At $7,563/yr net price, University of the Virgin Islands graduates earn $38,681/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,681/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,563 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $30,252 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,681/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,681/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 28.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $16,800 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,828/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,211/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,895/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,729/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,895/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $45,529 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $36,132 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $32,925 | $19,533 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $31,839 | $12,970 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $25,194 | $16,037 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $24,421 |
The Risk Factor
28.6% of students at University of the Virgin Islands 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 the Virgin Islands offers a low-cost education but delivers weak financial returns that may not justify even the modest investment. With median 10-year earnings of just $38,681 and a troubling 28.6% graduation rate, most students struggle to complete their degrees and earn meaningful salaries afterward.
Business administration stands out as the only program with decent earning potential at $45,529, though even this falls short of many mainland alternatives. Teacher education graduates earn $36,132, which may work given the territory's need for educators and potential loan forgiveness programs. Accounting and nursing programs show poor returns relative to debt loads, with accounting graduates earning just $32,925 while carrying $19,533 in debt.
The biggest financial risk here is the graduation rate. With fewer than three in ten students completing their degrees, you face a significant chance of accumulating debt without earning a credential. The 76.4% retention rate suggests many students recognize this early and transfer elsewhere.
UVI makes financial sense only if you need to stay in the Virgin Islands for family or work reasons, plan to transfer after building credits cheaply, or qualify for substantial federal aid that covers most costs. The $7,563 net price is genuinely affordable, and 46% of students receive aid.
Mainland students should look elsewhere unless cost is the only consideration. Local students might consider UVI for general education requirements before transferring, or for teacher education if they plan to work in Virgin Islands schools. Business majors should expect to supplement their education with internships and networking to overcome the program's limited reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of the Virgin Islands worth the cost compared to other colleges?
University of the Virgin Islands offers a relatively low net price at $7,563 per year, but graduates earn a median of $38,681 after 10 years, which is below the national average. The 28.6% graduation rate is concerning and significantly impacts the school's overall value proposition.
What are the best paying majors at University of the Virgin Islands?
Business Administration graduates from University of the Virgin Islands earn the highest median salary at $45,529, followed by Teacher Education at $36,132. However, these earnings are still modest compared to national averages for similar programs.
How much student debt do University of the Virgin Islands graduates typically have?
University of the Virgin Islands graduates carry a median debt of $16,800, which is relatively manageable given the low cost of attendance. The debt-to-income ratio is reasonable for those who complete their degree.
What is the biggest risk of attending University of the Virgin Islands?
The biggest risk is the extremely low 28.6% graduation rate, meaning most students who enroll never finish their degree. Students who don't graduate still accumulate debt but miss out on the earnings boost that comes with a completed degree.