Petersburg, VA · Private University
Is Virginia State University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$45,543
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$9,755
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$22,006
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$88,024
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.07x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
8.3 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
40.7%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$26,500
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$14,553
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Virginia State University graduates earn $543 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 Virginia State University ranked by graduate earnings
35 graduates
33 graduates
30 graduates
64 graduates
31 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Virginia State University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/TechniciansBest ROI | $64,437 | 2.9x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $46,267 | 2.1x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $45,487 | 2.1x |
| Psychology, General | $42,978 | 1.9x |
| Social Work | $42,801 | 1.9x |
| Biology, General | $40,623 | 1.9x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $39,377 | 1.8x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $39,191 | 1.8x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $38,159 | 1.7x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $37,409 | 1.7x |
| Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralLowest(1yr data) | $35,746 | 1.6x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Virginia State University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $45,543 10 years after starting, $543 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 8.3 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.