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West Virginia University at Parkersburg delivers the state's most affordable nursing education at just $3,613 net cost, while Fairmont State University graduates earn the highest salaries at $63,855 annually. This creates a compelling value market where public institutions dominate the lower cost tiers, with most programs keeping net costs under $13,000. The earnings gap spans nearly $16,000 between top and bottom programs, reflecting the varied healthcare employment opportunities across West Virginia's rural hospitals, mining company medical facilities, and urban medical centers. Public universities like Marshall and West Virginia University leverage the state's PROMISE Scholarship program, making quality nursing education accessible to high-achieving students. With West Virginia facing critical nursing shortages in both rural and industrial settings, these programs prepare graduates for immediate employment in hospital systems, long-term care facilities, and occupational health roles serving the energy sector.
16
Programs
$3,613 – $22,012
Net Price Range
$58,426
Avg. Program Earnings
42.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

16 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,403 $61,454 $5,040 26.0%
2 $9,055 $63,855 $8,454 48.3% 98.5%
3 $9,104 $63,005 $8,400 53.2%
4 $8,327 $57,318 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
5 $9,957 $61,454 $8,064 36.1% 64.6%
6 $12,391 $61,020 $8,642 49.5% 95.9%
7 $12,997 $61,454 $9,648 61.2% 88.4%
8 $12,529 $48,041 $10,240 34.6% 97.2%
9 $19,040 $59,999 $29,475 32.0% 72.7%
10 $16,295 $50,439 $8,732 60.6% 74.1%
11 $18,148 $55,512 $33,494 49.5% 96.4%
12 $22,012 $57,564 $32,842 46.3% 67.7%
13 $19,428 $31,270 36.6% 75.3%
14 $3,613 $4,420 30.6%
15 $14,469 $10,750 27.3%
16 $10,191 $9,049 33.5% 96.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What nursing program offers the best earnings potential for the investment?

Fairmont State University delivers strong value with graduates earning $63,855 annually at a net cost of just $9,055. American Public University System follows closely with $63,005 earnings and $9,104 net cost. Both programs significantly outperform their modest tuition levels, with Fairmont State accepting 98.49% of applicants while maintaining strong salary outcomes.

How much do nursing graduates typically earn compared to program costs?

Nursing graduates earn between $48,041 and $63,855 annually, with most earning above $55,000. The return on investment varies dramatically, as West Virginia University at Parkersburg costs only $3,613 while programs like University of Charleston cost $22,012. Even at higher-cost private institutions, graduates typically earn 2.5 to 17 times their annual program cost.

Does the PROMISE Scholarship significantly impact nursing program affordability?

The PROMISE Scholarship covers full tuition for qualifying West Virginia residents, making public programs extremely affordable. With in-state tuition ranging from $4,420 to $10,240 at public institutions, eligible students can complete nursing degrees with minimal debt. This particularly benefits programs like Potomac State College and Marshall University, where the scholarship covers most educational costs.

Where do West Virginia nursing programs show the strongest graduation rates?

West Virginia University leads with a 61.2% graduation rate, followed by West Liberty University at 60.6%. Fairmont State University maintains 48.3% completion rates while producing the highest-earning graduates. Private institutions like West Virginia Wesleyan College achieve 49.5% graduation rates but at significantly higher costs than comparable public programs.

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