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 gives you a weak financial return. You pay about $24,000 a year in net price, and ten years after enrolling the median graduate earns close to $50,000. That earnings figure looks passable until you check what the school's own programs actually pay, and the gap is where the problem shows up.
The two bachelor's programs with reported earnings both come in low. Business/Commerce graduates earn $35,600, and Liberal Arts and General Studies graduates earn $20,530 , below what many high school graduates make. Neither number justifies four years of tuition on its own. If the general studies path is what you have in mind here, the math does not work, and even the business degree leaves you earning less than the school's overall median.
The 38% graduation rate is the biggest financial risk. Fewer than four in ten students finish, so you carry a real chance of paying tuition, taking on debt, and leaving without a degree to show for it. The 82% retention rate says most students come back for a second year, but the collapse between year two and graduation is severe. Median debt of about $24,000 is manageable if you finish and land solid work , and a gamble if you don't.
The net price barely moves with income. A family under $30,000 pays about $20,700, while a family over $110,000 pays $26,700 , a difference of roughly $6,000 across the entire income range. Lower-income families get little relief here, so if you're on a tight budget, this school stays expensive for you.
This is a reasonable fit if you're committed to finishing and the school's specific mission matters to you. If you're choosing based on earnings, look elsewhere.
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.