Est. Earnings (1yr)
$41,398
Est. from VA median (11 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,000
Est. from VA median (6 programs)

Analysis

Comparable liberal arts programs in Virginia suggest first-year earnings around $41,400—close to the state median and slightly above the national benchmark of $36,340. That's enough to manage the estimated $26,000 in debt, which translates to a 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio. For context, that ratio sits comfortably in workable territory, where monthly payments shouldn't consume an unreasonable share of entry-level income.

The challenge is that this estimate represents what's typical across Virginia's liberal arts programs, not what Virginia University of Lynchburg specifically delivers. The school serves a predominantly Pell-eligible population (79%), and outcomes can vary significantly based on career services, alumni networks, and regional employer relationships. The top programs in the state—James Madison, Bridgewater, Longwood—produce graduates earning $46,000 to $49,000 in their first year, demonstrating that institution matters in liberal arts where the career path isn't as defined as in technical fields.

Without actual outcome data for this specific program, you're making a decision with limited visibility. The estimated figures suggest a manageable financial picture if outcomes align with state peers, but given the $5,000 to $8,000 gap between these estimates and Virginia's strongest programs, ask the school directly about job placement rates, typical employers, and where recent graduates actually land.

Where Virginia University of Lynchburg Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (31 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Virginia University of LynchburgLynchburg$9,248$41,398*—$26,000*—
James Madison UniversityHarrisonburg$13,576$49,408*$46,503$23,250*0.47
Bridgewater CollegeBridgewater$41,350$46,820*$43,891$26,000*0.56
Longwood UniversityFarmville$15,200$46,714*$45,651$25,375*0.54
Eastern Mennonite UniversityHarrisonburg$41,860$46,585*$43,490$27,000*0.58
Liberty UniversityLynchburg$21,222$42,669*$39,447$25,291*0.59
National Median—$36,340*—$27,000*0.74
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities graduates

Postsecondary Teachers, All Other

All postsecondary teachers not listed separately.

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 University of Lynchburg, approximately 79% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 11 similar programs in VA. Actual outcomes may vary.