Real Estate at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Virginia Tech's real estate program commands a clear premium among Virginia schools, with first-year earnings of $68,078 compared to the state median of $57,880—though the $27,000 in debt sits at that exact state median. The real story here is national standing: these graduates earn more than 86% of real estate bachelor's recipients nationwide, suggesting strong employer recognition that extends well beyond Virginia's borders. The 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates typically owe less than five months of their first-year salary, making this debt load manageable even in a cyclical industry like real estate.
What's worth noting is the competitive context within Virginia. Only two schools offer this bachelor's program in the state, and Virginia Tech significantly outpaces VCU (where graduates earn $47,681). However, at the 60th percentile statewide, there's clearly one stronger performer above it—likely explaining why this feels like solid value rather than exceptional value. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) provides reasonable confidence in these figures without the volatility of tiny cohorts.
For families weighing this investment, the combination of manageable debt and strong early earnings in the 86th percentile nationally makes this a defensible choice, particularly if your child has clear real estate career intentions. The premium over VCU's outcomes suggests Virginia Tech's stronger alumni network and recruiting relationships translate to measurably better job placements in a competitive field.
Where Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all real estate bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University graduates earn $68k, placing them in the 86th percentile of all real estate bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Real Estate bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (2 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | $68,078 | — | $27,000 | 0.40 |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | $47,681 | $61,641 | — | — |
| National Median | $54,665 | — | $21,126 | 0.39 |
Other Real Estate Programs in Virginia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Virginia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond | $16,458 | $47,681 | — |
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 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State 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.
Sample Size: Based on 61 graduates with reported earnings and 52 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.