Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University — Blacksburg, VA

Natural Resources Conservation and Research

at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University · Blacksburg, VA

Strong Value

Solid pick

The Bottom Line

↑Grads earn about $40,493/yr starting out — that's 35% more than skipping college
⏱Takes about 10.3 years to earn back what you spent
$Students on financial aid pay about $24,953/yr after grants & scholarships (varies by family income) — $107,647 total with loan interest

Listed Price

$36,951/yr

Starting Salary

$40,493

Finish Rate

86.2%

Household Income

$36,951/yr

Full sticker price — tuition, housing, and fees before any aid

Students on financial aid pay $24,953/yr after grants & scholarships (saves $11,998/yr)

4 Years Total

$147,804

Typical Debt

$21,500

Interest You'd Owe

+$7,835

What You'd Really Pay

$107,647

That's about $244/month for 10 years after you graduate

You'd earn (with degree)$404,930

Without college$300,000

Total cost of degree$107,647

Pays for Itself In

10.3 yrs

Salary Boost

+35%

Ahead After 10 Years

$297,283

How We Scored This

Salary vs. Cost29.9/40

Do you earn enough to justify the price?

Payoff Speed13.5/25

How fast do you earn back what you spent?

Salary Boost4.7/20

How much more than skipping college?

Graduation Rate12.9/15

Will you actually finish?

Data from the U.S. Department of Education. Salaries are what recent grads typically earn — yours could be higher or lower.

Costs can change. These numbers don't adjust for where you live, and only cover students who used federal financial aid. Not financial advice.