At $18,749/yr net price, Regent University graduates earn $44,498/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,498/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,749 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $74,996 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,498/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,498/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 54.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,534 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,843/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,644/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,647/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,261/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,990/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Doctoral | $83,768 | $98,595 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Doctoral | $79,450 | |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $64,493 | $40,745 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $63,997 | $148,589 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $51,972 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $51,482 | $40,583 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Doctoral | $50,856 | $115,215 |
| Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language. | Master | $50,677 | $21,459 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $50,640 | $85,898 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $48,667 | $34,166 |
The Risk Factor
54.1% of students at Regent 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
Regent University delivers mixed financial returns, with your outcome heavily dependent on your chosen program. The $44,498 median salary after graduation falls short of the $18,749 annual net price investment, creating a challenging payback timeline for many graduates.
Human Resources Management stands out as the clear financial winner, with top earners reaching $83,768 annually. Computer Science graduates also see solid returns at $51,972. However, Clinical Psychology creates significant financial risk with median debt of $148,589 against $63,997 earnings, potentially requiring decades to break even. The 54% graduation rate means nearly half of students never complete their degree, making this investment particularly risky if you're academically borderline.
This school works best for motivated students pursuing high-earning programs who can graduate on time. The relatively low net price gives you breathing room if you choose wisely, but the poor retention rate suggests many students struggle with the academic demands or find the programs don't meet their expectations.
You should look elsewhere if you're considering psychology or counseling programs that require extensive graduate work, as the debt-to-income ratios become unsustainable. The school's location in Virginia Beach provides decent regional job opportunities, but the overall earnings data suggests limited career services support or alumni networks compared to other Virginia institutions.
With 48% of students receiving financial aid, merit scholarships appear limited. Your best strategy involves choosing a high-ROI program and graduating quickly to minimize total costs while maximizing your earning potential in the regional job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Regent University worth the cost for the salary you'll make?
Regent University graduates earn a median of $44,498 ten years after enrollment, which is below average for college graduates. With a net price of $18,749 per year, the return on investment is weak compared to other Virginia schools.
What are the best paying programs at Regent University?
Human Resources Management leads with $83,768 median earnings, followed by Student Counseling at $79,450. Most other programs at Regent produce significantly lower salaries, with many falling below $52,000.
How much debt do Regent University students typically graduate with?
The median debt for Regent graduates is $24,534, which is manageable given typical loan terms. However, with below-average starting salaries, debt repayment may still be challenging for many graduates.
Does Regent University have good graduation rates for the money?
Regent's 54% graduation rate is concerning for a school charging nearly $19,000 annually. Nearly half of students don't finish their degree, making it a risky investment for many applicants.