Virginia Commonwealth University vs Radford University: 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 10.8 years at Radford University, on median earnings of $58,128 vs $53,739 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Virginia Commonwealth University | Radford University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $23,433 | $14,578 |
| Total net cost | $93,732 | $58,312 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $58,128 | $53,739 |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $24,000 |
| Payback | 9.6 yrs | 10.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $101,628 | $49,268 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Virginia Commonwealth University or Radford University?
Radford University, at $14,578 a year after aid versus $23,433 — a gap of $8,855 a year, or $35,420 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 Radford University graduates earn more?
Virginia Commonwealth University graduates report a median $58,128 ten years after entry, $4,389 more than the $53,739 at Radford 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, Virginia Commonwealth University or Radford University?
Virginia Commonwealth University: its completers carry a median $21,500 in federal loans versus $24,000 at Radford University, a difference of $2,500. 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 49% at Radford 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.