At $19,428/yr net price, Davis & Elkins College graduates earn $43,411/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,411/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,428 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $77,712 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,411/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,411/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,780/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,228/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,783/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,902/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,729/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $50,022 | $20,000 |
The Risk Factor
36.6% of students at Davis & Elkins College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Davis & Elkins College presents a concerning financial picture with weak returns that reflect significant institutional struggles. Your median earnings of $43,411 ten years after graduation barely exceed what many high school graduates earn, while you'll pay nearly $20,000 annually after aid.
The nursing program offers the clearest path to financial success, with graduates earning $50,022 annually and carrying just $20,000 in debt. This represents reasonable value in West Virginia's healthcare job market. However, with only 37% of students graduating, your odds of completing any program here are poor.
The low retention rate of 58% signals serious problems with student support, academic preparation, or financial sustainability. You face substantial risk of dropping out without a degree while still carrying debt. The median debt of $27,000 becomes particularly problematic when paired with below-average earnings and high dropout rates.
This school makes financial sense only if you're pursuing nursing and confident you can handle the institutional challenges that cause most students to leave. The rural West Virginia location limits internship and job opportunities compared to urban areas, though nursing positions remain available regionally.
Look elsewhere if you're considering any major outside nursing or if you need strong student support services. State schools in West Virginia or Pennsylvania offer better graduation rates and similar costs. Davis & Elkins works best for local students who can live at home, reducing total costs while pursuing the nursing program specifically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Davis & Elkins College worth the cost?
Davis & Elkins College has mixed ROI potential depending on your major. Nursing graduates earn around $50,000 annually, which justifies the cost, but the overall 10-year median earnings of $43,411 and low 37% graduation rate present significant financial risks.
What is the job market like for Davis & Elkins College graduates?
Davis & Elkins graduates earn $43,411 ten years after enrollment, which is below the national average for college graduates. The school's strongest employment outcomes are in nursing programs, where graduates typically find steady work in healthcare.
How much debt do Davis & Elkins College students typically graduate with?
Davis & Elkins students graduate with a median debt of $27,000. With typical starting salaries around $43,000, this creates a manageable but not ideal debt-to-income ratio for most graduates.
Which programs at Davis & Elkins College have the best return on investment?
Nursing programs at Davis & Elkins offer the strongest ROI, with graduates earning approximately $50,000 annually. Other programs generally produce lower earnings that may not justify the college costs for many students.