At $27,499/yr net price, University of Valley Forge graduates earn $39,016/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,016/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $27,499 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $109,996 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,016/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,016/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 21.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 56.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,957/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $26,349/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $27,104/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,860/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,639/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $30,771 | |
| Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries. | Bachelor | $30,771 | |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $27,000 |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. | Bachelor | $27,204 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
56.1% of students at University of Valley Forge graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
The financial return at University of Valley Forge is weak. You pay $27,499 a year and, ten years out, the median graduate earns about what a $27,499 sticker price should never buy: $39,016. That debt load of $27,000 matches or exceeds what your degree earns in a single year at some programs, which is a bad trade.
Look at the program mix and the problem gets clearer. This is a school built around ministry and theology, and those programs pay accordingly. Pastoral counseling, theological studies, and specialized ministries all land near $30,000. Radio, television, and digital communication sits even lower at $27,204 while still carrying the full $27,000 debt. Business is the one bright spot, and even it tops out around $34,000. There is no engineering, nursing, or tech program here pulling median earnings upward.
The specific risk is graduation and staying enrolled. Only 56% of you finish, and retention sits under 70%, meaning nearly a third of you leave after freshman year. If you borrow $27,000 and then don't graduate, you carry the debt with none of the degree.
The net price tiers barely move with income. If your family earns under $30,000, you still pay $22,957. over $110,000, you pay $30,639. That flat structure means low-income families get little real discount for a school whose graduates earn near the low end.
This school is a reasonable financial fit only if you are called specifically to ministry work and know it going in, or if you pursue the business degree and control your borrowing. If you want the highest return on tuition dollars, or you're unsure of your major, look elsewhere. The earnings here don't justify the price for most fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Valley Forge worth the cost?
With 10-year earnings of $39,016 and a net price of $27,499 per year, University of Valley Forge offers below-average return on investment. The debt-to-income ratio makes it financially challenging for most graduates.
What are the best paying majors at University of Valley Forge?
Business and Commerce graduates earn the highest at $33,993 annually, while Radio, Television, and Digital Communication majors earn the lowest at $27,204. All program earnings are below national averages for college graduates.
How much debt do University of Valley Forge graduates have?
Median debt is $27,000, which represents about 69% of first-year earnings for graduates. This debt load is manageable compared to earnings, but the low salary levels make repayment slow.
What is University of Valley Forge's graduation rate and job outcomes?
The graduation rate is 56%, meaning nearly half of students don't finish their degree. Those who do graduate face limited earning potential, with most programs leading to salaries under $35,000.