Virginia State University

What are the graduation rates for students at Virginia State University?

Virginia State University reports relatively low graduation rates compared to national standards, with only 41% of students completing their programs. This puts the university in the bottom 20% percentile for overall graduation performance. Male students have a slightly lower completion rate of 34%, while female students graduate at a rate of 45%, although both figures remain low and also fall within the bottom 20% of similar institutions.

When examining the length of study, the four-year graduation rate stands at a modest 27%, indicating that just over a quarter of students earn their degree within the traditional timeframe. The six-year graduation rate improves to 41%, but still remains in the lower quarter compared to peer universities. Retention rates are moderate, with 71% of students returning after their first year, placing Virginia State University in the lower 40% percentile bracket for student retention.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Virginia State University?

Graduates of Virginia State University experience a wide range of earning potentials based on their chosen field of study. Among the degrees with the highest reported earnings is Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians, where alumni earn an average of $68,170. This is followed by Computer and Information Sciences, General, with an average income of $59,033, and Manufacturing Engineering graduates, who earn approximately $53,571 on average. Accounting and Related Services also presents strong earning opportunities, with graduates averaging $49,619.

Other lucrative fields include Mathematics, where alumni earn around $41,203, and Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, with average earnings of $40,514. Marketing and Sociology degrees both yield average salaries exceeding $30,000, at $34,290 and $31,714 respectively, while Business Administration, Management and Operations, Hospitality Administration/Management, and Criminal Justice and Corrections see earnings clustered in the low to mid $30,000 range.

In contrast, fields such as Agriculture, General and Teacher Education and Professional Development show more modest earnings, with averages around $26,147 and $27,185 respectively. Students pursuing degrees in Communication and Media Studies, Psychology, General, Political Science and Government, and Social Work also report incomes typically below $31,000.

For those weighing their options, degrees in technical and engineering-related disciplines tend to offer higher earning potential post-graduation at Virginia State University, while degrees in social sciences and education generally yield lower starting salaries. Prospective students should consider this variation as they assess their educational and career goals.