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

The estimated starting salary for Materials Science & Engineering graduates in Virginia Beach, VA is $44,000 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 88. The national average starting salary for this major is $50,000. Salaries in Virginia Beach are 12% lower than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Materials Science & Engineering degree worth it in Virginia Beach?

A Materials Science & Engineering degree in Virginia Beach has an estimated ROI payback period of 6.3 years, with a projected lifetime return of $709,220 after subtracting education costs. With 13 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $11,210/year, Virginia Beach offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 3.2% 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 Virginia Beach?

The average annual public university tuition in Virginia Beach is $11,210, while private universities average $28,926/year. Including room and board ($9,485/year), total 4-year costs range from $82,780 at a public school to $153,644 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Virginia Beach is $12,610/year.

What jobs can Materials Science & Engineering graduates get in Virginia Beach?

Materials Science & Engineering graduates in Virginia Beach can pursue careers as Materials Engineer, R&D Engineer, Metallurgist. Key skills valued by local employers include Metallurgy, Polymer Science, Nanomaterials, Characterization Techniques. The Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Materials Science & Engineering graduates in Virginia Beach would pay $940/month on an estimated $82,780 in loans, with $30,014 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,620/month but save $15,613 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $44,000, monthly payments would represent 26% of gross monthly income.

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

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

Starting Salary

$44K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$95K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

6.3 yrs

in Virginia Beach

Cost of Living

index (100 = avg)

Materials Science & Engineering in Virginia Beach, VA Overview

Virginia Beach, Virginia (pop. 459,470) has 13 colleges offering Materials Science & Engineering programs. The local cost of living index of 88 keeps student expenses low, with average rent near campus at $975/month. Materials Science & Engineering enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Metallurgy and Polymer Science. The adjusted starting salary in Virginia Beach is approximately $44,000, growing to $95,040 by mid-career.

Materials Science & Engineering Salary in Virginia Beach (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Virginia Beach's cost of living index of 88 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$44,000($-6,000 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$95,040($-12,960 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$118,800($-16,200 vs national)

Note: National average Materials Science & Engineering salary: $50,000 starting, $108,000 mid-career, $135,000 senior level.Virginia Beach adjustment factor: 0.88x based on the local cost of living index.

Materials Science & Engineering ROI Calculator for Virginia Beach

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

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $11,210 | Private avg: $28,926

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Virginia Beach avg aid: $12,610/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

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

Total Education Cost

$82,780

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$13,200

vs HS diploma in Virginia Beach

ROI Payback Period

6.3 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Virginia Beach

$709,220

Lifetime earnings premium ($792,000) minus total education cost ($82,780)

Student Loan Payoff for Materials Science & Engineering in Virginia Beach

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$82,780

Monthly Payment$940

Total Interest$30,014

% of Monthly Income26%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$82,780

Monthly Payment$1,620

Total Interest$14,401

Interest Savings$15,613

Colleges in Virginia Beach for Materials Science & Engineering

Regent University

private

$19,100/yr

$76,400 total

Virginia Wesleyan University

private

$38,752/yr

$155,008 total

Old Dominion University

public

$11,210/yr

$44,840 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Tidewater Community College

$5,340/yr

Top Employers for Materials Science & Engineering in Virginia Beach

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

IntelApple3MCorningBoeing

Key Virginia Beach 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

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

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 Virginia Beach

Petroleum Engineering

$44K starting · 2.5 yr ROI

Computer Engineering

$44K starting · 3 yr ROI

Chemical Engineering

$72K starting · 3.2 yr ROI

Nuclear Engineering

$44K starting · 3.3 yr ROI

Electrical Engineering

$70K starting · 3.3 yr ROI

Aerospace Engineering

$70K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Mechanical Engineering

$69K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Mining Engineering

$44K starting · 3 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Materials Science & Engineering degree outcomes in Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach — 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 Virginia Beach.

Materials Science & Engineering Overview Colleges in Virginia Beach All Majors