At $19,452/yr net price, Virginia Commonwealth University graduates earn $58,128/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,128/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,452 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $77,808 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,128/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,128/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 65.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,830/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,612/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,455/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,633/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,474/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences. | Master | $234,763 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $181,454 | $102,262 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $119,256 | $141,047 |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $106,935 | $273,400 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $93,467 | $41,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $93,178 | $37,750 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $89,305 | $27,834 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Master | $86,867 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $82,440 | $51,250 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $76,460 | $23,605 |
The Risk Factor
65.4% of students at Virginia Commonwealth University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 35% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Virginia Commonwealth University delivers solid financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $58,128 exceeding the net price of $19,452 by a comfortable margin. The school's strong retention rate of 85.63% suggests students find value in staying, though the 65% graduation rate means roughly one in three students leave without completing their degree.
VCU's professional programs dominate the earnings rankings. Advanced dentistry graduates earn $234,763 annually, while registered nursing graduates pull in $181,454. However, these high-earning programs come with steep debt loads - nursing graduates carry $102,262 in debt and dentistry students face $273,400. Pharmacy graduates earn $119,256 but shoulder $141,047 in debt, making the payback period lengthy despite strong salaries.
Business administration offers a more balanced financial profile with $93,467 in earnings against $41,000 in debt. This represents one of the better debt-to-income ratios among VCU's top programs.
The school works well financially if you can secure admission to competitive professional programs like nursing, dentistry, or pharmacy and can handle significant debt loads. Business students also see reasonable returns. However, with only 29.71% of students receiving aid, you'll likely pay most costs out of pocket or through loans.
Skip VCU if you're considering lower-earning majors not listed among the top programs, as the relatively low overall median earnings suggest many graduates struggle to justify their costs. The school also poses risks if you're unsure about completing your degree, given the 35% non-completion rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Virginia Commonwealth University worth the cost?
VCU offers solid value for Virginia residents with a relatively low net price of $19,452 and graduates earning $58,128 after 10 years. The return depends heavily on your program choice, as health sciences majors significantly outperform the university average while other programs lag behind.
What are the highest paying majors at Virginia Commonwealth University?
VCU's dentistry and nursing programs deliver strong returns, with dentistry graduates earning over $100,000 and nursing graduates averaging $181,454. Business majors earn around $93,467, which is well above the university average but not exceptional compared to other schools.
How much debt do Virginia Commonwealth University graduates have?
VCU graduates leave with a median debt of $21,500, which is manageable given the relatively affordable tuition. However, the 65% graduation rate means many students accumulate debt without finishing their degrees.
Does Virginia Commonwealth University have good financial aid?
VCU keeps costs reasonable for most students with an average net price under $20,000 per year. The school's 91% acceptance rate means aid isn't highly competitive, but the low sticker price makes it accessible without requiring exceptional aid packages.