Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia

Linguistic, Comparative, bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (13 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Christopher Newport University$48,679
James Madison University$45,122$52,582$18,3980.41
Virginia Military Institute$43,923
George Mason University$40,105$46,560$21,8500.54
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University$37,389$51,652$22,5000.60
Virginia Commonwealth University$30,635$41,671$26,0000.85
National Median$27,449$20,7180.75

Other Linguistic, Comparative, Programs in Virginia

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Virginia schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
James Madison University
Harrisonburg
$13,576$45,122$18,398
Virginia Military Institute
Lexington
$20,484$43,923
George Mason University
Fairfax
$13,815$40,105$21,850
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg
$15,478$37,389$22,500
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond
$16,458$30,635$26,000

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Christopher Newport University, approximately 15% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.