At $19,580/yr net price, Virginia Union University graduates earn $38,275/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,275/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,580 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $78,320 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,275/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,275/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 18.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $29,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,272/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,536/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,097/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,665/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,677/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Doctoral | $37,980 | |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $32,925 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $32,563 | $26,505 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $32,213 | $28,749 |
| Criminology. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $30,200 |
| General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations. | Bachelor | $28,212 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $24,730 | $27,000 |
| History. | Bachelor | $21,964 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $20,530 | $29,400 |
The Risk Factor
41.3% of students at Virginia Union 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 Union University delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With median 10-year earnings of $38,275 against a net price of $19,580 annually, you'll struggle to justify the cost compared to regional alternatives.
The graduation rate of 41% means six out of ten students leave without a degree, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. Even graduates who complete their programs face earnings below $40,000 in most fields, making the typical $29,000 debt burden difficult to manage.
Theological and Ministerial Studies offers the highest earnings at $37,980, but this reflects the specific career path rather than strong program value. Social Work, Accounting, Computer Science, and Business Administration all produce graduates earning in the low $30,000s, well below what you'd expect given the debt load and opportunity cost.
VUU makes financial sense only if you're committed to ministry or social service careers where mission matters more than income, and you can secure substantial financial aid. The school's 51% of students receiving aid suggests merit scholarships may be available, but you need to negotiate aggressively to bring your net cost down significantly.
Skip this school if you're studying business, computer science, or accounting. Community college transfer programs or in-state public universities will deliver better earnings potential at lower cost. The combination of high dropout risk, modest graduate earnings, and substantial debt creates a financial profile that works for very few students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Virginia Union University worth the cost?
With graduates earning a median of $38,275 ten years after enrollment and carrying $29,000 in debt, Virginia Union University offers modest financial returns. The low 41% graduation rate means significant risk that students won't complete their degree.
What are the best paying majors at Virginia Union University?
Theological and Ministerial Studies graduates earn the highest at $37,980, followed by Social Work at $33,993. Most other programs, including Business and Computer Science, produce graduates earning around $32,000-$33,000.
How much debt do Virginia Union University graduates have?
The median debt load is $29,000, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, with graduate earnings averaging $38,275, debt payments will consume a significant portion of income.
Does Virginia Union University have good graduation rates?
Only 41% of students graduate from Virginia Union University, which is well below the national average. This creates substantial risk that students will accumulate debt without earning a degree.