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Washington and Lee University vs Riverside College of Health Sciences: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Lexington VA · vs · Private nonprofit, Newport News VA

The verdict

Washington and Lee University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $95,124 in 2 years versus 2.3 years at Riverside College of Health Sciences, on median earnings of $94,810 vs $66,072 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureWashington and Lee UniversityRiverside College of Health Sciences
Net price / yr$23,781$20,744
Total net cost$95,124$41,488
Median earnings, 10 yrs$94,810$66,072
Median debt$19,500$14,787
Payback2 yrs2.3 yrs
20-year net return$833,876$312,752

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

Which is cheaper, Washington and Lee University or Riverside College of Health Sciences?

Riverside College of Health Sciences, at $20,744 a year after aid versus $23,781 — a gap of $3,037 a year, or $53,636 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Washington and Lee University or Riverside College of Health Sciences graduates earn more?

Washington and Lee University graduates report a median $94,810 ten years after entry, $28,738 more than the $66,072 at Riverside College of Health Sciences. 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, Washington and Lee University or Riverside College of Health Sciences?

Riverside College of Health Sciences: its completers carry a median $14,787 in federal loans versus $19,500 at Washington and Lee University, a difference of $4,713. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

100% of students finish at Riverside College of Health Sciences, against 94% at Washington and Lee 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.

Washington and Lee University vs Riverside College of Health Sciences: frequently asked questions

Is Washington and Lee University or Riverside College of Health Sciences a better value?
Washington and Lee University. It clears its $95,124 net cost in about 2 years versus 2.3 years at Riverside College of Health Sciences, on median earnings of $94,810 vs $66,072 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Washington and Lee University or Riverside College of Health Sciences?
Riverside College of Health Sciences: $20,744/yr net price after aid versus $23,781/yr at Washington and Lee University — a difference of $3,037 a year, or about $53,636 over four years.
Do Washington and Lee University or Riverside College of Health Sciences graduates earn more?
Washington and Lee University graduates earn a median $94,810 ten years after entry, versus $66,072 at Riverside College of Health Sciences — a $28,738 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.