At $22,881/yr net price, University of Virginia-Main Campus graduates earn $86,863/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $52,863/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,881 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $91,524 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $86,863/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$52,863/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 95.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,123/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,842/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,658/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,023/yr |
| $110,001+ | $34,777/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Law. | Doctoral | $162,255 | $178,812 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $155,263 | $71,452 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Master | $144,240 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $117,572 | $56,522 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $107,256 | $61,118 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications. | Master | $101,406 | $38,614 |
| Systems Engineering. | Master | $95,739 | $37,900 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $92,077 | $16,547 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $90,146 | $16,875 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $89,869 | $55,606 |
The Risk Factor
95.3% of students at University of Virginia-Main Campus graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
UVA gives you one of the safest financial bets in public higher education. A 95% graduation rate paired with $17,500 in median debt means you finish, and you finish without a debt load that follows you around. Median earnings of $86,863 ten years out sit well above what that debt costs you. The 97% retention rate tells you people who start here stay.
Your strongest earning paths run through the tech and quantitative programs. Computer and Information Sciences graduates clear $92,000, and computer engineering isn't far behind. Systems engineering and business/commerce both land in the low-to-mid $80,000s. Even electrical engineering, the lowest of the top five, pays close to $75,000 while keeping debt under $20,000. Pick one of these and the math works decisively in your favor.
The financial risk here is income-tiered, not program-tiered. If your family earns over $110,000, you pay roughly $34,777 a year, and the published program earnings are the ones that justify that price. If you enroll in a lower-earning major at full sticker price, the return gets thinner. UVA doesn't publish strong salary data for humanities or social science tracks here, so budget conservatively if that's your direction.
This school is a clear fit if you come from a family earning under $48,000. Your net price drops to between $8,842 and $10,123 a year, which turns a UVA degree into one of the best deals available anywhere. The jump happens in the middle: at $75,000 to $110,000 income, your price more than doubles versus the tier below you, and above $110,000 you pay full freight. If you land in those upper brackets and plan to major in a lower-paying field, run the numbers hard before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Virginia-Main Campus worth the debt?
UVA typically offers strong return on investment with graduates earning $86,863 annually after 10 years and median debt of only $17,500. The combination of relatively low debt and solid earnings makes it worth the cost for most students.
What are the highest paying majors at University of Virginia-Main Campus?
Law graduates from UVA earn the highest salaries at $162,255, followed by business administration at $155,263 and management information systems at $144,240. Even general business majors earn over $107,000 annually.
How does University of Virginia-Main Campus financial aid affect affordability?
UVA's net price averages $22,881 per year, which is reasonable for a top public university. The school's strong financial aid helps keep debt levels low compared to similar institutions.
Does University of Virginia-Main Campus have good job prospects after graduation?
UVA graduates have strong earning potential with 10-year median income of $86,863 and a 95% graduation rate. The school's reputation and alumni network provide solid career opportunities across most fields.