At $3,215/yr net price, West Virginia Northern Community College graduates earn $30,162/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,215 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $12,860 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $30,162/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-3,838/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,245 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,297/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,008/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,128/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,197/yr |
| $110,001+ | $8,054/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $58,673 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $50,677 | $10,720 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $31,567 | $7,602 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $26,739 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $22,578 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $22,424 | $5,250 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $21,508 | |
| Social Work. | Associate | $20,140 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $20,140 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $14,318 | $11,410 |
The Risk Factor
29.6% of students at West Virginia Northern Community College 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
West Virginia Northern Community College offers solid financial returns for technical and healthcare programs, but the overall picture is mixed due to low graduation rates. At $3,215 annually, the school is affordable, but only 30% of students graduate, creating significant completion risk.
The electromechanical instrumentation program delivers strong value with graduates earning $58,673 annually, nearly double the school median. Nursing graduates earn $50,677 with manageable debt of $10,720, making this program the strongest overall financial choice. Allied health programs also perform well at $31,567 with lower debt burdens of $7,602.
Business programs underperform significantly, with graduates earning just $22,578 annually. Health administration falls short at $26,739, below what you could earn without a degree in many regional positions.
The school works best for career-focused students entering healthcare or technical fields who can complete their programs quickly. The low graduation rate suggests many students struggle with completion, making this a poor choice if you need extensive academic support or are unsure about your career direction.
With 42% of students receiving financial aid and relatively low median debt of $10,245, the school keeps costs manageable for those who finish. However, the completion risk means you could accumulate debt without credentials. Focus on programs with clear regional job demand and consider part-time enrollment if you need to work while studying. The school serves the Ohio Valley job market well for technical roles but offers limited value for general business or liberal arts students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is West Virginia Northern Community College worth the cost?
West Virginia Northern Community College offers low tuition at $3,215 per year, but graduates earn only $30,162 annually after 10 years. The value depends heavily on your program choice, with technical fields like electromechanical instrumentation paying nearly double the average graduate salary.
What are the best paying programs at West Virginia Northern Community College?
Electromechanical instrumentation graduates earn $58,673 annually, while nursing graduates make around $50,677. Business and health administration programs pay significantly less at $22,578 and $26,739 respectively.
How much debt do West Virginia Northern Community College students graduate with?
The median debt is $10,245, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. However, with average graduate earnings of $30,162, students should carefully consider their program choice to ensure they can repay loans comfortably.
What is the graduation rate at West Virginia Northern Community College?
Only 29.6% of students graduate, which is concerning for return on investment. This low completion rate means many students leave with debt but no credential to show for their investment.