Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 47.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 49.8%
- Retention Rate
- 73.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $45,325
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $16,750
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 56.0%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $178/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $55,512 | |
| Education, General. | Bachelor | $35,060 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $34,171 | $19,313 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $30,616 | $14,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $30,409 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $30,228 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $26,896 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $22,087 | $18,031 |
| History. | Bachelor | $20,140 |
Outcomes Overview
UVA-Wise graduates enter the workforce with manageable debt loads for a four-year degree. The median debt of $16,750 creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.37, well below the national average of 1.0 for public universities. Monthly loan payments of $178 consume roughly 4.6% of typical graduate income, leaving room for other financial goals. The 95.5% employment rate reflects strong regional connections in Southwest Virginia. Many graduates find work in education, healthcare, and local government sectors that value the college's liberal arts foundation. The combination of low debt, decent earnings, and high employment rates creates a strong return on investment for students seeking affordable education.