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Best Value History Colleges in West Virginia

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

American Public University System stands apart among West Virginia history programs, delivering the state's highest graduate earnings at $43,798 while maintaining a net cost of just $9,104. This online institution serves many working adults in the military and public sectors, aligning well with West Virginia's significant federal employment presence through agencies like the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services Division in Clarksburg. Public universities dominate the value market, with Marshall University offering the lowest net cost at $8,327, though earnings vary considerably from $18,401 to $26,063 across state institutions. The 13 programs span from $8,327 to $22,012 in net costs, creating accessible pathways into fields like museum studies, archives management, and cultural preservation that support the state's tourism and heritage industries.
13
Programs
$8,327 – $22,012
Net Price Range
$25,148
Avg. Program Earnings
44.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

13 History Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $9,104 $43,798 $8,400 53.2%
2 $8,327 $21,052 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
3 $9,983 $24,615 $9,700 42.3% 91.4%
4 $9,055 $20,140 $8,454 48.3% 98.5%
5 $12,997 $26,063 $9,648 61.2% 88.4%
6 $10,191 $18,401 $9,049 33.5% 96.2%
7 $12,391 $21,964 $8,642 49.5% 95.9%
8 $15,306 $34,816 46.3% 64.9%
9 $22,012 $32,842 46.3% 67.7%
10 $19,428 $31,270 36.6% 75.3%
11 $16,358 $9,412 35.5%
12 $18,148 $33,494 49.5% 96.4%
13 $19,040 $29,475 32.0% 72.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes American Public University System's history program such a strong value?

APUS combines affordability with strong earning potential, producing graduates who earn $43,798 annually while paying just $9,104 in net costs. The online format attracts many military personnel and working professionals, contributing to higher post-graduation salaries compared to traditional campus programs.

How do West Virginia's public universities compare for history value?

Marshall University offers the lowest net cost at $8,327 but graduates earn $21,052, while West Virginia University costs $12,997 with earnings of $26,063. Fairmont State provides middle ground at $9,055 net cost with $20,140 in earnings, making these three the top public options.

Is the graduation rate gap significant between schools?

Yes, graduation rates span from 32% at Wheeling University to 61.2% at West Virginia University. The difference represents nearly double the completion likelihood, with most public institutions clustering between 42% and 49% graduation rates.

Does attending private colleges in West Virginia improve history career outcomes?

Private colleges cost significantly more, with net prices ranging from $15,306 to $22,012 versus $8,327 to $16,358 for public schools. However, earnings data shows mixed results, suggesting public institutions often provide better value propositions for history majors.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.