Move over, Hokies and Cavaliers – the Generals are bringing in the big bucks.
Alumni of Washington and Lee University have higher median starting salaries than graduates of any other college in Virginia, according to a recent survey. Yes, that includes Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia, which battled in previous years for the top spot.
PayScale, an organization that analyzes salary data, compiled the numbers.
Washington and Lee grads brought in a median income of $52,100 at the beginning of their careers, about $1,200 more than Hokies starting out in the real world and $1,900 more than graduates from UVA. The Generals squeezed into the 20 highest earning colleges in the country, tied with Santa Clara University for 19th place.
Tech came in at No. 76 on PayScale’s list, and UVA was No. 109. About 10 years into their careers, the average Hokie made $93,600 to the Cavaliers’ $89,400. That number for the Generals stands at $108,000, according to the survey.
Virginia Commonwealth University made the list at No. 681. VCU graduates had a median starting salary of $40,200 and a mid-career salary of $65,700.
New University of Richmond grads did a little better than VCU and rival William and Mary. Starting out, Spider alums made $47,800 to William and Mary’s $44,000. But William and Mary grads out-earned their UR counterparts later in their careers by almost $14,000.
Princeton graduates topped the list nationally, bringing in about $58,300 right out of college.
PayScale surveyed 1,058 of the 2,900 U.S. institutions that offer bachelor’s degrees and only considered workers with bachelor’s degrees.
Here’s a list of Virginia colleges mentioned in the survey:
Washington and Lee
Rank: 19
Starting: $52,100
Mid-career: $108,000
Virginia Military Institute
Rank: 49
Starting: $52,300
Mid-career: $99,800
The College of William and Mary
Rank: 63
Starting: $44,000
Mid-career: $97,100
Virginia Tech
Rank: 76
Starting: $50,900
Mid-career: $93,600
University of Virginia
Rank: 109
Starting: $50,200
Mid-career: $89,400
George Mason University
Rank: 134
Starting: $47,600
Mid-career: $87,100
University of Richmond
Rank: 199
Starting: $47,800
Mid-career: $83,400
James Madison University
Rank: 213
Starting: $44,900
Mid-career: $82,600
Randolph-Macon College
Rank: 239
Starting: $41,200
Mid-career: $81,600
Old Dominion University
Rank: 442
Starting: $41,800
Mid-career: $72,700
Hampton University
Rank: 491
Starting: $46,300
Mid-career: $73,100
Virginia Commonwealth University
Rank: 681
Starting: $40,200
Mid-career: $65,700
Liberty University
Rank: 943
Starting: $34,300
Mid-career: $56,700
Norfolk State University
Rank: 820
Starting: $39,700
Mid-career: $60,900
I find it interesting that the article talks about VPI.UVA and W&L but VMI is the second best and if we did not have so many as career military I imagine we would be ahead of W&L.But glad we do have so many defending our freedoms.
10-4 on the men & women in our armed forces fighting for our freedom. Rather than going into commerce right out of college.
From the PayScale site: “Bachelor’s Only: Only employees who possess a bachelor’s degree and no higher degrees are included. This means bachelor’s degree graduates who go on to earn a master’s degree, M.B.A., M.D., J.D., Ph.D., or other advanced degree are not included.”
Then this survey really doesn’t mean squat. Many of the UVA and W&M students move on beyond bachelor’s degrees compared to some of the other schools on the VA list.
I’m surprised you forgot to include Hampden-Sydney College in this list.
#77
Starting: $45,500
Mid-career: $93,400
I agree with Ralph’s comment, most of are guys are in the service, but no mention of us? (VMI)
…..maybe ‘cuz this is a UR publication? And I am surprised UR isn’t in the top-80…..
I find it interesting that you neglected to include VMI in your article. According to my math skills VMI was ranked second in the state both in starting salaries and mid-career salaries and 49th in the overall national survey. I’m sure it was just an oversight on your part.
You mean the way your wages were held down by your lengthy service Will? (ha!)
and, um, Curt, you think no one from W&L gets graduate degrees?
No, I think they all do, but would like to see the percentage of each listed. Then post the salary info. No real point to this, just think the survey is kinda half ass. I have a degree from one of these schools and these survey people have no idea what I made then or now.
Seems to me VMI shows the highest starting salary, unless in W&L math $52,100 is more than $52,300. So the article might more accurately say VMI was first in starting salary in Virginia. W&L looks second in starting salary and first in mid-career salary. In any case, if you’re looking for the bucks, go to school in Lexington.
Mid-career is what they’re looking at, hence the tie between W&L and Santa Clara, where average starting salary is $50,600.
Then perhaps the article should not lead with “Alumni of Washington and Lee University have higher median STARTING salaries than graduates of any other college in Virginia.” (emphasis added)
Glad to see that the Institute was heard from again. Although all of these rankings are somewhat suspect and have many flaws, we have said for years that VMI prepares its students well for success in later life and this is just one indication. As the saying goes, “VMI is one hell of a place to be at but a damn good place to be from”