Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia · Public · 92.6% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 55/100 · Below Average Value
Virginia Commonwealth University
Below Average ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $16,945/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $40,109/yr |
| Average net price | $23,433/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $93,732 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,128 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $37,500 |
| Median debt at graduation | $21,500 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $228 |
| Estimated payback period | 10.1 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 63.2% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 20,753 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
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 | $17,512 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,777 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,925 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,691 |
| $110,001+ | $32,739 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Virginia Commonwealth University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology | $51,440 | D |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $59,442 | D |
| Biology | $58,420 | C |
| Design and Applied Arts | $53,575 | F |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $58,792 | C |
| Business Administration and Management | $68,387 | C+ |
| Registered Nursing | $86,661 | B |
| Communication and Media Studies | $59,968 | C |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $55,855 | C+ |
| Information Science | $87,219 | B |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Virginia Commonwealth University is $16,945/year ($40,109/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 $23,433/year, or roughly $93,732 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $17,512/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $32,739/year.
The median graduate leaves with $21,500 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $228 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $58,128 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.57 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 59.9% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 64.7% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 61.3% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 65.8% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 92.6% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 490-620 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 520-650 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 22-30 |
| Enrollment | 20,753 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 31.2% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $12,401 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Commonwealth University (this school) | 55 | $23,433 | $58,128 |
| William & Mary | 91 | $19,096 | $73,490 |
| Christopher Newport University | 64 | $23,015 | $60,509 |
| Appalachian State University | 58 | $16,836 | $51,836 |
| Sam Houston State University | 58 | $16,404 | $54,211 |
| Georgia Southern University | 52 | $15,267 | $53,236 |
The Verdict: Proceed With Caution
The financial case for Virginia Commonwealth University is mixed. At $23,433 per year net cost, graduates earn a median of $58,128 ten years after entry - a payback period of 10.1 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 concerning loan repayment rates.
Median debt of $21,500 against $58,128 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
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.