Students at the University of Virginia's College at Wise benefit from some of the lowest net prices among public universities, with middle-income families paying just over $7,000 annually.
The combination of exceptional affordability and zero loan defaults creates a low-risk pathway to degree completion for working families and first-generation students.
The University of Virginia's College at Wise serves as an accessible regional public university that prioritizes affordability and student support over maximum earnings outcomes. Located in rural southwestern Virginia, UVA Wise enrolls a substantial share of first-generation students (37%) and Pell recipients (33%), reflecting its mission to serve working families and students who might not otherwise access higher education. The institution focuses on providing educational opportunity rather than competing on selectivity or prestige metrics.
While UVA Wise graduates earn a median of $45,325 ten years after enrollment, which places the university around the middle of the national distribution for earnings outcomes, the institution's real strength lies in its exceptional affordability. Net prices are remarkably low across all income levels, with middle-income families paying just $7,159 annually and low-income students paying $15,634. This combination of broad access and minimal financial burden makes UVA Wise a practical choice for students who want to complete a bachelor's degree without taking on excessive debt.
As a small public college in Appalachian Virginia, UVA Wise provides the personal attention and support systems that many first-generation and rural students need to succeed. The university may not deliver the highest earnings outcomes in the state, but it offers a clear path to degree completion and career entry at a price point that works for families across the economic spectrum.
The University of Virginia's College at Wise offers a focused program portfolio that emphasizes practical, career-oriented fields suited to the regional economy. The standout program is Adult Health Nursing, which graduates about 22 students annually with strong median earnings of $55,512 ten years after graduation. This program represents the institution's highest aggregate return, combining solid enrollment with above-average pay in a field experiencing strong demand throughout rural Virginia and Appalachian communities.
Nursing graduates benefit from the healthcare sector's stability and growth, particularly in underserved rural areas where healthcare professionals command competitive salaries and enjoy strong job security. The program's success reflects both the regional need for healthcare workers and UVA Wise's ability to prepare students for professional careers that offer meaningful upward mobility from typical regional employment options.
While the university's program portfolio may be smaller than comprehensive research universities, the focus on practical fields like nursing ensures that graduates develop marketable skills aligned with regional employer needs. This targeted approach helps students achieve career stability and professional advancement, even if the absolute earnings levels reflect the rural Virginia job market rather than maximum income potential.
Graduates of the University of Virginia's College at Wise earn a median of $45,325 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution around the middle of the national distribution for long-term earnings outcomes. While these earnings are modest compared to Virginia's flagship universities, they reflect the institution's focus on accessible education and the regional job market in southwestern Virginia. The university serves students who might not otherwise attend college, and for many graduates, these earnings represent meaningful upward mobility from their family backgrounds.
The strongest financial outcomes at UVA Wise come from the nursing program, which graduates about 22 students annually with median earnings of $55,512 ten years out. This program represents the institution's highest aggregate return, combining solid enrollment with above-average pay in a field with strong regional demand. Nursing graduates benefit from the healthcare sector's stability and growth, particularly in rural Virginia where healthcare professionals are in high demand.
While UVA Wise may not deliver the earnings premiums seen at more selective institutions, graduates typically achieve financial stability and career advancement within their chosen fields. The university's focus on practical, career-oriented programs helps ensure that students develop marketable skills, even if the absolute earnings levels reflect the regional economy and the institution's accessibility mission rather than maximum income potential.
The University of Virginia's College at Wise stands out for exceptional affordability across all income levels, making it one of the most accessible public universities in Virginia. Middle-income families pay just $7,159 annually in net price, well below typical public university costs, while low-income students pay $15,634 per year. Even high-income families see reasonable costs at $11,647 annually, creating predictable and manageable expenses for families across the economic spectrum.
Debt levels remain very manageable for most students, with typical graduates leaving with $16,750 in federal student loan debt. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $11,852, a modest level that reflects both the university's low sticker price and families' ability to cover much of their costs through grants and savings rather than extensive borrowing. The institution's 0% federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations, even with the more modest earnings typical of the regional job market.
What makes UVA Wise particularly sustainable financially is the combination of low upfront costs and reasonable debt levels. Students can complete their degrees without the heavy borrowing that characterizes many college experiences, and the debt they do take on remains proportional to their expected earnings. This creates a low-risk pathway to degree completion that works especially well for first-generation students and families who are debt-averse or have limited experience with college financing.
University Of Virginia's College At Wise Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
