Archaeology Degree in Alexandria, VA — Salary & ROI 2026
Archaeology degree analysis for Alexandria, VA. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$51K
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$56K
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
6.3 yrs
in Alexandria
Cost of Living
102
index (100 = avg)
Archaeology in Alexandria, VA Overview
Alexandria, Virginia (pop. 159,467) has 8 colleges offering Archaeology programs. The local cost of living index of 102 is near the national average, with average rent near campus at $930/month. Although national enrollment in Archaeology has been declining, graduates with skills in Excavation and Artifact Analysis remain competitive in the job market. The adjusted starting salary in Alexandria is approximately $51,000.
Category
Social Sciences
Local Colleges
8
Public Tuition
$14,726/yr
Private Tuition
$40,924/yr
Room & Board
$9,270/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$8,142/yr
Unemployment
4.5%
Graduation Rate
74%
Archaeology Salary in Alexandria (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Alexandria's cost of living index of 102 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Archaeology salary: $50,000 starting, $55,000 mid-career, $68,000 senior level.Alexandria adjustment factor: 1.02x based on the local cost of living index.
Archaeology ROI Calculator for Alexandria
Estimate your return on investment for a Archaeology degree using local Alexandria tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $14,726 | Private avg: $40,924
Alexandria avg aid: $8,142/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$95,984
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$15,300
vs HS diploma in Alexandria
ROI Payback Period
6.3 years
to break even
Lifetime Return in Alexandria
$87,616
Lifetime earnings premium ($183,600) minus total education cost ($95,984)
Student Loan Payoff for Archaeology in Alexandria
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Alexandria for Archaeology
Virginia Tech Northern Virginia
public
$14,726/yr
$58,904 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Northern Virginia Community College
$5,340/yr
Top Employers for Archaeology in Alexandria
Alexandria offers opportunities in Government agencies, Non-profits, Research institutes for Archaeology graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Alexandria Hiring Sectors for Social Sciences
Government agencies
Non-profits
Research institutes
Social services
Consulting
Common Archaeology Job Titles
Archaeology in Nearby Virginia Cities
Virginia Beach, VA
$44K starting · COL 88
13 colleges
Chesapeake, VA
$46K starting · COL 91
12 colleges
Arlington, VA
$71K starting · COL 142.5
9 colleges
Norfolk, VA
$47K starting · COL 93
16 colleges
Richmond, VA
$50K starting · COL 100
11 colleges
Newport News, VA
$46K starting · COL 92.5
7 colleges
Hampton, VA
$49K starting · COL 97
7 colleges
Roanoke, VA
$44K starting · COL 88.5
4 colleges
Other Social Sciences Majors in Alexandria
International Relations
$51K starting · 5 yr ROI
Political Science
$49K starting · 5.5 yr ROI
Urban Planning
$51K starting · 5 yr ROI
Geography
$51K starting · 5.5 yr ROI
Forensic Science
$51K starting · 4.8 yr ROI
Sustainability Studies
$51K starting · 5.8 yr ROI
Psychology
$45K starting · 6 yr ROI
Criminal Justice
$51K starting · 5 yr ROI
Methodology & Education Data Sources
How we calculate Archaeology degree outcomes in Alexandria, VA: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.
- Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Archaeology programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Virginia.
- Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Alexandria using regional CPI data.
- 10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
- Job market outlook for Archaeology graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
- Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Archaeology career projections
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Archaeology grads
Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release
Financial Aid Resources for Alexandria Students
Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Virginia students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:
Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):
State-specific grants stack with federal aid:
- • USA.gov — Virginia programs
- • NASFAA — State Aid Programs
- • Search "virginia higher education commission grants"
Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:
- • College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
- • NCES College Navigator
- • IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center
Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:
2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.
Archaeology Degree in Alexandria — FAQ
Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.
Explore More
Compare Archaeology ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Alexandria.