University of Richmond
University of Richmond — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Richmond at a Glance
The University of Richmond is a private liberal arts college in Richmond, Virginia, United States. It is a primarily undergraduate, residential institution with approximately 3,700 undergraduate and graduate students in five schools: the School of Arts and Sciences; the E. Claiborne Robins School of Business; the Jepson School of Leadership Studies; the University of Richmond School of Law; and the School of Professional & Continuing Studies. It is classified among "Baccalaureate Colleges: Arts …
1830
196 years old
$3.5B
$3.49 billion (2025)
3,914
3,202 undergrad · 712 grad
350 acres
90
Identity
How to Apply to University of Richmond
Official admissions pageNovember 1 (Early Decision I)
Testing policy
Is University of Richmond Worth It?
University of Richmond offers moderate value at $31,309/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $76,178, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
With a 86% graduation rate, the vast majority of students finish their degree and reach these earning outcomes.
Admission is competitive with a 22% acceptance rate, so applicants should have strong academic credentials.
How University of Richmond compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #11 of 24 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 | Davidson College | 100 | $17,379 | $81,400 |
| #2 | Washington and Lee University | 94 | $23,781 | $94,810 |
| #3 | Grinnell College | 78 | $17,648 | $62,830 |
| #4 | Wellesley College | 76 | $25,496 | $84,803 |
| #5 | Haverford College | 71 | $25,314 | $79,966 |
| #6 | Carleton College | 67 | $25,407 | $75,525 |
| #11 | University of Richmond | 53 | $31,309 | $76,178 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of University of Richmond's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in VA.
Best Programs at University of Richmond
The highest-earning program at University of Richmond is Computer and Information Sciences, General at $74,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Biology, General at $18,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Computer and Information Sciences, General graduate from University of Richmond earns $74,100, while a Biology, General graduate earns $18,000. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates carry $23,750 in median debt vs. $20,250 for Biology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $31,309/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $74,100 | $74,100 | $23,750 |
| Economics | $65,500 | $65,500 | $19,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $61,800 | $61,800 | $21,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $53,000 | $53,000 | $19,000 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $42,000 | $42,000 | $25,000 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $40,700 | $40,700 | $19,500 |
| Political Science and Government | $39,500 | $39,500 | $20,500 |
| Psychology, General | $35,600 | $35,600 | $24,597 |
| Area Studies | $32,900 | $32,900 | $24,615 |
| Biology, General | $18,000 | $18,000 | $20,250 |
Similar Colleges in VA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- University of Richmond, VA
- Student Body
- 2,980 students
- Admission Rate
- 22%
- Graduation Rate
- 86%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $31,309
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $76,178
- Median Student Debt
- $21,000