At $33,417/yr net price, University of Richmond graduates earn $76,178/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $42,178/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $33,417 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $133,668 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $76,178/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$42,178/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 87.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,026/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,646/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,818/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,086/yr |
| $110,001+ | $47,669/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $86,867 | $22,000 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $74,157 | $24,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $66,355 | $20,500 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $65,821 | $22,750 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $63,005 | |
| Law. | Doctoral | $59,858 | $100,229 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $57,705 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $56,544 | $20,577 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $47,260 | |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $46,924 | $29,088 |
The Risk Factor
87.8% of students at University of Richmond graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
University of Richmond delivers solid financial returns despite its high sticker price, with graduates earning a median $76,178 ten years out. Your debt load stays manageable at $21,000, creating a favorable debt-to-income ratio that makes monthly payments workable even in expensive markets like Washington D.C. where many Richmond grads land.
Business majors capture the strongest returns at $86,867 annually, justifying the investment for future consultants and finance professionals. Computer science graduates also perform well at $74,157, though you'll carry slightly more debt at $24,500. Economics majors earn $65,821 but face questions about career direction without additional credentials. Human resources management lags at $63,005, making this program harder to justify financially.
Your biggest risk is Richmond's limited financial aid reach. Only 17.55% of students receive need-based aid, signaling that most families pay close to full price. Merit scholarships exist but remain competitive. The 87.8% graduation rate protects your investment, but you need realistic family financing before enrolling.
Richmond works financially if your family can handle the $33,417 net price without excessive borrowing and you target high-earning majors like business or computer science. The school's strong alumni network in finance and consulting creates career advantages that justify the cost for ambitious students. Skip Richmond if you need substantial financial aid, plan to major in lower-earning fields, or want flexibility to change majors without financial pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Richmond worth the cost?
University of Richmond's $33,417 annual net price produces graduates earning $76,178 after 10 years, which is solid but not exceptional for a selective private school. Business majors do well at $86,867, but other programs like human resources management lag behind at $63,005.
What is the ROI for University of Richmond graduates?
Richmond graduates see decent returns, especially in business programs where earnings reach $86,867 annually. The relatively low median debt of $21,000 helps, but the high net price means families need strong financial aid or significant savings to make the math work.
How much debt do University of Richmond students typically graduate with?
The median debt at University of Richmond is $21,000, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, this figure only reflects students who borrowed money and doesn't include families who paid full price or took on other forms of debt.
Which University of Richmond programs offer the best career outcomes?
Business administration leads at $86,867 in average earnings, followed by computer science at $74,157. Programs like human resources management and economics trail significantly, earning in the low-to-mid $60,000s despite the school's high costs.