher financial picture, with general education graduates earning just $46,087 despite accumulating $24,250 in debt for what amounts to a public service career.
The 61.6% graduation rate creates substantial risk that you'll accumulate debt without completing your degree. The 77.75% retention rate suggests many students struggle in their first year, potentially due to academic preparation or financial pressures.
Longwood makes financial sense if you're pursuing nursing or speech pathology and can complete your degree within four years. Virginia residents get better value than out-of-state students. The school works less well for business or education majors, where the earnings potential doesn't strongly support the costs.
With only 26% of students receiving aid, most families pay close to full price. Focus on finishing quickly and consider community college prerequisites to reduce total costs. The rural Farmville location limits internship and job opportunities compared to Virginia's urban centers, which may explain the moderate earnings outcomes across most programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Longwood University worth the money?
Longwood University graduates earn a median salary of $52,347 after 10 years, which is below average for college graduates. With a net price of $20,814 annually and typical debt of $25,000, the return on investment is modest unless you pursue nursing or communication disorders programs.
What are the best paying majors at Longwood University?
Nursing programs at Longwood University offer the strongest financial returns, with graduates earning around $59,350 annually. Communication disorders follows at $57,995, while education and business majors earn significantly less at $45,000-46,000.
How much debt do Longwood University students graduate with?
Longwood University students graduate with a median debt of $25,000. This debt level is manageable for nursing and communication disorders graduates but may be challenging for education majors who earn around $46,000 annually.
Does Longwood University have good job prospects after graduation?
Longwood University has a 61.6% graduation rate, which is below the national average. Job prospects vary significantly by major, with nursing and healthcare programs offering stronger career outcomes than education or general business programs.