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 leaves you with a mixed financial picture that tilts toward risk. You pay a moderate net price, but median earnings ten years out sit well below what would make that price a clear win, and only about 4 in 10 students finish, which means graduation itself is the biggest gamble here.
The programs that pay best are Management Information Systems and Mathematics, both landing above the schoolwide median. Computer Engineering Technologies also clears the median. These are your safest bets financially. Social Work is the weakest listed by a wide margin, and it also carries the highest debt of any top program, so you take on more to earn less. Liberal Arts and General Studies pays modestly while piling on similar debt. If you enroll in one of those two, you should have a plan for what the degree leads to, because the numbers alone do not justify the cost.
The specific risk at VSU is the completion rate. With four in ten graduating and roughly seven in ten sticking around after year one, a meaningful share of students borrow and leave without a degree. Debt without a credential is the worst outcome, and it is a real possibility here.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $30k, you pay noticeably less than a family over $110k, so the aid is genuinely income-sensitive. Higher earners pay closer to full sticker and should weigh that against the earnings ceiling.
VSU fits you if you are targeting the STEM and information systems majors, qualify for the lower price tiers, and are confident you will finish. Look elsewhere if you plan to study a lower-paying field, would pay the top tier, or have any doubt about completing in four years.
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.