Return on Investment Analysis

University of Virginia-Main Campus ROI Analysis

Q: How long does it take to break even on a University of Virginia-Main Campus degree?

The estimated break-even point for a degree from University of Virginia-Main Campus is 2.2 years after graduation, based on the earnings premium over a high school diploma.

Q: What is the total cost of attending University of Virginia-Main Campus?

The estimated 4-year in-state tuition cost at University of Virginia-Main Campus is $83,944 ($20,986 per year). 20% of students receive financial aid.

Q: What do University of Virginia-Main Campus graduates earn?

The median earnings for University of Virginia-Main Campus graduates 5 years after enrollment is $72,359. This is $37,359 above the national average for high school diploma holders.

Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.

Quick answer

USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at University of Virginia-Main Campus costs about $83,944 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $72,359 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 2.2 years (20-year ROI: 790%).

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	4yr Cost	Median Earnings (5yr)	Est. 20yr ROI
Economics	$83,944	$80,369	981%
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods	$83,944	$0	N/A
Business Administration, Management and Operations	$83,944	$203,181	3907%
Law	$83,944	$221,601	4346%
Biology, General	$83,944	$51,421	291%
International Relations and National Security Studies	$83,944	$78,563	938%
Computer and Information Sciences, General	$83,944	$136,620	2321%
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing	$83,944	$107,177	1620%
Psychology, General	$83,944	$60,347	504%
English Language and Literature, General	$83,944	$54,107	355%
Systems Engineering	$83,944	$121,770	1967%
History	$83,944	$58,287	455%
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics	$83,944	$58,575	462%
Public Policy Analysis	$83,944	$92,623	1273%
Education, General	$83,944	$76,122	880%
Medicine	$83,944	$90,087	1212%
Mathematics	$83,944	$99,961	1448%
Political Science and Government	$83,944	$67,976	686%
Natural Resources Conservation and Research	$83,944	$47,457	197%
Educational Administration and Supervision	$83,944	$64,158	595%
Chemistry	$83,944	$61,344	528%
Curriculum and Instruction	$83,944	$57,003	424%
Biomedical/Medical Engineering	$83,944	$94,301	1313%
Health and Physical Education/Fitness	$83,944	$61,775	538%

Peer Comparison

University of Virginia-Main Campus Current

790%

20yr ROI

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

1587%

20yr ROI

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

20yr ROI

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

1025%

20yr ROI

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$83,944

Median Debt$17,500

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0

Net 4-Year Cost$83,944

Frequently Asked Questions

Is University of Virginia-Main Campus worth the cost?

Based on government data, University of Virginia-Main Campus has an estimated 20-year ROI of 790%. The total 4-year cost is $83,944 and graduates earn a median of $72,359 within 5 years.

How long does it take to break even on a University of Virginia-Main Campus degree?

What is the total cost of attending University of Virginia-Main Campus?

What do University of Virginia-Main Campus graduates earn?

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.

Back to University of Virginia-Main Campus Colleges in Virginia Compare Schools ROI Rankings