Averett University
Averett University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Averett University at a Glance
Averett University (AU) is a private university in Danville, Virginia, United States. Founded in 1859 as a women's college, Averett became a four-year, coeducational institution in 1969. In 2011, the university restored its Baptist affiliation, renewing a relationship that had existed from Averett's founding until 2005.
1859
167 years old
$21M
$21.3 million (2019)
1,879
870 undergrad · 1,000 grad
270
Identity
Is Averett University Worth It?
At a value score of 26/100, Averett University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $51,516 — 4% below average — while paying $22,925/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.8 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 46% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Averett University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Averett University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #48 of 74 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of St Francis | 81 | $13,006 | $63,926 |
| #2 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #3 | Hallmark University | 54 | $12,513 | $40,183 |
| #4 | Austin College | 49 | $21,107 | $61,296 |
| #5 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #6 | Saint Vincent College | 45 | $23,510 | $59,982 |
| #48 | Averett University | 26 | $22,925 | $51,516 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Averett University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in VA.
Best Programs at Averett University
The highest-earning program at Averett University is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $47,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Criminal Justice and Corrections at $34,300/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from Averett University earns $47,900, while a Criminal Justice and Corrections graduate earns $34,300. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $26,646 in median debt vs. $25,000 for Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $22,925/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $47,900 | $47,900 | $26,646 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $34,300 | $34,300 | $25,000 |
Similar Colleges in VA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Danville, VA
- Student Body
- 1,231 students
- Admission Rate
- 57%
- Graduation Rate
- 46%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $22,925
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $51,516
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000