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Southern Virginia University vs Eastern Mennonite University: which has better ROI?

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

The verdict

Eastern Mennonite University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $98,352 in 15.1 years versus 54.1 years at Southern Virginia University, on median earnings of $54,869 vs $50,002 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureSouthern Virginia UniversityEastern Mennonite University
Net price / yr$22,213$24,588
Total net cost$88,852$98,352
Median earnings, 10 yrs$50,002$54,869
Median debt$24,224$24,813
Payback54.1 yrs15.1 yrs
20-year net return-$56,012$31,828

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

Which is cheaper, Southern Virginia University or Eastern Mennonite University?

Southern Virginia University, at $22,213 a year after aid versus $24,588 — a gap of $2,375 a year, or $9,500 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Southern Virginia University or Eastern Mennonite University graduates earn more?

Eastern Mennonite University graduates report a median $54,869 ten years after entry, $4,867 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, Southern Virginia University or Eastern Mennonite University?

Southern Virginia University: its completers carry a median $24,224 in federal loans versus $24,813 at Eastern Mennonite University, a difference of $589. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

67% of students finish at Eastern Mennonite 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.

Southern Virginia University vs Eastern Mennonite University: frequently asked questions

Is Southern Virginia University or Eastern Mennonite University a better value?
Eastern Mennonite University. It clears its $98,352 net cost in about 15.1 years versus 54.1 years at Southern Virginia University, on median earnings of $54,869 vs $50,002 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Southern Virginia University or Eastern Mennonite University?
Southern Virginia University: $22,213/yr net price after aid versus $24,588/yr at Eastern Mennonite University — a difference of $2,375 a year, or about $9,500 over four years.
Do Southern Virginia University or Eastern Mennonite University graduates earn more?
Eastern Mennonite University graduates earn a median $54,869 ten years after entry, versus $50,002 at Southern Virginia University — a $4,867 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.