Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,961/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$961/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 77.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,769 |
The Risk Factor
77.8% of students at University of the Potomac-VA Campus graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 22% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
The financial picture at University of the Potomac-VA Campus is weak on earnings but light on debt. Ten years out, the typical graduate earns under $35,000 a year, which is close to what many jobs in the Falls Church area pay without any degree at all. That is the core problem: you finish, but the paycheck does not clearly reflect the time and cost you put in.
What softens the blow is how little you borrow. Median debt sits below $9,000, so you are not walking away with the kind of loan balance that takes decades to clear. That low debt load is the main reason this school avoids being a financial disaster. You can pay off what you owe on a modest salary, even if that salary stays modest.
The completion numbers work in your favor. With a graduation rate near 78% and retention at 75%, most of you who enroll actually finish, so you are unlikely to end up with debt and no credential. That combination , you finish, you owe little , is the school's real selling point.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed here, so treat any specific major's payoff as unknown. Judge programs on your own by asking the school for placement and salary data before you commit.
This school fits you if you want a low-cost, high-completion path and you are realistic that the earnings ceiling is low. Look elsewhere if you are counting on a degree to lift you well past a $35,000 salary, because the data here does not show that happening. Weigh the net price you are quoted against those flat earnings before you enroll.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of the Potomac-VA Campus worth the cost?
The numbers suggest caution. With graduates earning around $35,000 annually after 10 years, the return on investment is below average for most career fields. The relatively low median debt of $8,769 helps somewhat, but the earning potential remains limited.
What is the job market like for University of the Potomac-VA Campus graduates?
Graduates typically earn $34,961 annually 10 years after enrollment, which is below the national average for college graduates. The 77.8% graduation rate indicates most students complete their programs, but the earnings data suggests limited career advancement opportunities.
Should I take out loans to attend University of the Potomac-VA Campus?
The low median debt of $8,769 reduces financial risk compared to many schools. However, with post-graduation earnings around $35,000, loan repayment could still be challenging depending on your total borrowing and career goals.
Which programs at University of the Potomac-VA Campus have the best ROI?
The school's overall graduate earnings of $34,961 suggest limited high-paying program options. Business and healthcare-related programs typically offer better prospects than general studies, but specific program outcome data would be needed for a complete assessment.