At $16,358/yr net price, Glenville State University graduates earn $39,315/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,315/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,358 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $65,432 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,315/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,315/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 12.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 35.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,878/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,426/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,460/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,348/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,355/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Resources Management and Policy. | Bachelor | $35,416 | $24,125 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $32,611 | $21,500 |
| Security Science and Technology. | Bachelor | $31,670 | $29,750 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $31,133 | $24,154 |
| Social Sciences, Other. | Bachelor | $24,421 | $24,250 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $20,140 | $19,824 |
The Risk Factor
35.5% of students at Glenville State University 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
Glenville State University delivers weak financial returns that make it difficult to justify the investment for most students. With median earnings of just $39,315 ten years after graduation and a graduation rate below 36%, your chances of completing your degree and earning enough to comfortably repay loans are poor.
The school's strongest programs still produce modest outcomes. Natural Resources Management leads earnings at $35,416, which barely covers living expenses in most markets. Education majors earn $32,611, reasonable for teaching but limited by the profession's salary ceiling. Business Administration generates $31,133, well below what similar programs produce at stronger schools. Social Sciences delivers the worst return at $24,421, making loan repayment challenging.
Your biggest financial risk is the low graduation rate. Nearly two-thirds of students leave without a degree, meaning you face a substantial chance of carrying debt with no credential to show for it. The 63% retention rate signals academic and financial struggles that could derail your plans.
This school works financially only for specific situations: local students who can live at home and minimize costs, those receiving substantial need-based aid, or students certain they can complete their degree despite the institutional challenges. If you need loans to attend and have other options, look elsewhere. The combination of weak earnings potential and high dropout risk creates a dangerous financial scenario.
West Virginia residents should explore whether WVU or Marshall University offer better value in their intended field. The modest cost advantage at Glenville disappears quickly when factoring in the graduation rate and earning outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Glenville State University worth the money?
With graduates earning a median of $39,315 ten years after enrollment and a net price of $16,358 annually, Glenville State offers modest returns. The 35.5% graduation rate means many students leave without degrees, making it a risky investment for those who don't finish.
What are the best paying majors at Glenville State University?
Natural Resources Management leads with $35,416 median earnings, followed by Education at $32,611. Most other programs produce earnings in the low $30,000s, which barely justifies the cost given the debt load.
How much debt do Glenville State University graduates have?
Graduates typically leave with $25,000 in debt, which is reasonable compared to national averages. However, with starting salaries often below $35,000, loan payments can strain budgets for years.
What is Glenville State University's graduation rate?
Only 35.5% of students graduate, meaning about two-thirds drop out without completing their degrees. Students who don't graduate still carry debt but miss out on the earnings boost a degree provides.