Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 40.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $38,787
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $11,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 23:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 36.1%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $117/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $61,350 | $9,091 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $53,537 | $12,789 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $48,823 | $12,000 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $37,568 | $19,039 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $35,060 | $10,875 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $29,685 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $28,019 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $26,933 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $26,585 | $14,670 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $24,421 | |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $23,649 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Certificate | $22,329 | $9,799 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $21,964 |
Outcomes Overview
Virginia Western graduates enter the workforce with manageable debt loads. The median debt of $11,000 translates to monthly payments of $117, representing just 3.6% of typical graduate earnings of $38,787. This debt-to-income ratio sits well below the recommended 10% threshold for educational debt. The college's 94% employment rate reflects strong regional employer connections in healthcare, manufacturing, and technology sectors that anchor the Roanoke Valley economy. Many graduates pursue roles as nurses, dental hygienists, and skilled technicians at companies like Carilion Health System and local manufacturing firms. Others transfer to complete bachelor's degrees at nearby universities. With low debt burdens and solid earning potential, Virginia Western delivers a strong return on investment for career-focused students.