At $20,583/yr net price, Virginia Wesleyan University graduates earn $50,074/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $16,074/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,583 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $82,332 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,074/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$16,074/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,365/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,471/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,364/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,470/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,187/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $48,432 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $37,208 | $27,000 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $35,330 | $30,750 |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies. | Bachelor | $31,851 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $27,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $28,598 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $26,643 | $27,000 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $26,353 | |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Bachelor | $21,781 | |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $21,508 |
The Risk Factor
49.1% of students at Virginia Wesleyan 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 Wesleyan University delivers weak financial returns despite a reasonable net price of around $20,600 annually. With median earnings of just $50,074 ten years after graduation and a troubling 49% graduation rate, nearly half of your classmates won't finish their degrees.
Mathematics stands out as the only program approaching decent returns at $48,432, though this still falls short of what you'd expect from a four-year investment. Business administration graduates earn a disappointing $37,208 while carrying the same $27,000 debt load as criminal justice majors who earn just $29,685. Parks and recreation graduates face particularly poor prospects at under $32,000 annually.
The 67% retention rate signals academic struggles that could derail your progress. With only 26% of students receiving aid, you'll likely pay close to full price unless you qualify for merit scholarships based on strong academic credentials.
This school works best for students with family financial backing who want small class sizes in Virginia Beach and aren't primarily focused on career earnings. If you need strong job placement or significant financial aid, look elsewhere. The combination of low graduation rates and modest earning potential creates real risk that you'll leave with debt but no degree, or graduate into a weak job market with limited alumni connections.
Consider Virginia Wesleyan only if you have backup financial plans and realistic expectations about post-graduation earnings. The regional job market in Virginia Beach doesn't provide enough high-paying opportunities to justify the investment for most career-focused students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Virginia Wesleyan University worth the cost?
Virginia Wesleyan University's graduates earn $50,074 ten years after graduation, which is reasonable for a $27,000 median debt load. However, the 49% graduation rate means half of students don't finish their degree, making it a risky investment for many.
What are the best paying majors at Virginia Wesleyan University?
Mathematics graduates from Virginia Wesleyan earn $48,432 annually, the highest among tracked programs. Business majors earn $37,208, while criminal justice graduates make just $29,685, below the national average for college graduates.
How much debt do Virginia Wesleyan University graduates have?
Virginia Wesleyan graduates carry a median debt of $27,000, which is manageable given the $50,074 average earnings. The net price of $20,583 per year makes four-year completion financially realistic for most families.
Does Virginia Wesleyan University have good job outcomes?
Virginia Wesleyan's job outcomes vary significantly by major, with mathematics graduates earning competitive salaries but other programs like criminal justice and recreation studies showing weaker returns. The low 49% graduation rate indicates many students struggle to complete their programs successfully.