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Return on Investment Analysis

Virginia Commonwealth University ROI Analysis

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 Virginia Commonwealth University costs about $65,832 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $47,161 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 5.4 years (20-year ROI: 269%).

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$65,832

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$12,161/yr

above high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

5.4 years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

269%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

Virginia Commonwealth University's in-state tuition costs $16,458 per year. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $41,934. Five years after graduation, the median earnings increase to $47,161, and after ten years, the median earnings are $58,128. The median debt for graduates is $21,500, and 41.7% of students receive financial aid.

The debt-to-income ratio for graduates can be calculated by comparing the median debt to the median earnings. The one-year debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.51, calculated by dividing the median debt of $21,500 by the one-year earnings of $41,934. The five-year debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.46, and the ten-year debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.37.

The break-even point, or the time it takes for earnings to surpass the total tuition cost, can be estimated. Assuming four years of tuition, the total cost is $65,832. Based on the one-year earnings, it would take approximately two years to surpass the total tuition cost.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$16,458

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,500

Median Earnings (5yr)

$47,161

Graduation Rate

65%

Receive Financial Aid

42%

Avg Aid Amount

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Program 4yr Cost Median Earnings (5yr) Est. 20yr ROI
Business/Commerce, General $65,832 $102,599 1954%
Psychology, General $65,832 $44,078 176%
Biology, General $65,832 $43,873 170%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $65,832 $50,702 377%
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $65,832 $193,728 4722%
Design and Applied Arts $65,832 $39,889 49%
Social Work $65,832 $53,575 464%
Communication and Media Studies $65,832 $47,603 283%
Criminal Justice and Corrections $65,832 $50,745 378%
Medicine $65,832 $92,896 1659%
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other $65,832 $46,725 256%
Information Science/Studies $65,832 $111,599 2227%
Political Science and Government $65,832 $50,476 370%
Education, General $65,832 $49,444 339%
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration $65,832 $131,003 2817%
Business Administration, Management and Operations $65,832 $110,026 2179%
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions $65,832 $69,746 956%
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other $65,832 $83,925 1386%
Chemistry $65,832 $45,628 223%
English Language and Literature, General $65,832 $39,808 46%
Marketing $65,832 $52,497 432%
Fine and Studio Arts $65,832 $37,788 -15%
Accounting and Related Services $65,832 $61,171 695%
Mechanical Engineering $65,832 $76,554 1162%

Peer Comparison

Virginia Commonwealth University Current

269%

20yr ROI

SUNY Brockport

601%

20yr ROI

Indiana University-Indianapolis

482%

20yr ROI

University of Central Florida

853%

20yr ROI

University of Southern Maine

454%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$65,832
Median Debt$21,500

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0
Net 4-Year Cost$65,832

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on government data, Virginia Commonwealth University has an estimated 20-year ROI of 269%. The total 4-year cost is $65,832 and graduates earn a median of $47,161 within 5 years.

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 Virginia Commonwealth University Colleges in Virginia Compare Schools ROI Rankings