Radford, VA · Private University
Is Radford University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$53,739
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$12,286
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$25,185
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$100,740
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.13x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
5.4 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
49.6%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$24,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$16,640
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Radford University graduates earn $8,739 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Radford University ranked by graduate earnings
72 graduates
61 graduates
20 graduates
38 graduates
32 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Radford University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Radford University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer Science: $81,648) and the lowest (Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft: $29,659) is $51,989/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer ScienceBest ROI | $81,648 | 3.2x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $78,478 | 3.1x |
| Information Science/Studies | $71,208 | 2.8x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $65,268 | 2.6x |
| Political Science and Government | $64,410 | 2.6x |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(1yr data) | $63,606 | 2.5x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $62,098 | 2.5x |
| Marketing | $59,314 | 2.4x |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $58,731 | 2.3x |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $53,047 | 2.1x |
| Economics | $52,587 | 2.1x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $51,557 | 2.0x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $49,713 | 2.0x |
| History | $49,327 | 2.0x |
| Biology, General | $47,617 | 1.9x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $47,305 | 1.9x |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $45,419 | 1.8x |
| Social Work | $43,501 | 1.7x |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies | $43,089 | 1.7x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $42,857 | 1.7x |
| Music | $41,921 | 1.7x |
| Psychology, General | $41,874 | 1.7x |
| Journalism | $40,954 | 1.6x |
| Design and Applied Arts | $40,925 | 1.6x |
| Chemistry(1yr data) | $39,090 | 1.6x |
| Dance | $38,259 | 1.5x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $35,936 | 1.4x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $35,907 | 1.4x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and StagecraftLowest | $29,659 | 1.2x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Radford University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $53,739 10 years after starting, $8,739 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 5.4 years, faster than most colleges.
Ready to apply to Radford University?
See your odds of admission based on your GPA and test scores.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.