Business/Commerce at DeVry University-Virginia

DeVry University-Virginia's business program commands attention for its first-year earnings of $57,020—outperforming 94% of business programs nationally and sitting comfortably above Virginia's median of $51,669. That's a significant achievement for an open-admission institution serving a substantial population of Pell Grant recipients. The challenge? Graduates carry nearly double the typical debt load at $47,236 compared to Virginia's $27,000 median, placing this program in the bottom 5th percentile nationally for affordability.

The earnings trajectory tells an unusual story: rather than growing over time, median pay remains essentially flat between year one and year four. While that initial $57,020 provides enough cushion to manage the debt burden (0.83 ratio is reasonable), the lack of earnings growth suggests limited advancement opportunities or that graduates may be hitting their ceiling early in careers that typically reward experience.

For families weighing this investment, the calculus is straightforward: you're paying premium private-school debt for strong entry-level outcomes that plateau quickly. If your child needs the flexible scheduling and support services that for-profit institutions provide, and can secure employment immediately after graduation in Arlington's robust business sector, the numbers work. But compare carefully against Virginia Commonwealth University, which delivers similar first-year earnings at roughly half the debt cost. The premium you're paying here is primarily for accessibility and convenience, not dramatically superior career outcomes.