VA SB511

Directs the Virginia Department of Education to prepare a return on investment report analyzing career and technical education programs, associate degree programs, and baccalaureate degree programs at public institutions of higher education

Requires the report to include detailed metrics for each program category: enrollment numbers, degrees/certificates awarded, average completion time, average cost including tuition and fees, average student loan debt, graduate employment rates, and earnings at 1, 5, and 10 years post-graduation

Mandates tracking of federal, state, and local funding allocated to each program, along with an evaluation of the average value of credentials relative to program costs and time to recoup Commonwealth investment

Requires consultation with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, career and technical education directors, the Virginia Community College System, and industry partners

Report must be submitted to the chairs of the Senate Education and Health, Senate Finance and Appropriations, House Education, and House Appropriations committees by November 1, 2026