Southern Virginia University
Southern Virginia University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Southern Virginia University Worth It?
At a value score of 20/100, Southern Virginia University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $50,002 — 7% below average — while paying $22,213/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 36% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 96% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Southern Virginia University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Southern Virginia University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in VA
Ranked #100 of 120 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 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #2 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #3 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #4 | Albizu University-San Juan | 73 | $9,732 | $41,544 |
| #5 | Trinity Washington University | 67 | $9,302 | $53,804 |
| #6 | Waynesburg University | 50 | $18,235 | $58,537 |
| #100 | Southern Virginia University | 20 | $22,213 | $50,002 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Southern Virginia University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 6 in VA.
Best Programs at Southern Virginia University
The highest-earning program at Southern Virginia University is Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at $22,700/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities graduate from Southern Virginia University earns $22,700, while a Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities graduate earns $22,700. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities graduates carry $24,000 in median debt vs. $24,000 for Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $22,213/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $22,700 | $22,700 | $24,000 |
Similar Colleges in VA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Buena Vista, VA
- Student Body
- 936 students
- Admission Rate
- 96%
- Graduation Rate
- 36%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $22,213
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $50,002
- Median Student Debt
- $24,224