Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 68.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 65.9%
- Retention Rate
- 77.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $58,047
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 73.9%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $36,938 | $26,000 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $35,600 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $33,281 | $27,000 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $30,771 | $27,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $28,598 | $27,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $27,476 | $26,820 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $25,658 | $27,000 |
| History. | Bachelor | $20,140 | $27,000 |
Outcomes Overview
Roanoke graduates earn a median of $58,047 ten years after graduation, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 47% based on the typical $27,000 in student loans. Monthly loan payments of $286 consume about 6% of gross income for recent graduates. The college's strong liberal arts foundation traditionally sends students into education, business, healthcare, and social services. About 97.5% of graduates find employment or continue their education within six months. While earnings lag behind some technical programs, the broad-based education provides career flexibility that many liberal arts graduates value. The 74% loan repayment rate suggests most handle their debt successfully. Overall, Roanoke offers an average return on investment for students seeking well-rounded preparation rather than specialized training.