Software Engineering Degree in Richmond, VA — Salary & ROI 2026
Software Engineering degree analysis for Richmond, VA. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$88K
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$128K
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
1.9 yrs
in Richmond
Cost of Living
100
index (100 = avg)
Software Engineering in Richmond, VA Overview
Richmond, Virginia (pop. 226,610) has 11 colleges offering Software Engineering programs. The local cost of living index of 100 is near the national average, with average rent near campus at $737/month. Software Engineering has seen growing enrollment nationally, reflecting rising employer demand for Software Design and Testing skills. The adjusted starting salary in Richmond is approximately $88,000.
Category
STEM
Local Colleges
11
Public Tuition
$14,676/yr
Private Tuition
$58,570/yr
Room & Board
$10,932/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$9,068/yr
Unemployment
5.7%
Graduation Rate
65%
Software Engineering Salary in Richmond (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Richmond's cost of living index of 100 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Software Engineering salary: $88,000 starting, $128,000 mid-career, $160,000 senior level.Richmond adjustment factor: 1.00x based on the local cost of living index.
Software Engineering ROI Calculator for Richmond
Estimate your return on investment for a Software Engineering degree using local Richmond tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $14,676 | Private avg: $58,570
Richmond avg aid: $9,068/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$102,432
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$53,000
vs HS diploma in Richmond
ROI Payback Period
1.9 years
to break even
Lifetime Return in Richmond
$1,077,568
Lifetime earnings premium ($1,180,000) minus total education cost ($102,432)
Student Loan Payoff for Software Engineering in Richmond
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Richmond for Software 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 Software Engineering in Richmond
Richmond offers opportunities in Tech companies, Research labs, Government agencies for Software Engineering graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Richmond Hiring Sectors for STEM
Tech companies
Research labs
Government agencies
Startups
Consulting firms
Common Software Engineering Job Titles
Software Engineering in Nearby Virginia Cities
Virginia Beach, VA
$77K starting · COL 88
13 colleges
Chesapeake, VA
$80K starting · COL 91
12 colleges
Arlington, VA
$125K starting · COL 142.5
9 colleges
Norfolk, VA
$82K starting · COL 93
16 colleges
Newport News, VA
$81K starting · COL 92.5
7 colleges
Alexandria, VA
$90K starting · COL 102
8 colleges
Hampton, VA
$85K starting · COL 97
7 colleges
Roanoke, VA
$78K starting · COL 88.5
4 colleges
Other STEM Majors in Richmond
Prompt Engineering
$50K starting · 1.5 yr ROI
Computational Linguistics
$95K starting · 2 yr ROI
Computer Science
$85K starting · 2.8 yr ROI
Data Science
$82K starting · 3 yr ROI
Astrophysics
$85K starting · 3 yr ROI
Actuarial Science
$50K starting · 3 yr ROI
Cybersecurity
$80K starting · 3 yr ROI
Robotics Engineering
$50K starting · 3 yr ROI
Methodology & Education Data Sources
How we calculate Software 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 Software 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 Software 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 — Software 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 Software 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:
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.
Software 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 Software Engineering ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Richmond.