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's numbers point to a weak financial return. Ten years after enrolling, your median earnings sit below what many workers earn without a degree, and that number has to cover the $25,000 in debt you likely leave with. The gap between cost and payoff is the central problem here.
None of the top-earning bachelor's programs clear $36,000 a year. Natural Resources Management and Policy leads the pack, which fits a rural West Virginia school tied to forestry, land, and public agency work. Teacher Education comes next, and West Virginia's public school system gives that degree a defined, if modest, career path. Security Science and Technology looks worse than it seems: it pays about the same as Business Administration but saddles you with nearly $30,000 in debt, the highest on the list. Social Sciences pays under $25,000 and carries the same debt load as the stronger majors, so avoid it unless you have a specific plan.
The real risk is completion. Only about a third of students graduate, and roughly a third don't return after their first year. If you borrow, start, and leave without a degree, you carry the debt with none of the earning power. That's the worst outcome this school produces, and it happens often.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay several thousand less per year than families above $75,000, who see almost no discount. For a family earning over $110,000, the sticker is close to the low-income double.
This school fits you if you're low-income, in-state, and headed into teaching or natural resources with a firm plan to finish. If you'd need heavy loans or you're chasing high earnings, look elsewhere.
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.