Marymount University has been recognized as one of the top private institutions in Virginia for return on investment (ROI), according to a new report released by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce.
The report, published last month, evaluates 4,600 institutions based on variables from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard. These include students’ median earnings from six, eight and 10 years after enrolling at an institution, the institution’s average net price and the predominant degree type awarded.
Among private nonprofit institutions in Virginia that primarily grant bachelor’s degrees, Marymount ranks third in 10-year ROI at $193,000. The University also ranks fourth in ROI at the 15-year ($521,000), 20-year ($850,000), 30-year ($1,507,000) and 40-year ($2,164,000) intervals.
“This recognition demonstrates the tremendous value of a Marymount degree and its lasting impact on our graduates’ careers and financial futures,” said Dr. Irma Becerra, President of Marymount University. “Our students invest in an education that equips them with critical knowledge and skills for long-term success in an ever-evolving job market. For prospective students and families considering their higher education options, return on investment is an essential factor—and we are proud to see Marymount ranked among the top institutions that are delivering strong returns.”
Marymount’s three colleges offer various academic programs that provide students with career-ready skills across disciplines. These include the College of BILT, which offers programs in business, design, art and technology; the College of Health and Education, which offers counseling, education, health sciences and nursing programs; and the College of Sciences and Humanities, which includes humanities, the sciences, engineering and social and behavioral sciences.
Research from Georgetown’s Center on Education and the Workforce indicates several key factors influencing an institution’s ROI. Graduation rates are the strongest indicator of ROI at bachelor’s degree-granting institutions, particularly for private, nonprofit universities. Additionally, institutions offering a higher percentage of STEM-related degrees tend to see moderately higher ROI outcomes.
Other factors, such as the percentage of students receiving federal aid and institutional acceptance rates, have a more nuanced impact. Still, they remain part of the overall equation in determining long-term financial benefits for graduates.
“ROI can be an important factor in deciding what institution to attend. Students will also want to think about whether an institution offers the program of study that they want, for example, as well as the institution’s cost, location, instructional delivery method and whether they are likely to be admitted,” said the report’s authors. “Because many institutions share general characteristics and offer similar programs, ROI can make the difference when a prospective student considers all other factors to be roughly equal.”
The full 2025 ROI report is available on Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce website.
