At $13,240/yr net price, West Virginia Junior College-Bridgeport graduates earn $27,472/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,240 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $52,960 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $27,472/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-6,528/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 60.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,270 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,750/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,246/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,510/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,391/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,370/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $23,649 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $20,471 | $6,937 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $20,444 | $6,894 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $20,140 | $7,195 |
The Risk Factor
60.7% of students at West Virginia Junior College-Bridgeport graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 39% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
West Virginia Junior College-Bridgeport delivers weak financial returns that struggle to justify the cost for most students. With median 10-year earnings of $27,472 and a net price of $13,240 annually, you face a challenging path to financial payback in a region with limited high-paying opportunities.
The school's health-focused programs cluster around $20,000-$23,000 in annual earnings, which translates to roughly $10-12 per hour for full-time work. These wages barely exceed what you could earn in many entry-level positions without college debt. The highest-earning program, Health and Medical Administrative Services, still tops out at just $23,649 annually.
Your debt burden stays relatively manageable at $8,270 median, but even this modest amount becomes problematic when paired with such low earning potential. The 60.7% graduation rate means nearly 4 in 10 students leave without completing their programs, often still carrying debt.
This school makes financial sense only if you need specific healthcare certifications for local employers and have exhausted other training options. West Virginia's rural healthcare market may provide some job security, but growth and advancement opportunities remain limited.
You should look elsewhere if you can access community college programs offering similar credentials at lower cost, or if you qualify for healthcare apprenticeships through regional medical centers. The financial aid participation rate of 63.7% suggests most students need assistance, but the low earnings outcomes indicate this help may not be sufficient to create positive returns.
Consider this school only as a last resort for quick healthcare certification, and only if you have strong local job connections or family ties that make geographic mobility impossible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is West Virginia Junior College-Bridgeport worth the cost?
With graduates earning $27,472 ten years after enrollment and a net price of $13,240 annually, the ROI is modest but reasonable for a two-year program. The relatively low median debt of $8,270 makes it less risky than many alternatives.
What programs at West Virginia Junior College-Bridgeport have the best job prospects?
Health and Medical Administrative Services graduates earn around $23,649, making it the highest-paying program. All top programs are healthcare-related, which aligns with regional job demand but still offers limited earning potential compared to four-year degrees.
How much debt do West Virginia Junior College-Bridgeport students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $8,270, which is manageable given the program length and local cost of living. However, with starting salaries around $20,000-$23,000, loan payments will still represent a significant portion of graduates' budgets.
What is the graduation rate at West Virginia Junior College-Bridgeport?
About 61% of students complete their programs, which is above average for similar institutions. This suggests most students who enroll are likely to finish, though nearly 4 in 10 still leave without completing their degree.