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
The math at University of Silicon Valley doesn't work in your favor. You pay $30,799 a year at a for-profit school where only 34.9% of students graduate, and median earnings ten years out land at $51,017. That number sits below the sticker price of a single year here, and it comes after nearly six in ten students even make it back for a second year.
The two bachelor's programs listed split hard. Engineering pays around $52,289, roughly in line with the school-wide median, so it at least clears a survivable wage in one of the most expensive job markets in the country. Graphic Communications pays $30,984 and carries $31,000 in debt. You would owe about a full year's salary and pay it back on a wage that barely covers rent in San Jose. That program is a financial trap, plainly.
The specific risk here is the graduation rate. Two out of three students don't finish, and if you leave without the degree you still owe the debt with none of the earnings bump. The 58% retention rate means the drop-off starts in year one, so you carry the highest risk before you've built anything.
The net price tiers add insult. If your family earns under $48k, you pay around $27,000 a year, barely less than families earning six figures who pay $34,000. There's little discount for low income, so the cost lands hardest on families who can least absorb it.
This school makes financial sense only if you enroll in engineering, stay to graduate, and land Bay Area engineering pay. If you're drawn to graphic communications, or you're not confident you'll finish, look at a California public university where the price and completion odds both favor you.
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.