What is the starting salary for Materials Science & Engineering graduates in Richmond?

The estimated starting salary for Materials Science & Engineering graduates in Richmond, VA is $50,000 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 100. The national average starting salary for this major is $50,000. Salaries in Richmond are 0% lower than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Materials Science & Engineering degree worth it in Richmond?

A Materials Science & Engineering degree in Richmond has an estimated ROI payback period of 6.8 years, with a projected lifetime return of $797,568 after subtracting education costs. With 11 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $14,676/year, Richmond offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 5.7% and the major's national unemployment rate of 2.5% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Materials Science & Engineering in Richmond?

The average annual public university tuition in Richmond is $14,676, while private universities average $58,570/year. Including room and board ($10,932/year), total 4-year costs range from $102,432 at a public school to $278,008 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Richmond is $9,068/year.

What jobs can Materials Science & Engineering graduates get in Richmond?

Materials Science & Engineering graduates in Richmond can pursue careers as Materials Engineer, R&D Engineer, Metallurgist. Key skills valued by local employers include Metallurgy, Polymer Science, Nanomaterials, Characterization Techniques. The Richmond job market features Engineering firms, Manufacturing, Defense contractors among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include Intel, Apple, 3M.

How long to pay off student loans for Materials Science & Engineering in Richmond?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Materials Science & Engineering graduates in Richmond would pay $1,163/month on an estimated $102,432 in loans, with $37,139 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $2,004/month but save $19,319 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $50,000, monthly payments would represent 28% of gross monthly income.

Materials Science & Engineering Degree in Richmond, VA — Salary & ROI 2026

Materials Science & Engineering degree analysis for Richmond, VA. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$50K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$108K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

6.8 yrs

in Richmond

Cost of Living

100

index (100 = avg)

Materials Science & Engineering in Richmond, VA Overview

Richmond, Virginia (pop. 226,610) has 11 colleges offering Materials Science & Engineering programs. The local cost of living index of 100 is near the national average, with average rent near campus at $737/month. Materials Science & Engineering enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Metallurgy and Polymer Science. The adjusted starting salary in Richmond is approximately $50,000, growing to $108,000 by mid-career.

Materials Science & Engineering Salary in Richmond (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Richmond's cost of living index of 100 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$50,000(+$0 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$108,000(+$0 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$135,000(+$0 vs national)

Note: National average Materials Science & Engineering salary: $50,000 starting, $108,000 mid-career, $135,000 senior level.Richmond adjustment factor: 1.00x based on the local cost of living index.

Materials Science & Engineering ROI Calculator for Richmond

Estimate your return on investment for a Materials Science & Engineering degree using local Richmond tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $14,676 | Private avg: $58,570

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Richmond avg aid: $9,068/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$102,432

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$15,000

vs HS diploma in Richmond

ROI Payback Period

6.8 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Richmond

$797,568

Lifetime earnings premium ($900,000) minus total education cost ($102,432)

Student Loan Payoff for Materials Science & Engineering in Richmond

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$102,432

Monthly Payment$1,163

Total Interest$37,139

% of Monthly Income28%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$102,432

Monthly Payment$2,004

Total Interest$17,820

Interest Savings$19,319

Colleges in Richmond for Materials Science & Engineering

Virginia Commonwealth University

public

$14,676/yr

$58,704 total

University of Richmond

private

$58,570/yr

$234,280 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Reynolds Community College

$5,340/yr

Top Employers for Materials Science & Engineering in Richmond

Richmond offers opportunities in Engineering firms, Manufacturing, Defense contractors for Materials Science & Engineering graduates. National top employers in this field include:

IntelApple3MCorningBoeing

Key Richmond Hiring Sectors for Engineering

Engineering firms

Manufacturing

Defense contractors

Energy companies

Construction firms

Common Materials Science & Engineering Job Titles

Materials EngineerR&D EngineerMetallurgist

Materials Science & Engineering 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

Newport News, VA

$46K starting · COL 92.5

7 colleges

Alexandria, VA

$51K starting · COL 102

8 colleges

Hampton, VA

$49K starting · COL 97

7 colleges

Roanoke, VA

$44K starting · COL 88.5

4 colleges

Other Engineering Majors in Richmond

Petroleum Engineering

$50K starting · 2.5 yr ROI

Computer Engineering

$50K starting · 3 yr ROI

Chemical Engineering

$82K starting · 3.2 yr ROI

Nuclear Engineering

$50K starting · 3.3 yr ROI

Electrical Engineering

$80K starting · 3.3 yr ROI

Aerospace Engineering

$80K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Mechanical Engineering

$78K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Mining Engineering

$50K starting · 3 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Materials Science & Engineering degree outcomes in Richmond, 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 Materials Science & Engineering 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 Richmond 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 Materials Science & Engineering 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 — Materials Science & Engineering 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 Materials Science & Engineering 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 Richmond 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:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (Virginia)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Virginia programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "virginia higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

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.

Materials Science & Engineering Degree in Richmond — 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 Materials Science & Engineering ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Richmond.

Materials Science & Engineering Overview Colleges in Richmond All Majors