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 leaves you with a weak financial return. Median earnings ten years out sit below what you'd need to comfortably carry $29,000 in debt, and no program on this list breaks $34,000. That gap is the central problem here: the price you pay does not match what graduates earn.
Among the majors listed, social work and accounting pay best, but "best" here means roughly $33,000 a year. Computer and information sciences pairs its $32,563 salary with the lowest debt load of the group, so it carries the least risk. Criminology is the worst combination on the page: the lowest earnings and the highest debt, so you'd graduate owing more while earning less than your classmates in other fields. If you enroll, the numbers argue for accounting or computer science over criminology.
The bigger risk is finishing at all. Fewer than half of students graduate, and only about six in ten come back for a second year. If you borrow and leave without a degree, you carry the debt with none of the earnings, and that outcome is common here.
The net price tiers work against lower-middle families. You'd pay less earning under $30,000 than a family making $48,000 to $75,000, who face the highest bill on the chart. Higher incomes actually pay less than the middle band. If your family lands in that $48,000 to $110,000 range, run the aid numbers carefully before committing.
This school makes financial sense if you're in the lowest income tier, you're set on finishing, and you pick accounting or computer science. If you're borrowing heavily, uncertain about graduating, or drawn to a low-paying field, the return here does not justify the cost, and you should compare cheaper Virginia public options first.
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.