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University of Richmond vs Galen Health Institutes-Roanoke: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, University of Richmond VA · vs · Private for-profit, Roanoke VA

The verdict

Galen Health Institutes-Roanoke has the better ROI: it clears its 2-year net cost of $53,890 in 4.1 years versus 4.5 years at University of Richmond, on median earnings of $61,480 vs $76,178 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of RichmondGalen Health Institutes-Roanoke
Net price / yr$31,309$26,945
Total net cost$125,236$53,890
Median earnings, 10 yrs$76,178$61,480
Median debt$21,000$24,166
Payback4.5 yrs4.1 yrs
20-year net return$431,124$208,510

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

Which is cheaper, University of Richmond or Galen Health Institutes-Roanoke?

Galen Health Institutes-Roanoke, at $26,945 a year after aid versus $31,309 — a gap of $4,364 a year, or $71,346 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 Richmond or Galen Health Institutes-Roanoke graduates earn more?

University of Richmond graduates report a median $76,178 ten years after entry, $14,698 more than the $61,480 at Galen Health Institutes-Roanoke. 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 Richmond or Galen Health Institutes-Roanoke?

University of Richmond: its completers carry a median $21,000 in federal loans versus $24,166 at Galen Health Institutes-Roanoke, a difference of $3,166. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

University of Richmond vs Galen Health Institutes-Roanoke: frequently asked questions

Is University of Richmond or Galen Health Institutes-Roanoke a better value?
Galen Health Institutes-Roanoke. It clears its $53,890 net cost in about 4.1 years versus 4.5 years at University of Richmond, on median earnings of $61,480 vs $76,178 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Richmond or Galen Health Institutes-Roanoke?
Galen Health Institutes-Roanoke: $26,945/yr net price after aid versus $31,309/yr at University of Richmond — a difference of $4,364 a year, or about $71,346 over four years.
Do University of Richmond or Galen Health Institutes-Roanoke graduates earn more?
University of Richmond graduates earn a median $76,178 ten years after entry, versus $61,480 at Galen Health Institutes-Roanoke — a $14,698 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.