Best Master's Degree Programs at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University by ROI
Every Master's Degree major at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University ranked by estimated 20-year net return on investment. Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Programs Analyzed
14
Majors with salary data
Average 20-Yr Net ROI
+$602,835
Across all programs
Average Annual Cost
$32,040
Cost of attendance
| # | Major | 20-Yr Net ROI | Median Salary | Annual Cost | Avg Debt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Grad rate: 86.3% |
+$1,604,460 | $125,427 | $32,040 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 2 |
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other.
Grad rate: 86.3% |
+$1,234,540 | $106,931 | $32,040 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 3 |
Public Administration.
Grad rate: 86.3% |
+$849,080 | $87,658 | $32,040 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 4 |
Mechanical Engineering.
Grad rate: 86.3% |
+$770,160 | $83,712 | $32,040 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 5 |
Civil Engineering.
Grad rate: 86.3% |
+$647,820 | $77,595 | $32,040 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 6 |
Accounting and Related Services.
Grad rate: 86.3% |
+$587,800 | $74,594 | $32,040 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 7 |
Natural Resources Management and Policy.
Grad rate: 86.3% |
+$574,440 | $73,926 | $32,040 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 8 |
City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning.
Grad rate: 86.3% |
+$547,200 | $72,564 | $32,040 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 9 |
Architecture.
Grad rate: 86.3% |
+$483,960 | $69,402 | $32,040 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 10 |
Medicine.
Grad rate: 86.3% |
+$347,620 | $62,585 | $32,040 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 11 |
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.
Grad rate: 86.3% |
+$302,200 | $60,314 | $32,040 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 12 |
Educational Administration and Supervision.
Grad rate: 86.3% |
+$227,800 | $56,594 | $32,040 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 13 |
Public Health.
Grad rate: 86.3% |
+$226,800 | $56,544 | $32,040 | $0 | Full ROI → |
| 14 |
Curriculum and Instruction.
Grad rate: 86.3% |
+$35,820 | $46,995 | $32,040 | $0 | Full ROI → |
How ROI is calculated
20-Year Net ROI = Gross Earnings (salary × 20) − Total Degree Cost − Debt Payoff (×1.35) − Baseline Opportunity Cost ($42,000 × 20). Data from the U.S. College Scorecard.