At $16,640/yr net price, Radford University graduates earn $53,739/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,739/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,640 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $66,560 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,739/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,739/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,289/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,883/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,533/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,204/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,537/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $102,123 | $97,314 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $73,769 | $90,018 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $71,015 | $29,554 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $70,736 | $60,807 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $62,508 | $43,089 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $61,516 | $24,636 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,366 | $18,953 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $53,608 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $50,952 | $20,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $50,856 | $24,900 |
The Risk Factor
49.6% of students at Radford 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
Radford University delivers below-average financial returns despite its affordable sticker price. Your median earnings of $53,739 ten years after graduation lag behind many comparable public universities, creating a longer payback period even with moderate debt loads.
Healthcare programs dominate the earnings rankings at Radford, with Allied Health Diagnostic leading at $102,123 annually. However, this program saddles you with $97,314 in debt, creating a concerning debt-to-income ratio. Health and Medical Administrative Services offers the sweet spot with $71,015 earnings and just $29,554 debt. Communication Disorders also provides solid returns relative to borrowing costs.
The 49.6% graduation rate presents your biggest financial risk. One in two students leave without a degree but often with debt. The 72.67% retention rate suggests many departures happen after freshman year, limiting your exposure but still wasting tuition dollars.
Radford works financially if you can secure admission to competitive healthcare programs and graduate on time. The school serves Virginia residents well given in-state pricing, but out-of-state students should examine alternatives. Students interested in liberal arts or business fields will find better earning potential elsewhere.
Only 35% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting limited financial support for middle-income families. Merit scholarships exist but compete with stronger academic programs at other Virginia public universities. Your best strategy involves choosing a healthcare major, graduating in four years, and taking advantage of in-state tuition if you qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Radford University worth the cost?
Radford University's ROI depends heavily on your major. Healthcare programs like allied health diagnostics and rehabilitation therapy offer strong earning potential, but the overall graduate earnings of $53,739 after 10 years are below average for Virginia universities.
What are the best paying majors at Radford University?
Allied health diagnostic programs lead at $102,123 in median earnings, followed by rehabilitation therapy at $73,769. These healthcare fields significantly outperform the university's overall graduate earning average of $53,739.
How much debt do Radford University students graduate with?
Median student debt at Radford is $24,000, which is manageable compared to many universities. However, with nearly half of students not completing their degree, debt without a diploma is a real risk.
Should I attend Radford University if I'm not studying healthcare?
Consider other options if you're not pursuing Radford's strong healthcare programs. The 49.60% graduation rate and modest overall earning outcomes suggest limited value for students in other fields.