At $16,244/yr net price, West Virginia Junior College-United Career Institute graduates earn $31,912/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,244 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $64,976 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $31,912/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-2,088/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 85.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,881 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,559/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,226/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,726/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,788/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $38,559 | $10,830 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $22,861 | $8,125 |
The Risk Factor
85.7% of students at West Virginia Junior College-United Career Institute graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
West Virginia Junior College-United Career Institute delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $38,559 annually against relatively modest debt of $10,830. This creates a manageable debt-to-income ratio that makes the $16,244 annual cost worthwhile for nursing students.
The health administration program tells a different story. Graduates earn just $22,861 while carrying $8,125 in debt, creating a concerning income-to-debt ratio that makes recovery slow. At these earnings levels, you'll struggle to justify the program cost even with the lower debt load.
Your biggest financial risk is program selection. The nearly $16,000 gap between nursing and health administration earnings shows how dramatically your choice affects long-term financial outcomes. The school's 85.7% graduation rate reduces completion risk, but you still face income volatility in healthcare support roles that don't require nursing credentials.
This school makes financial sense if you're pursuing practical nursing and can handle the hands-on training requirements. The nursing program's earnings justify the investment and align well with regional healthcare demand. You should look elsewhere if you're considering health administration or similar support programs where the earning potential doesn't cover the cost burden effectively.
With 75% of students receiving financial aid, explore all grant and scholarship options before borrowing. The school's career-focused approach means you'll enter the workforce quickly, but your earning ceiling depends entirely on choosing the right program from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is West Virginia Junior College-United Career Institute worth the cost?
The school costs $16,244 per year but graduates earn only $31,912 ten years later, which is below average for college graduates. The low debt load of $9,881 helps, but the return on investment remains poor compared to most colleges.
What programs at West Virginia Junior College-United Career Institute have the best job prospects?
Practical nursing graduates earn $38,559 annually, making it the best-paying program at the school. Health and medical administrative services graduates earn significantly less at $22,861, which barely justifies the tuition cost.
How much debt do West Virginia Junior College-United Career Institute graduates typically have?
The median debt is $9,881, which is relatively low for a private career college. However, with average earnings of just $31,912 ten years after graduation, even this modest debt burden may be difficult to manage.
Does West Virginia Junior College-United Career Institute have good graduation rates?
The school has an 85.7% graduation rate, which is above average for career colleges. Unfortunately, completing the program does not guarantee strong earning potential given the low post-graduation salaries.