Virginia Wesleyan University
Virginia Wesleyan University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Virginia Wesleyan University at a Glance
Batten University is a private university in Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States. The university is nonsectarian but historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church. It enrolls 4,632 learners in all locations: 1,676 students annually in undergraduate and graduate programs, 2,601 in VWU Global Campus, and 355 students at LUJ/VWU Global (Japan). Virginia Wesleyan transitioned from a college to a university in 2017.
1961
65 years old
$124M
$123.5 million (2021)
1,676
300 acres
Identity
Is Virginia Wesleyan University Worth It?
At a value score of 29/100, Virginia Wesleyan University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $50,074 — 7% below average — while paying $19,676/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 46% 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.
With median debt of $27,000 representing 54% 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 Wesleyan University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Virginia Wesleyan University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #105 of 197 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 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #2 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #3 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #4 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #5 | Ursuline College | 53 | $16,164 | $56,878 |
| #6 | Nebraska Wesleyan University | 52 | $18,327 | $56,405 |
| #105 | Virginia Wesleyan University | 29 | $19,676 | $50,074 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Virginia Wesleyan University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in VA.
Best Programs at Virginia Wesleyan University
The highest-earning program at Virginia Wesleyan University is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $33,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Biology, General at $21,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from Virginia Wesleyan University earns $33,000, while a Biology, General graduate earns $21,000. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Biology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $19,676/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 | $33,000 | $33,000 | $27,000 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $31,200 | $31,200 | N/A |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $28,000 | $28,000 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General | $24,900 | $24,900 | $27,000 |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies | $23,400 | $23,400 | N/A |
| Biology, General | $21,000 | $21,000 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in VA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Student Body
- 1,256 students
- Admission Rate
- 73%
- Graduation Rate
- 46%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $19,676
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $50,074
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000