Regent University
Regent University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Regent University at a Glance
Regent University is a private Christian university in Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States. Founded by Pat Robertson in 1977 as Christian Broadcasting Network University, its name was changed to Regent University in 1990. Regent offers on-campus programs as well as distance education. Regent offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in over 70 courses of study. The university is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
1977
49 years old
$70M
$69,500,000 in 2020
10,657
4,716 undergrad · 4,635 grad
138
Identity
Is Regent University Worth It?
At a value score of 31/100, Regent University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $44,498 — 17% below average — while paying $19,923/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 56% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $24,534 representing 55% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Regent University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Regent University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #4 of 16 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 | Bob Jones University | 45 | $16,641 | $44,354 |
| #2 | Brigham Young University-Hawaii | 42 | $16,774 | $52,064 |
| #3 | University of Northwestern Ohio | 32 | $21,807 | $50,968 |
| #4 | Regent University | 31 | $19,923 | $44,498 |
| #5 | Colorado Christian University | 26 | $29,500 | $50,416 |
| #6 | Mississippi Christian University | 26 | $27,712 | $47,485 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Regent University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Regent University
The highest-earning program at Regent University is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at $39,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is English Language and Literature, General at $25,100/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas graduate from Regent University earns $39,900, while a English Language and Literature, General graduate earns $25,100. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $19,923/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $39,900 | $39,900 | N/A |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $37,300 | $37,300 | $29,112 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $36,700 | $36,700 | $24,559 |
| Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries | $33,200 | $33,200 | $26,332 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $33,200 | $33,200 | $23,099 |
| Psychology, General | $29,400 | $29,400 | $25,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $26,100 | $26,100 | $25,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $25,100 | $25,100 | $25,000 |
Similar Colleges in VA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Student Body
- 4,729 students
- Admission Rate
- 38%
- Graduation Rate
- 56%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $19,923
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $44,498
- Median Student Debt
- $24,534