University of the Virgin Islands
University of the Virgin Islands is a public university in Charlotte Amalie, VI ranked #783 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 1,431 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 97.4%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, 76.4% first-year retention, and 28.6% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $7,563, about $9,435 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at 7.0%, roughly 78.3 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $32,360. That's about $11,328 below national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is University of the Virgin Islands Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of the Virgin Islands graduates 28.6% of students within six years and keeps 76.4% of first-year students. Affordability earns an A compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of the Virgin Islands's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $5,612 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,750 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $10,650 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,140 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $16,582 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 46.2% of University of the Virgin Islands students receive Pell Grants — above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $6,828 to $10,895 depending on family income. Use University of the Virgin Islands's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $10,729/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $10,895/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $32,360
- 10-Year Median Earnings $32,360
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $9,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 39.8%
- Employment Rate 84.5%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of the Virgin Islands graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
University of the Virgin Islands vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of the Virgin Islands's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of the Virgin Islands's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While University of the Virgin Islands graduates earn $32,360 median, the 7.0% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 420-530
- SAT Math 380-490
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 14-20
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,431
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 76.4%
- Graduation Rate 28.6%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 10:1
How to Get Into University of the Virgin Islands
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of the Virgin Islands requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 97.4%, University of the Virgin Islands is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 97.4% acceptance rate, University of the Virgin Islands is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 800 and 1020 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of the Virgin Islands undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Business Administration, Management and Operations, and Biology, General draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 16.8%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 14.1%
- Biology, General 9.5%
- Accounting and Related Services 9.1%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 8.6%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 7.7%
See more majors
- Psychology, General 7.3%
- Computer Science 5.0%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $81,101
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations $44,412
- 3. Criminal Justice and Corrections $36,846
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $81,101—120% more than Criminal Justice and Corrections ($36,846). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of the Virgin Islands. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 37 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 21 graduates)
- Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degree, 20 graduates)
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree, 19 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 17 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (22 programs)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Biology, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Psychology, General
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Applied Mathematics
- Social Work
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Communication and Media Studies
- Marketing
- English Language and Literature, General
- Music
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Social Sciences, General
- Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians
Online Master's Degrees (8 programs)▼
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Psychology, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Mathematics
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (1 program)▼
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (3 programs)▼
- Data Science
- Computer Science
- Agricultural Business and Management
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,431
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 31.4%
- Female Students 68.6%
- Caucasian 5.4%
- Asian 0.6%
- Hispanic 15.2%
- Black 68.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients 46.2%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of the Virgin Islands's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of the Virgin Islands's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of the Virgin Islands support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of the Virgin Islands, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: University of the Virgin Islands has a diverse student body, with 5.4% identifying as White. Women make up 68.6% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of the Virgin Islands support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of the Virgin Islands, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of the Virgin Islands serves as a highly accessible university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #783 nationally with a 7.0% ROI, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $7,563 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $32,360 median earnings. The 28.6% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 76.4% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: University of the Virgin Islands's Strengths
Ranked #783 with a B grade, University of the Virgin Islands prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like University of the Virgin Islands excel at providing affordable education ($7,563 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: University of the Virgin Islands's 76.4% retention and 28.6% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($32,360 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, University of the Virgin Islands's 7.0% ROI and $7,563 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 28.6% six-year graduation rate sits 33.9 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 76.4% first-year retention is 0.4 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 7.0% return on investment is 78.3 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $32,360 run about 26% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $7,563 is roughly $12,346 lower than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 10:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 76.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 84.5% employment rate within three years sits 16.3 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates University of the Virgin Islands—a public university in Charlotte Amalie, VI—at B overall. It holds a #783 national ranking Completion earns C+, Support B+, Career Outcomes C+, and Affordability A.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
76.4% of learners come back after year one while 28.6% complete the degree within six years. The reported ROI is 7.0%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $7,563 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $16,582.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $9,019 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $9,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 46.2% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $32,360 six years after entry. Compared with the national median, that's 26% lower.
Roughly 84.5% of graduates are employed three years out.
Plan around an ROI of about 7.0% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
97.4% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of the Virgin Islands admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Charlotte Amalie, VI 00802-9990
- Website www.uvi.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$53.4M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate16.4%