Randolph-Macon College
Randolph-Macon College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Randolph-Macon College at a Glance
Randolph–Macon College is a private liberal arts college in Ashland, Virginia, United States. Founded in 1830, the college has an enrollment of more than 1,800 students. It is the second-oldest Methodist-run college in the country, and the oldest in continuous operation. The college primarily offers bachelor's degrees.
1830
196 years old
$223M
$222.5 million (2025)
1,543
116 acres
Identity
Is Randolph-Macon College Worth It?
At a value score of 38/100, Randolph-Macon College is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $58,448 — 9% above average — while paying $27,866/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 72% graduation rate means roughly 28% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Randolph-Macon College has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Randolph-Macon College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in VA
Ranked #53 of 163 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 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #3 | Baptist Health Sciences University | 75 | $11,212 | $72,529 |
| #4 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #5 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #6 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #53 | Randolph-Macon College | 38 | $27,866 | $58,448 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Randolph-Macon College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 7 in VA.
Best Programs at Randolph-Macon College
The highest-earning program at Randolph-Macon College is Economics at $39,800/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Biology, General at $29,200/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Economics graduate from Randolph-Macon College earns $39,800, while a Biology, General graduate earns $29,200. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Economics graduates carry $26,017 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Biology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $27,866/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics | $39,800 | $39,800 | $26,017 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $38,200 | $38,200 | $27,000 |
| Political Science and Government | $36,900 | $36,900 | $25,320 |
| Sociology | $33,200 | $33,200 | N/A |
| Psychology, General | $32,900 | $32,900 | $27,000 |
| History | $30,700 | $30,700 | $24,997 |
| Biology, General | $29,200 | $29,200 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in VA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Ashland, VA
- Student Body
- 1,639 students
- Admission Rate
- 87%
- Graduation Rate
- 72%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $27,866
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $58,448
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000