University of Virginia-Main Campus
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$83,944
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$37,359/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
2.2 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
790%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The University of Virginia-Main Campus has a strong return on investment. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $64,471, which is more than three times the in-state tuition of $20,986. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $72,359, and after ten years, they reach $86,863. The median debt for students is $17,500, with 20.4% receiving financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio is favorable. With a median debt of $17,500 and earnings starting at $64,471 one year after graduation, the debt is quickly manageable. The high earnings potential suggests a short break-even timeline.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$20,986
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$72,359
Graduation Rate
95%
Receive Financial Aid
20%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | $83,944 | $0 | N/A |
| Economics. | $83,944 | $80,369 | 981% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $83,944 | $203,181 | 3907% |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | $83,944 | $0 | N/A |
| Law. | $83,944 | $221,601 | 4346% |
| Biology, General. | $83,944 | $51,421 | 291% |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | $83,944 | $78,563 | 938% |
| Psychology, General. | $83,944 | $60,347 | 504% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | $83,944 | $0 | N/A |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $83,944 | $136,620 | 2321% |
| English Language and Literature, General. | $83,944 | $54,107 | 355% |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | $83,944 | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
790%
20yr ROI
1587%
20yr ROI
1025%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.