Return on Investment Analysis

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University ROI Analysis

Q: How long does it take to break even on a Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University degree?

The estimated break-even point for a degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is 1.9 years after graduation, based on the earnings premium over a high school diploma.

Q: What is the total cost of attending Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?

The estimated 4-year in-state tuition cost at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is $61,912 ($15,478 per year). 34% of students receive financial aid.

Q: What do Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University graduates earn?

The median earnings for Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University graduates 5 years after enrollment is $67,377. This is $32,377 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 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University costs about $61,912 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $67,377 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 1.9 years (20-year ROI: 946%).

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	4yr Cost	Median Earnings (5yr)	Est. 20yr ROI
Mechanical Engineering	$61,912	$94,024	1807%
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods	$61,912	$95,280	1847%
Computer and Information Sciences, General	$61,912	$116,372	2529%
Biology, General	$61,912	$47,097	291%
Civil Engineering	$61,912	$87,964	1611%
Finance and Financial Management Services	$61,912	$85,837	1542%
Business Administration, Management and Operations	$61,912	$143,666	3410%
Psychology, General	$61,912	$47,097	291%
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services	$61,912	$48,423	334%
Computer Engineering	$61,912	$107,350	2237%
Industrial Engineering	$61,912	$92,826	1768%
Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services	$61,912	$58,692	665%
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering	$61,912	$92,354	1753%
Animal Sciences	$61,912	$43,343	170%
Political Science and Government	$61,912	$64,526	854%
Accounting and Related Services	$61,912	$82,394	1431%
Sociology	$61,912	$47,684	310%
Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering	$61,912	$87,572	1598%
Communication and Media Studies	$61,912	$55,850	574%
Marketing	$61,912	$70,724	1054%
Neurobiology and Neurosciences	$61,912	$0	N/A
Architectural Sciences and Technology	$61,912	$0	N/A
International Relations and National Security Studies	$61,912	$63,338	815%
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other	$61,912	$126,382	2852%

Peer Comparison

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Current

946%

20yr ROI

University of Maryland-College Park

1325%

20yr ROI

University of Richmond

163%

20yr ROI

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

20yr ROI

Oregon Institute of Technology

1212%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$61,912

Median Debt$21,500

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0

Net 4-Year Cost$61,912

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University worth the cost?

Based on government data, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University has an estimated 20-year ROI of 946%. The total 4-year cost is $61,912 and graduates earn a median of $67,377 within 5 years.

How long does it take to break even on a Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University degree?

What is the total cost of attending Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?

What do Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 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.

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