Villanova University's published cost of attendance reaches $80,866 per year—that's $64,701 in tuition, $16,896 for room and board, and $1,100 for books and supplies. The average student pays $44,876 after financial aid, representing savings of $35,990 from the sticker price.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $84,793 |
| Tuition and Fees | $67,776 |
| Room and Board | $17,694 |
| Books and Supplies | $710 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$41,037 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $43,756 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $17,823 |
| $30–48k | $16,496 |
| $48–75k | $20,923 |
| $75–110k | $33,389 |
| $110k+ | $58,741 |
Villanova University's published cost of attendance reaches $80,866 per year—that's $64,701 in tuition, $16,896 for room and board, and $1,100 for books and supplies. The average student pays $44,876 after financial aid, representing savings of $35,990 from the sticker price. However, this net price remains $17,733 above the peer median of $27,143, reflecting the university's position as a high-cost private institution with limited need-based aid.
Net prices vary significantly by family income, ranging from $16,914 for families earning under $30,000 to $60,637 for families earning over $110,000. The university's affordability index ranks at the 3.6th percentile nationally, indicating below average affordability compared to similar institutions. For middle-income families, Villanova University represents a substantial financial commitment that requires careful planning and potentially significant borrowing to cover educational costs.
Villanova University enrolls 11.6% Pell-eligible students, well below the national average of approximately 35% at four-year institutions, reflecting the university's limited accessibility for lower-income families. The $35,990 average financial aid savings indicates substantial institutional aid, though this primarily benefits students from the lowest income brackets.
Net prices by income tier show progressive aid distribution, with families under $30,000 receiving the most significant assistance. However, the university's below average affordability ranking at the 3.6th percentile suggests that aid levels fail to keep pace with the high sticker price, particularly for middle-income families who often face the greatest financial strain.
The combination of high costs and limited need-based aid creates affordability challenges that exclude many potential students from lower and middle-income backgrounds.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Median student debt at Villanova University reaches $25,874, compared to a peer median of $24,181, representing $1,693 in additional borrowing above typical levels. Debt ranges from $13,500 at the 25th percentile to $27,628 at the 75th percentile, showing moderate variation in borrowing patterns among graduates.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 indicates that typical graduates earn approximately four dollars for every dollar of debt, creating manageable repayment conditions. Parent PLUS debt reaches a median of $36,599 with monthly payments of $482, though this represents raw borrowing without family income context.
The combination of student and parent borrowing reflects the university's high costs and the financial strategies families employ to cover educational expenses. While debt levels remain within reasonable bounds relative to earnings, the total family borrowing commitment can be substantial.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Despite earnings falling $1,897 below expectations for similar student demographics, Villanova University delivers exceptional absolute earnings of $100,423, ranking at the 98.0th percentile nationally. Student debt of $25,874 remains $1,693 above peer median levels but creates a favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26.
Compared to peer institutions with median earnings of $63,066, Villanova University graduates earn $37,357 more annually, more than compensating for slightly higher debt levels. The university's return index ranks at the 97.5th percentile, reflecting exceptional performance in translating educational investment into long-term financial outcomes.
However, the high net price and limited affordability create barriers for many families, requiring substantial upfront investment or significant borrowing. For families who can manage the costs, the long-term earnings outcomes justify the educational investment.
