At $11,180/yr net price, University of Virginia's College at Wise graduates earn $45,325/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,325/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,180 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $44,720 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,325/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,325/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $16,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,634/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,448/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,159/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,605/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,647/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
49.8% of students at University of Virginia's College at Wise 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
University of Virginia's College at Wise delivers solid financial returns for a regional public college, but your major choice will largely determine whether the investment pays off. The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning over $55,000 annually against relatively modest debt loads.
You face significant earning gaps between programs at UVA Wise. While nursing graduates command competitive salaries that justify the investment, other popular majors lag considerably. Education majors earn just $35,000 yearly, and business graduates average only $30,600 despite the program's popularity. Criminal justice graduates earn $34,000 but carry higher debt at $19,300, creating a tougher payback scenario.
The 49% graduation rate presents your biggest financial risk. Nearly half of students leave without a degree but still carry debt, making program completion critical to achieving positive returns. The 73% retention rate suggests many students struggle after the first year.
UVA Wise works best financially if you live in Southwest Virginia and plan to work locally, where the cost advantage matters most. The $11,180 net price keeps debt manageable for most graduates. You should seriously consider this school if you can get into the nursing program or plan to teach in Virginia, where education job prospects remain stable.
Look elsewhere if you want higher-paying career paths in business, technology, or other professional fields. The limited program offerings and regional job market constraints will likely cap your earning potential. Students seeking broader career options or planning to work in major metropolitan areas may find better ROI at larger universities with stronger alumni networks and recruiting pipelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Virginia's College at Wise worth the cost?
UVA Wise offers decent value with a low net price of $11,180 and manageable debt of $16,750, but the 10-year median earnings of $45,325 are below average for college graduates. The nursing program shows strong ROI with graduates earning $55,512, while other programs lag significantly.
What are the best paying majors at University of Virginia's College at Wise?
Nursing is the clear winner at UVA Wise with graduates earning $55,512 annually. Education majors earn $35,060 while business and criminal justice graduates start around $30,000-34,000, which is low for college-level careers.
How much student debt do University of Virginia's College at Wise graduates have?
UVA Wise graduates have a median debt of $16,750, which is relatively low compared to national averages. However, with many graduates earning around $30,000-35,000 in non-nursing fields, even this modest debt burden can be challenging to manage.
What is the graduation rate at University of Virginia's College at Wise?
Only 49.8% of students graduate from UVA Wise, meaning half of students leave without a degree. This low completion rate increases the risk of taking on debt without the earning potential that comes with finishing college.