University of Virginia-Main Campus — Charlottesville, VA

Mechanical Engineering

at University of Virginia-Main Campus · Charlottesville, VA

Exceptional Value

Go for it

The Bottom Line

↑Grads earn about $66,820/yr starting out — that's 123% more than skipping college
⏱Takes about 2.1 years to earn back what you spent
$Students on financial aid pay about $18,056/yr after grants & scholarships (varies by family income) — $77,690 total with loan interest

Listed Price

$41,803/yr

Starting Salary

$66,820

Finish Rate

94.4%

$41,803/yr

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

Students on financial aid pay $18,056/yr after grants & scholarships (saves $23,747/yr)

4 Years Total

$167,212

Typical Debt

$15,000

Interest You'd Owe

+$5,466

What You'd Really Pay

$77,690

That's about $171/month for 10 years after you graduate

You'd earn (with degree)$668,200

Without college$300,000

Total cost of degree$77,690

Pays for Itself In

2.1 yrs

Salary Boost

+123%

Ahead After 10 Years

$590,510

How We Scored This

Salary vs. Cost40/40

Do you earn enough to justify the price?

Payoff Speed24.8/25

How fast do you earn back what you spent?

Salary Boost16.4/20

How much more than skipping college?

Graduation Rate14.2/15

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.