Virginia Commonwealth University
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$65,832
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$12,161/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
5.4 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
269%
Return on investment
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
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | $65,832 | $44,078 | 176% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | $65,832 | $42,156 | 117% |
| Business/Commerce, General. | $65,832 | $60,623 | 678% |
| Biology, General. | $65,832 | $43,873 | 170% |
| Design and Applied Arts. | $65,832 | $39,889 | 49% |
| Communication and Media Studies. | $65,832 | $47,603 | 283% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | $65,832 | $50,745 | 378% |
| Medicine. | $65,832 | $92,896 | 1659% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $65,832 | $72,428 | 1037% |
| Political Science and Government. | $65,832 | $50,476 | 370% |
| Information Science/Studies. | $65,832 | $73,990 | 1085% |
| Social Work. | $65,832 | $53,575 | 464% |
Peer Comparison
269%
20yr ROI
601%
20yr ROI
482%
20yr ROI
853%
20yr ROI
454%
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.