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 gives you a mixed-to-weak financial return. You pay a moderate net price for a private school, but median earnings ten years out sit close to what many high school graduates in the region make, and a 49% graduation rate means you have real odds of paying tuition without finishing.
Mathematics is the clear winner here. It pays roughly $11,000 more per year than the business administration degree, which is the school's largest earnings-tracked program yet lands below $38,000. The interdisciplinary studies and criminal justice paths pay even less, and criminal justice graduates carry the same debt load as business majors while earning about $7,500 less. If you enroll for parks and recreation or criminal justice, your salary may not justify private-school pricing.
The main risk is the retention rate. One in three first-year students does not return, and combined with the sub-50% graduation rate, you face a solid chance of leaving with debt and no degree. That's the worst financial outcome at any school, and it's a live possibility here.
The net price tiers work in an unusual way. Families earning $30k-48k pay the least at around $15,500, while families under $30k actually pay more. If your family earns over $110k, you pay near the full $25,000, so the discount thins out fast at higher incomes. Middle-income families in the $30k-75k range get the best deal.
This school fits you if you're targeting the math program, qualify for the lower-income aid tiers, and are confident you'll graduate. Look elsewhere if you're headed into the lower-paying majors, need to borrow heavily, or aren't sure you'll finish, since the completion odds here make that gamble expensive.
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.