University of Virginia's College at Wise
University of Virginia's College at Wise — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Virginia's College at Wise at a Glance
The University of Virginia's College at Wise is a public liberal arts college located in Wise County, Virginia, and partially in the Town of Wise. It is part of the University of Virginia, though separately accredited. The college was established in 1954 as Clinch Valley College of the University of Virginia.
1954
72 years old
$108M
$108 million (2019)
2,330
140
400 acres
Identity
Is University of Virginia's College at Wise Worth It?
University of Virginia's College at Wise offers moderate value at $9,210/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $45,325, which is 16% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.8 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 48% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Admission is competitive with a 29% acceptance rate, so applicants should have strong academic credentials.
How University of Virginia's College at Wise compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #7 of 59 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 | Alpena Community College | 100 | $3,320 | $36,442 |
| #3 | Bellingham Technical College | 92 | $5,997 | $49,748 |
| #4 | Grays Harbor College | 75 | $4,783 | $40,865 |
| #5 | North Central State College | 71 | $4,687 | $38,158 |
| #6 | Northwest Indian College | 62 | $3,136 | $35,447 |
| #7 | University of Virginia's College at Wise | 59 | $9,210 | $45,325 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of University of Virginia's College at Wise's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at University of Virginia's College at Wise
The highest-earning program at University of Virginia's College at Wise is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $53,400/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Criminal Justice and Corrections at $27,600/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from University of Virginia's College at Wise earns $53,400, while a Criminal Justice and Corrections graduate earns $27,600. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $25,513 in median debt vs. $20,621 for Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $9,210/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $53,400 | $53,400 | $25,513 |
| Education, General | $34,200 | $34,200 | N/A |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $30,500 | $30,500 | $15,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $27,600 | $27,600 | $20,621 |
Similar Colleges in VA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Wise, VA
- Student Body
- 1,101 students
- Admission Rate
- 29%
- Graduation Rate
- 48%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $9,210
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $45,325
- Median Student Debt
- $16,750