University of Virginia's College at Wise
Wise, Virginia · Public · 28.5% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 48/100 · Below Average Value
UVA-Wise scores 48 (Below Average Value) on the CampusROI scale. The in-state cost structure is genuinely low ($11,780 tuition, $9,210 net price), but the 47.1% completion rate is serious: fewer than half of entering students earn a degree. Median 6-year earnings of $30,000 are low even for a low-cost public institution, producing a 17.1-year payback period. The repayment rate of 71.2% indicates a meaningful share of graduates struggle with loan repayment despite low debt ($16,750 median). UVA-Wise carries the UVA brand without UVA's resources or labor market placement power -- the earnings outcomes reflect the Appalachian labor market in far southwest Virginia. Registered Nursing is the one strong program: $72,911 year-one (4-year data not available). The remaining programs show modest-to-poor outcomes. The 39.8% Pell grant rate reflects a student body with significant financial need. The school primarily serves students from the coalfields region of Virginia who have limited local alternatives for higher education.
The data raises concerns about University of Virginia's College at Wise
These metrics fall below the thresholds most financial advisors recommend for a sound college investment. Review them carefully before committing.
- Payback period17.1 years - Most 4-year schools we track have payback periods of 4-10 years.
University of Virginia's College at Wise
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $11,780/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $28,010/yr |
| Average net price | $9,210/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $36,840 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,325 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $30,000 |
| Median debt at graduation | $16,750 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $178 |
| Estimated payback period | 17.1 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 47.1% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 1,101 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of Virginia's College at Wise is $11,780/year ($28,010/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $9,210/year, or roughly $36,840 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $8,891/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $16,176/year.
The median graduate leaves with $16,750 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $178 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $45,325 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.56 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
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 | $8,891 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,668 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,455 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,813 |
| $110,001+ | $16,176 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
The 0-30000 bracket pays $8,891 per year -- roughly $35,600 over four years. Against $30,000 median 6-year earnings, even this low cost produces an extended payback period (17.1 years at the median). The 47.1% completion rate means a large share of low-income students who enroll will leave without a degree. For nursing admits who complete, the ROI calculation improves substantially.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
Middle-income families pay $7,455 (48001-75000 bracket) to $8,813 (75001-110000 bracket) per year -- lower than the lowest bracket in an unusual inversion. Four-year costs of $30,000-$35,000 are very low in absolute terms. The payback concern is earnings-driven, not cost-driven. Middle-income students targeting nursing or education have a workable proposition.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families earning $110,000+ pay $16,176 per year -- about $65,000 total. At this cost against $30,000 median earnings, the financial case requires program-specific rationale. Students from higher-income families who can afford a lower-ROI outcome for geographic or personal reasons may find the UVA brand worth the modest investment.
Earnings by Major
Top 5 most popular majors at University of Virginia's College at Wise with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $72,911 | - |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $51,193 | B |
| Education, General | $41,804 | - |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $50,029 | C+ |
| Psychology | $44,430 | C |
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.
Registered Nursing
Registered Nursing (20 graduates) earns $72,911 year-one. Scorecard does not report four-year earnings, debt, or ROI grade for this program. Year-one earnings of $72,911 are solid for the regional Virginia market. Nursing remains the clearest financial rationale for enrollment at UVA-Wise. Small cohort size limits data robustness.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration earns $34,175 year-one and $50,029 at year four (C+ grade, debt-to-earnings 0.462, median debt $15,799). Year-one earnings of $34k are modest for a business program. The low median debt ($15,799) helps the C+ grade despite modest earnings. Four-year trajectory to $50k shows limited upside relative to the regional labor market. Scorecard does not report graduate count for this program.
Psychology
Psychology earns $29,209 year-one and $44,430 at year four (C grade, debt-to-earnings 0.617, median debt $18,031). Year-one earnings of $29k against $18,031 debt produces an elevated ratio for this level of earnings. C grade captures the debt-to-earnings tension. Scorecard does not report graduate count. Four-year figure of $44k reflects modest career progression in the southwest Virginia labor market.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 66.0% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 71.2% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 63.3% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 72.1% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 28.5% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 425-540 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 520-580 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 18-22 |
| Enrollment | 1,101 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 39.8% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $9,197 |
At 28.5%, UVA-Wise is more selective than its completion rate would suggest. The SAT and ACT ranges are modest. The school appears to admit a selective portion of a lower-prepared applicant pool, which creates a mismatch between admission standards and completion capacity. Students who are admitted should assess their readiness for four-year degree completion.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
UVA-Wise's Scorecard peers include Christopher Newport University and Wright State University-Lake Campus. Among Virginia public institutions, UVA-Wise occupies a distinct niche: the UVA affiliation, combined with Appalachian access mission, creates a different value proposition than CNU or George Mason. Christopher Newport is the better-ROI Virginia public for students who can access it. Students considering UVA-Wise should understand that the UVA brand recognition is meaningful in Virginia but does not carry the full employment premium of the flagship Charlottesville campus.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Virginia's College at Wise (this school) | 48 | $9,210 | $45,325 |
| William & Mary | 91 | $19,096 | $73,490 |
| Christopher Newport University | 64 | $23,015 | $60,509 |
| Wright State University-Lake Campus | 48 | $11,081 | $49,500 |
| Lake Superior State University | 46 | $12,822 | $49,045 |
| Peru State College | 41 | $11,632 | $47,071 |
Who Thrives Here
UVA-Wise admits 28.5% of applicants -- more selective than its regional peers, likely reflecting the prestige of the UVA name. SAT mid-ranges are 425-540 Math and 520-580 Reading (ACT 18-22). Enrollment is 1,101. The high Pell rate (39.8%) confirms the school serves predominantly lower-income, first-generation students from southwest Virginia. The 47.1% completion rate is alarming for a school serving this population. Students should assess the academic support infrastructure carefully.
The Verdict: Proceed With Caution
The financial case for University of Virginia's College at Wise is mixed. At $9,210 per year net cost, graduates earn a median of $45,325 ten years after entry - a payback period of 17.1 years. That's below the average return for four-year institutions, and prospective students should carefully consider whether the investment aligns with their financial goals.
Areas of concern include a 47.1% graduation rate and concerning loan repayment rates and a long payback period.
Median debt of $16,750 against $45,325 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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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.