At $14,553/yr net price, Virginia State University graduates earn $45,543/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,543/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,553 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $58,212 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,543/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,543/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 40.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,432/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,665/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,511/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,774/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,390/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $63,005 | |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $49,562 | |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $42,682 | |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $41,193 | |
| Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $39,927 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $37,424 | $27,000 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $33,281 | $28,281 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $32,382 | $26,250 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $31,781 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $28,816 | $28,375 |
The Risk Factor
40.7% of students at Virginia State University 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
Virginia State University delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. The median graduate earns just $45,543 ten years after enrollment, barely exceeding what many community college graduates achieve with far less debt.
Your choice of major matters enormously here. Educational Administration graduates earn $63,005 annually, making the degree worthwhile if you plan to pursue administrative roles in education. Student Counseling pays $49,562, offering reasonable returns for those committed to the field. Beyond these programs, prospects dim quickly. Even mathematics majors earn only $41,193, while computer engineering technology graduates make $39,927 despite the tech sector's growth in Virginia.
The school's 40.7% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. You face better than even odds of leaving without a degree while still carrying debt. The $26,500 median debt load becomes particularly burdensome when combined with modest earnings potential and high dropout rates.
Virginia State works financially for students who secure substantial need-based aid and plan to enter education administration or counseling. The $14,553 net price becomes manageable if you graduate and enter one of the higher-paying programs. Students interested in business, STEM fields outside education, or other career paths should look elsewhere for better earning potential.
Focus on graduating within four years to maximize your investment. The 71% retention rate suggests many students struggle with the transition to college life. If you enroll, take advantage of academic support services early and maintain steady progress toward your degree to avoid becoming part of the majority who never finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Virginia State University worth the cost for the degree you get?
Virginia State University graduates earn $45,543 ten years after graduation, which is below the national average for college graduates. With median debt of $26,500 and a 40.7% graduation rate, the financial return is modest for most students.
What majors at Virginia State University have the best job prospects?
Educational Administration graduates from Virginia State University earn the highest salaries at $63,005, followed by Student Counseling at $49,562. Most other programs lead to earnings in the $40,000 range, which may not justify the debt load for many students.
How much debt do Virginia State University students typically graduate with?
Virginia State University graduates carry median debt of $26,500. Given that typical earnings ten years out are $45,543, this debt level is manageable but leaves little room for financial growth early in graduates' careers.
Does Virginia State University provide good value compared to other colleges?
Virginia State University's net price of $14,553 per year is relatively affordable, but the 40.7% graduation rate means many students leave without degrees while still carrying debt. Students should have strong academic preparation and clear career goals before enrolling.