At $27,786/yr net price, Roanoke College graduates earn $58,047/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,047/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $27,786 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $111,144 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,047/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,047/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 65.9% |
| 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 | $20,269/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,396/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,279/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,939/yr |
| $110,001+ | $32,137/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
65.9% of students at Roanoke College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 34% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Roanoke College gives you a mixed financial picture. Ten years out, the median graduate earns about $58,000, which is a solid return for a private school in Salem, Virginia, and it sits well above what your first job out of any of the listed majors pays. Median debt lands at $27,000, roughly one year of median earnings once you're established, which is a manageable ratio.
The gap between listed program earnings and the school-wide median is the story here. Every bachelor's program listed pays under $37,000 in early-career earnings, with Business Administration on top and Health and Physical Education at the bottom near $28,600. That means the jump to $58,000 comes from years of experience, graduate degrees, or majors not shown, not from your starting salary. Expect a slow climb after graduation, especially if you major in Psychology or Health and Physical Education, where early pay barely clears the entry level.
The main risk is the 65.9% graduation rate paired with a 77.89% retention rate. Roughly a third of students don't finish here, and if you take on debt and leave without a degree, you carry the cost without the earnings payoff.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $19,000-$20,000 a year, noticeably less than the $32,137 sticker for families above $110,000. The middle tiers ($48-75k and $75-110k) see the aid thin out fast, landing near $24,000-$27,000.
Roanoke fits you if you're aiming for Business Administration, plan to finish in four years, and qualify for the lower-income pricing. Look elsewhere if you need strong early earnings from Psychology or Health and Physical Education, or if you'd pay the full $32,000 without a clear path to graduate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Roanoke College worth the cost?
With a net price of $27,786 and median debt of $27,000, Roanoke College graduates earn $58,047 ten years after graduation. The return on investment is modest, and only 66% of students graduate.
What are the highest paying majors at Roanoke College?
Business Administration leads with $36,938 in median earnings, followed by Natural Resources Conservation at $35,600. Most other programs at Roanoke College pay significantly less, with some averaging under $30,000.
How much debt do Roanoke College graduates have?
The median debt is $27,000, which is manageable compared to the annual net price of $27,786. However, graduates earning under $35,000 in fields like Biology or Education may struggle with loan payments.
Should I attend Roanoke College for a good return on investment?
Roanoke College offers average returns at best, with earnings that don't significantly exceed the investment for most programs. Consider it mainly if you receive substantial financial aid or plan to study Business Administration.