Degree Dividend
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Averett University vs Southern Virginia University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Danville VA · vs · Private nonprofit, Buena Vista VA

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

Averett University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $91,700 in 29.1 years versus 54.1 years at Southern Virginia University, on median earnings of $51,516 vs $50,002 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureAverett UniversitySouthern Virginia University
Net price / yr$22,925$22,213
Total net cost$91,700$88,852
Median earnings, 10 yrs$51,516$50,002
Median debt$25,000$24,224
Payback29.1 yrs54.1 yrs
20-year net return-$28,580-$56,012

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Averett University or Southern Virginia University?

Southern Virginia University, at $22,213 a year after aid versus $22,925 — a gap of $712 a year, or $2,848 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Averett University or Southern Virginia University graduates earn more?

Averett University graduates report a median $51,516 ten years after entry, $1,514 more than the $50,002 at Southern Virginia University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Averett University or Southern Virginia University?

Southern Virginia University: its completers carry a median $24,224 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Averett University, a difference of $776. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

48% of students finish at Averett University, against 33% at Southern Virginia University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Averett University vs Southern Virginia University: frequently asked questions

Is Averett University or Southern Virginia University a better value?
Averett University. It clears its $91,700 net cost in about 29.1 years versus 54.1 years at Southern Virginia University, on median earnings of $51,516 vs $50,002 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Averett University or Southern Virginia University?
Southern Virginia University: $22,213/yr net price after aid versus $22,925/yr at Averett University — a difference of $712 a year, or about $2,848 over four years.
Do Averett University or Southern Virginia University graduates earn more?
Averett University graduates earn a median $51,516 ten years after entry, versus $50,002 at Southern Virginia University — a $1,514 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.