University of Virginia-Main Campus ROI Analysis
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
above 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 increases to $72,359 after five years and $86,863 after ten years. The in-state tuition cost is $20,986. The median debt for students is $17,500, with 20.4% of students receiving financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio is favorable. With a median debt of $17,500 and a starting salary of $64,471, the debt represents a small fraction of the annual income. This suggests graduates can manage their debt effectively.
Given the earnings and tuition data, the break-even point is relatively short. With a starting salary of $64,471, the tuition cost of $20,986 is earned back quickly. The high earnings potential and manageable debt contribute to a positive financial outlook for graduates.
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
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $0 | N/A |
| Economics | $80,369 | 981% |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $0 | N/A |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $203,181 | 3907% |
| Law | $221,601 | 4346% |
| Biology, General | $51,421 | 291% |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $78,563 | 938% |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $136,620 | 2321% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $107,177 | 1620% |
| Psychology, General | $60,347 | 504% |
| English Language and Literature, General | $54,107 | 355% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
790%
20yr ROI
1587%
20yr ROI
1025%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
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.