University of Richmond
University of Richmond, Virginia · Private Nonprofit · 22.2% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 81/100 · Strong Value
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
University of Richmond scores 81 (Strong Value) on the CampusROI scale, driven by an 85.2% completion rate, $51,900 average 6-year earnings, and a 6.4-year payback period. Sticker tuition is $65,230 but net price lands at $31,309 - and low-income students pay dramatically less: $12,808 for the 0-30000 bracket and $6,507 for the 30001-48000 bracket. Business Administration, Management, and Operations is the dominant program (253 graduates) with year-one earnings of $68,151 and $103,856 at year four, carrying a B+ ROI grade (debt-to-earnings 0.301). Accounting earns B+ as well (46 graduates, $71,508 year one, $112,202 year four). Computer and Information Sciences (26 graduates) clears $76,763 at year one with $112,621 at year four. The school's business pipeline is clearly its strongest ROI engine. At the other end, Chemistry earns an F grade ($22,881 year one, debt-to-earnings ratio 1.005) and Psychology earns a D ($36,309 year one, 0.702 ratio). The overall 81 score reflects solid fundamentals but does not reach the exceptional tier - primarily because average earnings of $51,900 are modest relative to a $65,230 sticker price and a $21,000 median debt load. The 10-year earnings of $76,178 are a more honest picture of where Richmond graduates eventually land.
University of Richmond scores in the top 13% of the schools we score, with strong earnings outcomes relative to cost.
University of Richmond
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $65,230/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $65,230/yr |
| Average net price | $31,309/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $125,236 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $76,178 |
| Average earnings (6yr post-entry) | $51,900 |
| Median debt at graduation | $21,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $223 |
| Estimated payback period | 6.4 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 85.2% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 2,980 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The first number you'll see is the sticker price: $65,230/year, which covers tuition and fees only. After grants, scholarships, and aid, the average student here pays a net price of $31,309/year, or roughly $125,236 over four years. That's the number to plan around.
What you actually pay depends a lot on what your family earns. Families making under $30,000/year pay an average of $12,808/year here, while families earning over $110,000 pay $49,892/year.
Among graduates who borrowed, the median federal loan debt from this school is $21,000, which works out to about $223 a month on the standard 10-year repayment plan. Our debt-to-earnings ratio divides that debt by average earnings six years after entry ($51,900) and comes to 0.41, which in our view is comfortably manageable.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,808 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,507 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,553 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,021 |
| $110,001+ | $49,892 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
The 0-30000 income bracket pays $12,808 per year and the 30001-48000 bracket pays $6,507. Against average 6-year earnings of $51,900 and a $21,000 debt load, the economics are substantially more favorable than they appear at sticker price. Low-income students who gain admission and complete (85.2% completion rate) can expect a reasonable return on net cost paid.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The 48001-75000 bracket pays $15,553 per year and the 75001-110000 bracket pays $22,021. These are meaningful annual costs against a $51,900 average earnings outcome. The payback period of 6.4 years is manageable but not fast.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
The 110001-plus bracket pays $49,892 per year - close to full cost. Over four years that approaches $200,000 all-in. At $51,900 average 6-year earnings and median 10-year earnings of $76,178, the financial case for full-pay depends entirely on which program the student pursues. Business, Accounting, and CS graduates can build a financially sound case; Humanities and social sciences graduates at full pay are taking a speculative position.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of Richmond with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $103,856 | B+ |
| Human Resources Management | $92,389 | B |
| Psychology | $64,584 | D |
| Economics | $100,608 | B |
| Biology | $69,564 | C |
| Accounting | $112,202 | B+ |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $90,369 | C+ |
| International Relations | $68,339 | C+ |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $112,621 | B+ |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies | $81,253 | - |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration is Richmond's dominant program with 253 graduates and strong outcomes: $68,151 year-one median earnings and $103,856 at year four. Debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.301 earns a B+ grade, with median debt of $20,500. The pipeline flows primarily into finance, consulting, and corporate operations in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast. The four-year climb to $103k reflects both career progression and the Robins School of Business network effect. This is the clearest ROI driver at Richmond.
Accounting
Accounting (46 graduates) earns a B+ ROI grade: $71,508 year-one earnings, $112,202 at year four, with median debt of $20,757 and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.290. Year-one earnings reflect Big Four and regional firm placements at the start of a CPA track. The four-year figure is strong and consistent with experienced accounting professionals in the DC/Richmond corridor. Debt is modest relative to the earnings trajectory.
Computer and Information Sciences
Computer and Information Sciences (26 graduates) generates $76,763 year-one earnings and $112,621 at year four, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.305 (B+ grade) and median debt of $23,381. The relatively small program size limits statistical certainty, but the earnings are consistent with tech placement in the mid-Atlantic market. A Richmond CS degree into consulting or financial technology is a plausible career path the data support.
