Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 34.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 33.5%
- Retention Rate
- 63.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $40,492
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,338
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 36.4%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $247/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $24,000 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $31,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $29,141 | $24,700 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $28,816 | $24,750 |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | Bachelor | $28,598 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $27,504 | $22,532 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $26,739 | $28,250 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $20,140 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $18,771 | $20,750 |
| History. | Bachelor | $18,401 |
Outcomes Overview
West Virginia State graduates earn a median salary of $40,492 ten years after graduation, which puts their debt-to-earnings ratio at a reasonable 58%. With monthly loan payments of $247, graduates typically spend about 7% of their gross income on student loans, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The employment rate of 93.6% shows most graduates find work quickly. Many WVSU alumni enter education, social work, and business fields where starting salaries tend to be modest but stable. While the earnings aren't spectacular compared to larger universities, the relatively low debt load of $23,338 makes this manageable. For students seeking affordable access to higher education with solid job prospects, this represents an average return on investment.