At $30,799/yr net price, University of Silicon Valley graduates earn $51,017/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,017/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $30,799 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $123,196 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,017/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,017/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 34.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $31,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $28,028/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $26,638/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $27,593/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $36,361/yr |
| $110,001+ | $34,376/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering, Other. | Bachelor | $52,289 | |
| Graphic Communications. | Bachelor | $30,984 | $31,000 |
The Risk Factor
34.9% of students at University of Silicon Valley 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
University of Silicon Valley delivers weak ROI despite its tech-focused location. With median earnings of $51,017 ten years after graduation, you'll barely outpace the $30,799 annual cost, especially considering the school's dismal 35% graduation rate means most students never finish their degrees.
Engineering programs offer the only decent financial path forward at $52,289 annually, though even this falls short of what you'd expect from a Silicon Valley engineering degree. Graphic Communications graduates earn just $30,984 while carrying $31,000 in debt, creating an immediate financial loss that could take decades to overcome.
The 58% retention rate signals serious problems with student satisfaction and academic support. You face a coin-flip chance of dropping out before graduation, leaving you with debt but no degree. The for-profit structure adds another layer of risk, as these institutions frequently face accreditation issues and employer skepticism.
This school might work if you're already employed in tech and need a credential for advancement, but traditional college-bound students should look elsewhere. San Jose State, San Francisco State, and UC system schools offer far better value in the same job market. The 47% financial aid rate suggests limited merit scholarships, so you'll likely pay close to full price.
Your money goes much further at established regional universities that employers recognize and trust. University of Silicon Valley's location advantage gets wiped out by poor outcomes and high costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Silicon Valley worth the cost?
University of Silicon Valley's ROI is mixed - engineering graduates earn $52,289 but other programs average much less. With a 35% graduation rate and $31,000 median debt, many students don't finish or struggle with loan payments.
What are the best paying majors at University of Silicon Valley?
Engineering is the clear winner at University of Silicon Valley, with graduates earning $52,289 annually. Graphic communications graduates earn significantly less at $30,984, making program choice critical for ROI.
How much debt do University of Silicon Valley graduates have?
University of Silicon Valley graduates have a median debt of $31,000. With average earnings of $51,017 ten years after graduation, this creates a manageable but not ideal debt-to-income ratio for most students.
What is the graduation rate at University of Silicon Valley?
Only 35% of students graduate from University of Silicon Valley. This low completion rate means many students take on debt without earning a degree, making it a risky investment for students who aren't certain about finishing.