Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Virginia State University vary significantly by field of study, with engineering technology leading earnings while education and social services programs emphasize public service pathways. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than prestige or reputation.
Analyzing 16 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size at Virginia State University.
#25 nationally
$44K median earnings
Engineering technology leads Virginia State University's earnings outcomes, with Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology graduates earning $64,437 annually. General Studies follows at $46,267, then Accounting Technology at $45,487, and Consumer Economics at $44,000. The detailed tables below provide comprehensive earnings data for all programs, allowing students to compare outcomes across fields of interest.
Virginia State University's highest-performing programs by national ranking include Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology at #23 nationally, Consumer Economics at #9 nationally, and Agricultural Teacher Education at #64 nationally. These programs demonstrate the institution's strengths in technical fields, specialized economics applications, and teacher preparation. Students can reference the detailed tables below to compare rankings, earnings, and debt levels across all available programs.
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, rank, debt, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Virginia State University.
Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology stands out as Virginia State University's highest-earning program, ranking #23 nationally and #1 in Virginia with median earnings of $64,437. This technical field offers excellent career prospects with graduates entering aerospace and defense industries.
The program produces 31 graduates annually, representing focused enrollment in a high-demand sector. Best suited for students prioritizing strong earnings potential in technical fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician. | #25 | $64,437★ |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation labor market outcomes rather than academic prestige or program reputation. Data comes from federal College Scorecard records tracking graduates' earnings and debt ten years after enrollment, with cohort size requirements ensuring reliable statistics. Rankings compare outcomes among all institutions nationally offering similar programs, providing objective measures of economic return. Virginia State University's programs demonstrate varied performance across fields, with technical programs generally outperforming liberal arts and social service fields in early career earnings. Students should consider these outcomes alongside career interests, graduate school plans, and personal financial circumstances when selecting academic programs.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
Value scores combine earnings, debt, and ranking performance to identify programs offering optimal return on educational investment. Psychology, General achieves the highest value score of 57.5, followed by Agricultural Teacher Education at 54.7, and Communication and Media Studies at 45.9. The tables below display value scores alongside other metrics for comprehensive program evaluation.
Engineering Technology demonstrates Good loan affordability with payments representing 8-12% of discretionary income, while Psychology and several other fields show Manageable affordability at 12-18% of discretionary income. Most programs fall in the Challenging category with payments consuming 18-25% of discretionary income, reflecting the moderate debt levels relative to earnings outcomes at Virginia State University.
| $23,971 |
| 31 |
| Audio Engineering Technology/Technician.Small sample | #30 | $31,781 | — | 11 |
Business programs show mixed outcomes, with Consumer Economics ranking #9 nationally and #1 in Virginia with median earnings of $44,000, while Business Administration ranks much lower at #334 nationally with $37,409 earnings. Accounting Technology graduates earn $45,487 but ranks #251 nationally, indicating competitive regional outcomes.
These programs serve students seeking practical business skills with varied career trajectories.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #254 | $45,487★ | — | 21 |
| Information Resources Management.Small sample | — | $42,682 | — | 9 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #339 | $37,409 | $18,439 | 41 |
| Brewery/Brewpub Operations/Management.Small sample | — | $31,062 | — | 6 |
Biology, General ranks #318 nationally and #10 in Virginia with median earnings of $40,623, reflecting the challenges faced by life science graduates in early career earnings. The program graduates 46 students annually with relatively high debt of $29,029.
This program is best suited for students planning graduate study in health sciences or research fields where advanced degrees drive career outcomes.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra and Number Theory.Small sample | — | $41,193★ | — | 7 |
| Biology, General. | #318 | $40,623 | $29,029 | 46 |
Psychology, General performs well at #148 nationally and #9 in Virginia with earnings of $42,978 and manageable debt of $16,037, graduating 61 students annually. Forensic Social Work ranks #138 nationally with earnings of $42,801, serving 28 graduates.
Both programs demonstrate Virginia State University's strength in preparing students for human services careers with reasonable debt burdens.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | #147 | $42,978★ | $16,037 | 61 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #130 | $42,801 | $20,720 | 28 |
Communication and Media Studies ranks #139 nationally and #5 in Virginia with earnings of $39,191 and moderate debt of $20,309. The program graduates 59 students annually, indicating strong student interest in media and communications careers.
Best suited for students seeking creative and communications roles with understanding of competitive entry-level job markets.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #132 | $39,191 | $20,309 | 59 |
General Studies ranks #146 nationally and #3 in Virginia with earnings of $46,267, though graduates carry higher debt of $39,474. This interdisciplinary program serves 23 graduates annually and provides flexibility for diverse career paths.
The program works well for students seeking broad liberal arts preparation with understanding that debt management requires careful career planning.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies. | #158 | $46,267★ | $39,474 | 23 |
| Digital Arts.Small sample | — | $21,964 | — | 6 |
Agricultural Teacher Education ranks #64 nationally and #4 in Virginia with median earnings of $38,159 and manageable debt of $16,639. The program graduates 51 students annually, reflecting strong regional demand for agricultural education.
This specialized teaching field offers stable career prospects for students committed to education careers in rural and agricultural communities.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Teacher Education. | #63 | $38,159 | $16,639 | 51 |
Corrections Administration ranks #166 nationally and #5 in Virginia with earnings of $39,377 and debt of $29,225, making it the largest program with 67 graduates annually. The program prepares students for careers in corrections, law enforcement, and criminal justice administration.
Suitable for students committed to public service careers in criminal justice with awareness of debt-to-earnings considerations.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #169 | $39,377 | $29,225 | 67 |
This category encompasses specialized programs that blend multiple disciplines or serve unique career niches. These programs typically offer focused preparation for specific industries or graduate study pathways.
Students should carefully evaluate program-specific outcomes and career alignment when considering interdisciplinary options.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Economics. | #8 | $44,000 | — | 24 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
