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Richard Bland College vs American National University: which has better ROI?

Public, South Prince George VA · vs · Private for-profit, Salem VA

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Richard Bland College comes closer — median earnings $41,452 against a $26,090 total, vs $26,370 at American National University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureRichard Bland CollegeAmerican National University
Net price / yr$13,045$18,036
Total net cost$26,090$36,072
Median earnings, 10 yrs$41,452$26,370
Median debt$11,000$12,814
Payback
20-year net return-$164,250-$475,872

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

Which is cheaper, Richard Bland College or American National University?

Richard Bland College, at $13,045 a year after aid versus $18,036 — a gap of $4,991 a year, or $9,982 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Richard Bland College or American National University graduates earn more?

Richard Bland College graduates report a median $41,452 ten years after entry, $15,082 more than the $26,370 at American National 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, Richard Bland College or American National University?

Richard Bland College: its completers carry a median $11,000 in federal loans versus $12,814 at American National University, a difference of $1,814. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

33% of students finish at American National University, against 9% at Richard Bland College. 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.

Richard Bland College vs American National University: frequently asked questions

Is Richard Bland College or American National University a better value?
Richard Bland College comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Richard Bland College or American National University?
Richard Bland College: $13,045/yr net price after aid versus $18,036/yr at American National University — a difference of $4,991 a year, or about $9,982 over four years.
Do Richard Bland College or American National University graduates earn more?
Richard Bland College graduates earn a median $41,452 ten years after entry, versus $26,370 at American National University — a $15,082 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.