Virginia Commonwealth University vs Appalachian State University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, Appalachian State University comes out ahead: 58/100 to 55/100, a 3-point edge over Virginia Commonwealth University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Appalachian State University runs $16,836 a year against $23,433 at Virginia Commonwealth University - $6,597 more a year, or about $26,388 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Virginia Commonwealth University graduates earn a median $58,128 against $51,836 at Appalachian State University. The cost earns itself back in 10.1 years at Virginia Commonwealth University and 12.3 years at Appalachian State University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Appalachian State University owing a median $20,231 versus $21,500 at Virginia Commonwealth University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.57 and 0.59 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Virginia Commonwealth Uni... | Appalachian State Univers... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $16,945 | $7,579 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $40,109 | $25,212 |
| Net Price (avg) | $23,433 | $16,836 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $93,732 | $67,344 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $37,500 | $34,300 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $58,128 | $51,836 |
| Graduation Rate | 63.2% | 74.5% |
| Payback Period | 10.1 yr | 12.3 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,500 | $20,231 |
| Monthly Payment | $228 | $214 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.57 | 0.59 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 64.7% | 79.8% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 61.3% | 77.9% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 92.6% | 90.1% |
| Enrollment | 20,753 | 19,444 |
| SAT Range | 1010-1270 | 1120-1280 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Virginia Commonwealt... | Appalachian State Un... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $17,512 | $9,325 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $17,777 | $11,600 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $20,925 | $15,204 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $24,691 | $20,840 |
| $110,001+ | $32,739 | $22,382 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Virginia Commonwealt... | Appalachian State Un... |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $86,661 | $78,943 |
| Accounting | $78,631 | $85,580 |
| Physics | $77,737 | $82,399 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic and Treatment | $77,786 | $52,440 |
| Marketing | $68,622 | $69,439 |
| Mathematics | $68,457 | $62,271 |
| Chemistry | $67,439 | $58,329 |
| International Relations | $62,182 | $54,344 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $59,968 | $55,307 |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $59,442 | $48,255 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $58,792 | $55,474 |
| Biology | $58,420 | $53,228 |
| Linguistic and Comparative Language Studies | $45,607 | $55,778 |
| Social Work | $55,288 | $51,012 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $53,575 | $53,543 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Virginia Commonwealt... | Appalachian State Un... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 54 | 54 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 61 | 47 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 58 | 53 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 65 | 84 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 26 | 70 |
| Overall ROI Score | 55 | 58 |
The Verdict
It's close. Appalachian State University edges out Virginia Commonwealth University by 3 points (58 vs 55), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
Virginia Commonwealth University
Below Average Value - Full profile and breakdown
Appalachian State University
Below Average Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.