At $27,759/yr net price, Randolph-Macon College graduates earn $58,448/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,448/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $27,759 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $111,036 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,448/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,448/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 74.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $20,959/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,278/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $28,921/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,916/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,417/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $53,810 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $47,260 | $24,156 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $44,276 | $27,000 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $43,426 | |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $41,342 | $27,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $25,823 |
| Religion/Religious Studies. | Bachelor | $37,568 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $36,848 | $25,974 |
| History. | Bachelor | $36,141 | |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $35,861 | $25,739 |
The Risk Factor
74.6% of students at Randolph-Macon College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 25% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Randolph-Macon College delivers mixed financial returns, with modest graduate earnings that barely justify the $27,759 annual net price for most students. Your median post-graduation salary of $58,448 means you'll need roughly nine years to recoup your total educational investment, assuming typical debt loads.
Mathematics majors earn the strongest returns at $53,810 annually, though this still lags behind what you'd find at stronger STEM-focused institutions. Accounting graduates see reasonable outcomes at $47,260 with below-average debt of $24,156. However, popular liberal arts tracks like Political Science ($41,342) and Communication ($44,276) leave you with limited earning potential relative to your investment.
The school's 75% graduation rate creates real financial risk if you don't complete your degree. One in four students leaves without earning their credential, making the investment a total loss. The 20% financial aid rate means most families pay close to sticker price, putting additional pressure on return calculations.
Randolph-Macon works financially for students from affluent Virginia families who value the liberal arts experience and don't need strong career returns. You should look elsewhere if you're borrowing heavily, pursuing career-focused fields, or need your degree to significantly boost your earning power. The school's regional job market limits opportunities compared to colleges near major metropolitan areas.
Consider this college only if your family can comfortably afford the cost without loans or if you're pursuing one of the higher-earning majors with specific career goals that align with the school's alumni network in central Virginia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Randolph-Macon College worth the cost?
With a net price of $27,759 and 10-year median earnings of $58,448, Randolph-Macon offers a break-even point around 6-7 years after graduation. The high acceptance rate (85%) and modest SAT scores suggest it's accessible but not highly selective, which typically correlates with lower earning potential.
What majors at Randolph-Macon College have the best ROI?
Mathematics graduates earn the most at $53,810, followed by Accounting at $47,260. Liberal arts programs like Communication ($44,276) and Political Science ($41,342) show weaker returns relative to the cost of attendance.
How much debt do Randolph-Macon College graduates typically have?
The median debt is $27,000, which is manageable given the starting salaries for top programs. However, graduates in lower-paying majors may struggle with debt-to-income ratios above the recommended 10% threshold.
Does Randolph-Macon College provide good value compared to other schools?
At nearly $28,000 net price annually, Randolph-Macon costs more than many state schools while producing earnings similar to less expensive regional colleges. The 75% graduation rate is respectable but doesn't justify the premium pricing for most students.