At $8,920/yr net price, Richard Bland College graduates earn $41,452/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,452/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,920 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $35,680 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,452/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,452/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 20.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,899/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,174/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,603/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,936/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,733/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Sciences. | Associate | $19,358 | $12,000 |
The Risk Factor
20.9% of students at Richard Bland College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Richard Bland College gives you a low-cost entry point with a serious completion problem. Net price sits under $9,000 a year, and median debt of $11,000 is modest for higher education. But only about one in five students graduates, which is the number that should drive your decision here.
The financial picture is mixed, and it leans on you finishing. Median earnings ten years out land around $41,000, which is fine for an associate-focused school and reasonable against Virginia's regional job market. That figure only materializes if you complete and transfer or move into work. With a graduation rate near 21%, most students who enroll do not finish, and an unfinished degree carries debt without the earnings to service it.
The one program with reported outcomes tells a cautionary story. Physical Sciences at the associate level shows earnings under $20,000 a year against $12,000 in debt. That is a weak return on its own, and it points to the reality that Richard Bland works best as a transfer step toward a bachelor's degree, not as a terminal credential. Treat the associate degree as a bridge, not a destination.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families and punish higher-income ones. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay roughly $5,000 a year. Cross $75,000 and the price jumps to nearly $14,000. over $110,000 it climbs past $17,000, which erases much of the affordability advantage.
This school fits you if you come from a lower-income household, plan to transfer to a four-year school, and are confident you will finish. If you are unsure about completing, or if your family income puts you in the top price tier, the low sticker price will not protect you from paying for a credential you never earn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Richard Bland College worth the cost for most students?
Richard Bland College offers a low net price of $8,920 per year, but the 10-year median earnings of $41,452 and extremely low graduation rate of 21% raise serious concerns about value. The low debt load of $11,000 helps, but many students don't finish their programs.
What programs at Richard Bland College have the best return on investment?
Physical Sciences graduates earn a median of $19,358, which is significantly below the overall school average and well below national standards for science fields. Most other program outcomes are not publicly reported, which limits ability to assess specific majors.
How much student debt do Richard Bland College graduates typically have?
Richard Bland College graduates carry a relatively low median debt of $11,000, which is manageable compared to four-year institutions. However, this low debt figure only applies to the 21% of students who actually graduate.
Does Richard Bland College provide good financial aid to students?
The net price of $8,920 per year suggests decent financial aid for a Virginia public institution. However, the extremely low graduation rate means many students pay tuition without earning a degree, making the true cost much higher than advertised.