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University of Mary Washington vs University of Richmond: which has better ROI?

Public, Fredericksburg VA · vs · Private nonprofit, University of Richmond VA

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

The verdict

University of Richmond has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $125,236 in 4.5 years versus 6.7 years at University of Mary Washington, on median earnings of $76,178 vs $60,613 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Mary WashingtonUniversity of Richmond
Net price / yr$20,667$31,309
Total net cost$82,668$125,236
Median earnings, 10 yrs$60,613$76,178
Median debt$20,500$21,000
Payback6.7 yrs4.5 yrs
20-year net return$162,392$431,124

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

Which is cheaper, University of Mary Washington or University of Richmond?

University of Mary Washington, at $20,667 a year after aid versus $31,309 — a gap of $10,642 a year, or $42,568 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of Mary Washington or University of Richmond graduates earn more?

University of Richmond graduates report a median $76,178 ten years after entry, $15,565 more than the $60,613 at University of Mary Washington. 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, University of Mary Washington or University of Richmond?

University of Mary Washington: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $21,000 at University of Richmond, a difference of $500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

85% of students finish at University of Richmond, against 66% at University of Mary Washington. 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.

University of Mary Washington vs University of Richmond: frequently asked questions

Is University of Mary Washington or University of Richmond a better value?
University of Richmond. It clears its $125,236 net cost in about 4.5 years versus 6.7 years at University of Mary Washington, on median earnings of $76,178 vs $60,613 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Mary Washington or University of Richmond?
University of Mary Washington: $20,667/yr net price after aid versus $31,309/yr at University of Richmond — a difference of $10,642 a year, or about $42,568 over four years.
Do University of Mary Washington or University of Richmond graduates earn more?
University of Richmond graduates earn a median $76,178 ten years after entry, versus $60,613 at University of Mary Washington — a $15,565 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.