At $24,014/yr net price, Southern Virginia University graduates earn $50,002/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $16,002/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,014 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $96,056 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,002/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$16,002/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,224 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $20,722/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,345/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $23,925/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,350/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,686/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $35,600 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $20,530 | $17,125 |
The Risk Factor
38.3% of students at Southern Virginia University 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
Southern Virginia University delivers weak financial returns that make it difficult to recommend for most students. With median earnings of just $50,002 ten years after graduation and a troubling 38% graduation rate, you face significant risks of either dropping out or graduating into a low-paying career.
The school's program outcomes reveal stark disparities. Business graduates earn $35,600 annually, which barely justifies the $24,014 annual net price when you consider the four-year investment. Liberal Arts graduates fare worse at $20,530 per year, creating a nearly impossible debt-to-income scenario even with their lower typical debt of $17,125.
Your biggest financial risk here is the graduation rate. With nearly two-thirds of students failing to complete their degrees, you could end up with debt but no credential to show for it. The 82% retention rate suggests students start strong but struggle to finish, potentially due to academic or financial pressures.
This school might work for you if you have significant family financial support and aren't concerned about maximizing earning potential. The relatively low percentage receiving aid (43%) suggests many students pay without federal assistance, indicating either higher family incomes or alternative funding sources.
You should look elsewhere if you need your degree to generate strong income or if you're borrowing heavily to attend. The combination of low graduation rates and modest graduate earnings creates too much downside risk. Consider Virginia's public universities or regional schools with stronger completion rates and higher graduate earnings for better financial outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southern Virginia University worth the cost compared to other schools?
Southern Virginia University's graduates earn $50,002 ten years after enrollment, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $24,014 annually and median debt of $24,224, the financial return is modest but manageable for most students.
What are the best paying majors at Southern Virginia University?
Business and Commerce graduates from Southern Virginia University earn around $35,600 annually, while Liberal Arts graduates earn significantly less at $20,530. The business program offers better financial returns than the liberal arts track.
Does Southern Virginia University have high student debt problems?
Southern Virginia University graduates carry median debt of $24,224, which is reasonable compared to national averages. However, the low graduation rate of 38% means many students accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Why is Southern Virginia University's graduation rate so low?
Southern Virginia University has a 38% graduation rate, meaning most students who start there don't finish their degree. This high dropout rate significantly impacts the school's value proposition and increases the risk of debt without credentials.