Economics
Economics (55 graduates) earns a B grade: $61,027 year one, $100,608 at year four, debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.377 and median debt of $23,000. The year-four figure of $100k reflects strong graduate school and finance/consulting placement for Richmond economics majors. Year-one earnings are solid but not exceptional for the tuition level. The gap between year-one ($61k) and year-four ($100k) is one of the larger jumps in this program set, suggesting meaningful career progression in the first four post-graduation years.
Psychology
Psychology (56 graduates) earns a D grade: $36,309 year-one earnings, $64,584 at year four, with median debt of $25,500 and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.702. Year-one earnings are below what is needed to comfortably service debt at this level. The four-year figure of $64,584 is more defensible but still the weakest large-program outcome at Richmond. Students interested in psychology who plan to pursue graduate or doctoral training should factor the additional debt and timeline into their calculations.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Median of schools we score |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 77.8% | 68.8% |
| 3-year repayment | 80.6% | 73.6% |
| 5-year repayment | 78.7% | 67.7% |
| 7-year repayment | 80.6% | 72.8% |
Completion Rate
Trends Over Time
How University of Richmond’s cost and outcomes have moved across College Scorecard releases (2009-2024).
Average Net Price
Completion Rate
Median Earnings, 10 Years After Entry (as reported)
Earnings reflect borrowers measured 10 years after entry and publish on an irregular cadence with a multi-year reporting lag, so this series shows only the years the Department of Education reported - the data is never interpolated.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, release years shown. Net price and completion are reported annually.
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 22.2% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 710-780 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 700-750 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 33-35 |
| Enrollment | 2,980 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 17.2% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $14,442 |
At 22.2%, Richmond is selective but not hyper-selective. SAT 710-780 Math and 700-750 Reading describes the middle half of admits. ACT 33-35 composite is the parallel band. Admissions are holistic; the B-school pipeline means students with genuine business interest and quantitative preparation tend to fit the institutional culture well. The generous low-income aid ($6,507 net for the 30001-48000 bracket) makes Richmond accessible for students who qualify, though the overall Pell rate suggests most students are not from lower-income backgrounds.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Richmond (this school) | 81 | $31,309 | $76,178 |
| Wesleyan University | 85 | $30,177 | $73,897 |
| College of the Holy Cross | 85 | $38,782 | $90,543 |
| Skidmore College | 75 | $32,297 | $69,363 |
| Averett University | 37 | $22,925 | $51,516 |
| Bluefield University | 32 | $25,573 | $48,896 |
Who Thrives Here
University of Richmond admits 22.2% of applicants with SAT mid-ranges of 710-780 Math and 700-750 Reading; ACT composite 33-35. Enrollment of 2,980 makes it a small institution. The program mix skews heavily toward business and economics, with strong alumni networks in mid-Atlantic finance and consulting. Students targeting rigorous liberal arts alongside business credentials find a well-resourced environment here. The Richmond-area location does not offer a major metro labor market on the doorstep, though proximity to Washington D.C. opens policy and government pathways.
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
For most students, University of Richmond pays off. You'd pay about $31,309 a year after aid ($125,236 over four years), and the typical graduate earns $76,178 ten years after enrollment. That puts the payback - the time it takes for the earnings bump to cover what you spent - at roughly 6.4 years, a solid return.
What it has going for it: its 85.2% graduation rate, manageable debt relative to earnings.
Median debt of $21,000 among graduates who borrowed, against average earnings of $51,900 six years after entry, gives a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41, under the 1.0 point at which debt would equal a full year of those earnings. Your major matters a lot here: graduates in higher-earning fields will see the better end of this.
University of Richmond: Common Questions
Is University of Richmond worth it?
In our view, yes - for most students University of Richmond pays off. It scores 81/100 on our ROI scale. You'd pay about $31,309 a year after aid ($125,236 over four years), and the typical graduate earns $76,178 ten years after enrollment, so the cost takes roughly 6.4 years to earn back.
How much does University of Richmond cost after financial aid?
The average net price - the cost of attendance (tuition, fees, books, supplies and average living costs) minus grants and scholarships, for full-time, first-time students receiving federal aid - is about $31,309 a year, or roughly $125,236 over four years. Because it counts living costs, it can run above tuition alone. That is the number to plan around. Actual cost varies by family income, per the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard.
What do University of Richmond graduates earn?
The typical graduate earns about $76,178 ten years after enrolling, roughly $34,378 a year more than the median high-school graduate ($41,800, per NCES, 2022). That earnings gap is what has to cover the cost of the degree.
How long does it take to pay off University of Richmond?
We estimate the payback period - the time it takes for the earnings bump over a high-school graduate to cover what you spent - at about 6.4 years for University of Richmond. The median across the schools we track is about 12 years.
How much debt do University of Richmond graduates take on?
Among graduates who borrowed, median federal loan debt from this school is about $21,000, against average earnings of $51,900 six years after entry - a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41. In our view that is reasonable, though your major matters: higher-earning fields will see the better end of it.
What is the graduation rate at University of Richmond?
The six-year graduation rate is 85.2%, at or above the 64% national average for four-year schools (NCES, 2022). Completion is 15% of our ROI score, since a degree you don't finish rarely pays back.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.