University of the Virgin Islands
University of the Virgin Islands — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of the Virgin Islands at a Glance
The University of the Virgin Islands is a public historically black land-grant university in the United States Virgin Islands.
1962
64 years old
$67M
$66.9 million (2020)
2,138
107
Identity
Is University of the Virgin Islands Worth It?
At a value score of 37/100, University of the Virgin Islands is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $38,681 — 28% below average — while paying $7,469/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.8 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 28% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 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 99% 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 University of the Virgin Islands has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How University of the Virgin Islands compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #37 of 78 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 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | North Florida College | 100 | $804 | $33,929 |
| #3 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #4 | Alpena Community College | 100 | $3,320 | $36,442 |
| #5 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #6 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #37 | University of the Virgin Islands | 37 | $7,469 | $38,681 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of University of the Virgin Islands's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at University of the Virgin Islands
The highest-earning program at University of the Virgin Islands is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $23,000/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from University of the Virgin Islands earns $23,000, while a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate earns $23,000. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $19,062 in median debt vs. $19,062 for Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $7,469/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 | $23,000 | $23,000 | $19,062 |
Similar Colleges in VI
View all colleges in VI →Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Charlotte Amalie, VI
- Student Body
- 1,518 students
- Admission Rate
- 99%
- Graduation Rate
- 28%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $7,469
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $38,681
- Median Student Debt
- $16,800