Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 79.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 81.8%
- Retention Rate
- 84.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $77,369
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,996
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 84.0%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $244/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $64,493 | $26,000 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $49,270 | $25,750 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $46,087 | |
| History. | Bachelor | $45,094 | $19,500 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $44,942 | $19,971 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $41,937 | $22,150 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $41,007 | $21,250 |
| Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services. | Bachelor | $39,909 | |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Bachelor | $39,305 | $21,875 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $38,649 | $19,250 |
Outcomes Overview
VMI graduates earn a median of $77,369 ten years after graduation, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 30% with typical debt loads of $22,996. Monthly loan payments of $244 consume just 3.8% of median income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The college's military tradition opens doors to defense contracting, federal service, and corporate leadership roles where VMI's reputation for discipline carries weight. An 89.1% employment rate reflects strong job placement, while the 83.95% loan repayment rate indicates graduates can manage their obligations. The military structure and alumni network create career advantages that justify the investment, delivering a strong return on investment for those who thrive in regimented environments.