Virginia Wesleyan University vs Southern Virginia University: which has better ROI?
Virginia Wesleyan University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $78,704 in 45.9 years versus 54.1 years at Southern Virginia University, on median earnings of $50,074 vs $50,002 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Virginia Wesleyan University | Southern Virginia University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $19,676 | $22,213 |
| Total net cost | $78,704 | $88,852 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $50,074 | $50,002 |
| Median debt | $27,000 | $24,224 |
| Payback | 45.9 yrs | 54.1 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$44,424 | -$56,012 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Virginia Wesleyan University or Southern Virginia University?
Virginia Wesleyan University, at $19,676 a year after aid versus $22,213 — a gap of $2,537 a year, or $10,148 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 Wesleyan University or Southern Virginia University graduates earn more?
Virginia Wesleyan University graduates report a median $50,074 ten years after entry, $72 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, Virginia Wesleyan University or Southern Virginia University?
Southern Virginia University: its completers carry a median $24,224 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Virginia Wesleyan University, a difference of $2,776. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
42% of students finish at Virginia Wesleyan 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.