Students at Averett University benefit from earnings that exceed expectations, though the overall financial outcomes require careful consideration given the debt levels typically needed.
The university provides meaningful access to private higher education for first-generation and low-income students, while maintaining strong loan repayment performance among graduates.
Averett University is a small private nonprofit institution in Danville, Virginia, serving students who often benefit from the close-knit campus environment that smaller colleges provide. With nearly 40% of students receiving Pell Grants and about 38% being first-generation college students, Averett opens its doors to students from diverse economic backgrounds who might not otherwise have access to private higher education.
The university's outcomes present a mixed picture that families should understand clearly. While graduates do see some earnings beyond expectations compared with similar students at other institutions—about $2,860 more than predicted—the overall financial returns place Averett in the middle range nationally. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $51,516, which reflects the challenges many smaller private institutions face in delivering strong economic outcomes.
For students who thrive in smaller academic settings and value the personal relationships that come with a tight-knit campus community, Averett offers an accessible path to a college degree. However, the financial investment requires careful consideration, as the combination of higher private college costs and moderate post-graduation earnings means families need to weigh the value of the educational experience against long-term financial implications.
Averett University's program portfolio reflects a focused approach rather than comprehensive breadth, with Exercise Science and Kinesiology representing one of the larger offerings with 31 graduates. This program, like many at Averett, leads into service-oriented careers where early-career earnings average around $25,194—reflecting fields that emphasize personal fulfillment and community impact alongside financial considerations.
The limited program data suggests that Averett concentrates on specific areas rather than offering the wide range of majors found at larger institutions. This focused approach can benefit students who know their career direction and value the personalized attention that comes with smaller program sizes. However, it also means that students seeking high-earning fields like engineering, computer science, or business may find fewer options compared with more comprehensive universities.
For prospective students, understanding Averett's program mix is crucial for setting realistic expectations about post-graduation outcomes. The university appears to excel in preparing students for careers in health, education, and human services—fields that provide meaningful work but typically offer more modest financial returns. Students drawn to these career paths may find Averett's focused approach and small class sizes particularly valuable, while those prioritizing maximum earning potential might need to consider whether the available programs align with their financial goals.
Graduates of Averett University see moderate long-term financial outcomes that reflect both the opportunities and challenges of attending a small private institution. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $51,516, which places the university around the middle of the national distribution for earnings outcomes. Graduates do earn slightly more than expected compared with similar students at other institutions—about $2,860 beyond expectations—suggesting the university adds some value to student outcomes, though this advantage is modest.
The university's program offerings are concentrated in areas like Exercise Science and Kinesiology, which represents one of the larger programs with 31 graduates. However, early-career earnings in this field average around $25,194, reflecting the reality that many of Averett's programs lead into service-oriented careers that typically offer lower starting salaries but provide other forms of professional satisfaction. The limited program data suggests a focused rather than comprehensive academic portfolio.
For students considering Averett, the return on investment requires careful evaluation. While graduates do achieve earnings that exceed expectations modestly, the overall financial outcomes are more limited compared with larger universities or institutions with stronger industry connections. Students should consider whether the personalized education experience and smaller campus environment justify the financial investment, particularly given the debt levels typically required to attend.
Affordability at Averett University presents a complex picture that varies significantly by family income level. Low-income students pay about $21,743 per year after aid, while middle-income families see slightly lower costs at $19,655 annually—an unusual pattern where middle-income students receive more favorable pricing. High-income families face substantially higher costs at $27,470 per year, reflecting the typical private college pricing structure where families with greater means pay closer to the full sticker price.
Debt levels at Averett require serious consideration from prospective families. Typical graduates leave with $25,000 in federal student loan debt, and many families also take on Parent PLUS loans averaging $18,290. Combined, this represents a significant financial commitment that families must weigh against the university's moderate earnings outcomes. The institution does maintain a 0% federal loan default rate, which suggests that while debt levels are substantial, most graduates are able to meet their repayment obligations.
The affordability challenge at Averett reflects the broader tension many small private colleges face: providing personalized education while managing costs that can strain family budgets. Families should carefully model the total cost of attendance against expected post-graduation earnings to ensure the financial commitment aligns with their long-term goals and capacity.
Averett University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
