Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,092/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,092/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 13.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $40,621 |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Information Science/Studies. | Master | $71,255 | $74,156 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $65,355 | $40,250 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $61,144 | $37,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $56,911 | $75,005 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $52,107 | $80,164 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Certificate | $50,856 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $50,096 | $43,122 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $46,603 | $80,998 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $46,087 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $44,407 | $41,625 |
The Risk Factor
13.3% of students at Strayer University-Virginia 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
Strayer University-Virginia carries real financial risk. The median graduate earns about $40,000 a decade after enrolling while carrying median debt near that same figure, so you're borrowing roughly a full year of future salary to get through. A 13% graduation rate and a 50% retention rate mean the bigger danger isn't low pay after graduating, it's leaving with debt and no degree at all.
The programs that pay off are the tech ones. Information Science and Computer Science graduates clear $60,000, and their debt loads sit slightly below what business and criminal justice students take on while earning $10,000 to $20,000 less. If you enroll here, those two majors are where the math works. Criminal Justice is the weakest fit: you'd graduate with more than $41,000 in debt to earn about $40,000, a nearly one-to-one debt-to-income ratio that leaves little room after monthly payments. Accounting and general business land in the middle, decent Arlington-area career fields, but the debt still tracks close to the salary.
The net price tiers matter most if your family income is lower. As a for-profit school where more than half of students receive Pell Grants, your out-of-pocket cost after aid should drive the decision more than the sticker price. Check what you'd actually pay at your income band before committing, because the published cost and your net cost can differ sharply.
This school fits you if you're targeting an IT or computer science degree, you can realistically finish, and the aided net price at your income is low. Look elsewhere if you're drawn to criminal justice or if the retention numbers describe your risk of not finishing, since the debt follows you either way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Strayer University-Virginia worth the cost?
Strayer University-Virginia graduates earn $40,092 annually ten years after graduation, which is below average for college graduates. With median debt of $40,621, many students will struggle to pay back loans on these salaries.
What is the graduation rate at Strayer University-Virginia?
Only 13.3% of students graduate from Strayer University-Virginia. This extremely low completion rate means most students will leave with debt but no degree.
Which programs at Strayer University-Virginia have the best job prospects?
Information Science programs at Strayer University-Virginia lead to the highest earnings at around $65,000-$71,000 annually. Business and accounting graduates earn significantly less at $52,000-$57,000.
How much student debt do Strayer University-Virginia graduates typically have?
Strayer University-Virginia graduates carry a median debt of $40,621. Given the low average earnings of $40,092, this debt level represents a full year's salary and creates serious financial strain.