Virginia Union University
Virginia Union University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Virginia Union University at a Glance
Virginia Union University is a private historically black university in Richmond, Virginia.
1865
161 years old
$29M
$29 million
1,662
84 acres
Identity
Is Virginia Union University Worth It?
At a value score of 28/100, Virginia Union University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $38,275 — 29% below average — while paying $13,235/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 39% 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 98% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
With median debt of $29,000 representing 76% 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 Virginia Union University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Virginia Union University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in VA
Ranked #12 of 41 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 | Turtle Mountain College | 100 | $3,428 | $32,079 |
| #2 | Albizu University-San Juan | 73 | $9,732 | $41,544 |
| #3 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #4 | Grace Christian University | 39 | $12,404 | $41,663 |
| #5 | Mary Baldwin University | 37 | $12,756 | $44,427 |
| #6 | Drury University-College of Continuing Professional Studies | 37 | $10,566 | $40,694 |
| #12 | Virginia Union University | 28 | $13,235 | $38,275 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Virginia Union University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in VA.
Best Programs at Virginia Union University
The highest-earning program at Virginia Union University is Criminology at $25,300/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Communication and Media Studies at $18,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Criminology graduate from Virginia Union University earns $25,300, while a Communication and Media Studies graduate earns $18,000. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Criminology graduates carry $31,000 in median debt vs. $33,294 for Communication and Media Studies.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $13,235/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminology | $25,300 | $25,300 | $31,000 |
| Psychology, General | $24,500 | $24,500 | $30,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $23,700 | $23,700 | $32,500 |
| Biology, General | $19,500 | $19,500 | $27,500 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $18,000 | $18,000 | $33,294 |
Similar Colleges in VA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Richmond, VA
- Student Body
- 1,203 students
- Admission Rate
- 98%
- Graduation Rate
- 39%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $13,235
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $38,275
- Median Student Debt
- $29,000