University of Richmond, VA · Private University
Is University of Richmond Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$76,178
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$62,600
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$62,600
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$250,400
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.22x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
6.1 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
87.8%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$21,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$33,417
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
University of Richmond graduates earn $31,178 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 University of Richmond ranked by graduate earnings
27 graduates
37 graduates
35 graduates
151 graduates
65 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at University of Richmond
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At University of Richmond, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer and Information Sciences, General: $103,441) and the lowest (Chemistry: $22,881) is $80,560/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralBest ROI | $103,441 | 1.6x |
| Economics | $102,501 | 1.6x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $86,270 | 1.4x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $79,209 | 1.3x |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $59,752 | 0.9x |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $59,003 | 0.9x |
| Political Science and Government | $58,382 | 0.9x |
| Biology, General | $52,909 | 0.8x |
| Psychology, General | $51,312 | 0.8x |
| Area Studies | $51,138 | 0.8x |
| Journalism(1yr data) | $43,157 | 0.7x |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology(1yr data) | $34,796 | 0.6x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $34,036 | 0.5x |
| ChemistryLowest(1yr data) | $22,881 | 0.4x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
How It Compares
ROI at similar schools
| School | ROI Ratio | Earnings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Richmond | 1.22x | $76,178 | Average ROI |
| Wake Forest University | 1.21x | $78,158 | Average ROI |
| Wesleyan University | 1.10x | $73,897 | Average ROI |
| Davidson College | 1.35x | $81,400 | Average ROI |
| Vassar College | 1.05x | $71,366 | Average ROI |
| Denison University | 1.06x | $67,753 | Average ROI |
The Bottom Line
University of Richmond delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $76,178 10 years after starting — $31,178 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 6.1 years, a reasonable timeline.
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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.