Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 60.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 60.6%
- Retention Rate
- 69.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $43,296
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,250
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 50.3%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $246/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $90,856 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $50,439 | $27,000 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $44,170 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $42,123 | $26,179 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $39,369 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $39,369 | $20,218 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $34,420 | $21,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $33,993 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $33,281 | $27,000 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $32,925 | $25,481 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $32,828 | $25,905 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $30,771 | $27,042 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $28,753 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $27,126 | $24,876 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $25,774 |
Outcomes Overview
West Liberty graduates enter the workforce with a median debt of $23,250 and earn $43,296 ten years after graduation. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 54% sits above the recommended 40% threshold for manageable student loans. Monthly payments of $246 consume about 7% of typical graduate income, which is reasonable but not ideal. The university's strong teacher education and business programs traditionally feed into West Virginia's public schools and regional businesses. With 97.5% of graduates employed, job placement rates exceed national averages. However, the modest salary prospects reflect the rural Appalachian economy rather than individual program quality. West Liberty offers an average return on investment for students committed to staying in the region.