At $21,108/yr net price, University of Mary Washington graduates earn $60,613/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $26,613/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,108 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $84,432 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $60,613/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$26,613/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 67.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,137/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,388/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,886/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,300/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,234/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $78,896 | $30,151 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $69,002 | $19,783 |
| Education, General. | Master | $50,194 | $20,500 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $49,625 | $22,875 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $47,406 | $20,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $45,584 | $22,000 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $42,682 | |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $37,568 | $23,000 |
| Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $21,021 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $34,704 | $21,221 |
The Risk Factor
67.4% of students at University of Mary Washington graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 33% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Mary Washington delivers solid but unspectacular returns, with graduates earning $60,613 ten years out while carrying manageable debt loads of $20,500. The school works best for Virginia residents seeking a quality liberal arts education without breaking the bank.
Business administration stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $78,896 despite higher debt of $30,151. Computer science also pays off well at $69,002 with below-average debt. Education majors face tougher economics, earning around $47,000 to $50,000 while taking on similar debt loads as higher-earning programs.
The 67% graduation rate creates significant risk. If you struggle academically or lack clear career direction, you could end up with debt but no degree. The 82% retention rate suggests many students leave after freshman year, often a costly mistake.
You should consider UMW if you're a Virginia resident interested in business or computer science, or if you value small class sizes and can graduate in four years. The net price of $21,108 represents good value for in-state students compared to Virginia's other public options.
Skip this school if you need substantial financial aid, as only 20% of students receive assistance. Out-of-state students face significantly higher costs that the earnings data cannot justify. Education majors might find better value at regional teaching colleges with stronger placement networks and lower costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Mary Washington worth the cost compared to other Virginia schools?
UMW's net price of $21,108 annually is reasonable for Virginia, but graduates earn $60,613 after 10 years, which is below the national average. The 67% graduation rate means one in three students don't finish, making the investment risky for many.
What University of Mary Washington majors have the best return on investment?
Business and computer science majors see the strongest returns, earning $78,896 and $69,002 respectively after graduation. Education majors earn significantly less at around $50,000, which may not justify the debt load given Virginia teacher salaries.
How much debt do University of Mary Washington graduates typically have?
The median debt is $20,500, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, this only reflects students who graduate - the 33% who don't complete their degree often carry debt without the degree benefits.
Does University of Mary Washington provide good financial aid?
With an 86% acceptance rate and net price of $21,108, UMW offers decent access but limited merit aid opportunities. Most students pay close to full price, so families should plan for the full four-year cost upfront.