Virginia Commonwealth University vs J Sargeant Reynolds Community College: which has better ROI?
Virginia Commonwealth University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $93,732 in 9.6 years versus not at all at J Sargeant Reynolds Community College, on median earnings of $58,128 vs $39,529 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Virginia Commonwealth University | J Sargeant Reynolds Community College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $23,433 | $5,168 |
| Total net cost | $93,732 | $20,672 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $58,128 | $39,529 |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $10,500 |
| Payback | 9.6 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | $101,628 | -$197,292 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Virginia Commonwealth University or J Sargeant Reynolds Community College?
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College, at $5,168 a year after aid versus $23,433 — a gap of $18,265 a year, or $73,060 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Virginia Commonwealth University or J Sargeant Reynolds Community College graduates earn more?
Virginia Commonwealth University graduates report a median $58,128 ten years after entry, $18,599 more than the $39,529 at J Sargeant Reynolds Community College. 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, Virginia Commonwealth University or J Sargeant Reynolds Community College?
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College: its completers carry a median $10,500 in federal loans versus $21,500 at Virginia Commonwealth University, a difference of $11,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
63% of students finish at Virginia Commonwealth University, against 32% at J Sargeant Reynolds Community 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.