Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$61,912
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$32,377/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
1.9 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
946%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University graduates earn a median of $59,604. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $67,377, and after ten years, earnings reach $81,698. The median debt for graduates is $21,500. 34.3% of students receive financial aid.
The in-state tuition cost is $15,478. Given the one-year post-graduation earnings of $59,604, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.36. This is calculated by dividing the median debt of $21,500 by the one-year earnings.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$15,478
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$67,377
Graduation Rate
86%
Receive Financial Aid
34%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | $94,024 | 1807% |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $95,280 | 1847% |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $116,372 | 2529% |
| Biology, General | $47,097 | 291% |
| Civil Engineering | $87,964 | 1611% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $85,837 | 1542% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $143,666 | 3410% |
| Psychology, General | $47,097 | 291% |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $48,423 | 334% |
| Computer Engineering | $107,350 | 2237% |
| Industrial Engineering | $92,826 | 1768% |
| Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services | $58,692 | 665% |
Peer Comparison
946%
20yr ROI
1325%
20yr ROI
163%
20yr ROI
0%
20yr ROI
1212%
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.