At $10,191/yr net price, West Virginia State University graduates earn $40,492/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,492/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,191 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $40,764 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,492/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,492/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,338 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,962/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,652/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,283/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,633/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
33.5% of students at West Virginia State University 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 State University delivers poor financial returns that make it difficult to justify for most students. With median earnings of just $40,492 ten years after graduation and a troubling 33.5% graduation rate, your chances of both completing your degree and earning enough to justify the investment are worryingly low.
The earnings picture across majors tells a concerning story. Even the highest-paying program, Teacher Education, produces graduates earning just $33,993 annually while carrying $24,000 in debt. Social Work graduates face an even tougher situation with $31,000 in debt but only $29,685 in median earnings. Business and Liberal Arts majors see similar patterns of modest earnings relative to debt loads, making loan repayment challenging.
The school's 63% retention rate signals that many students struggle to persist, and those who do graduate often enter West Virginia's limited job market where higher-paying opportunities remain scarce. Your risk extends beyond just academic completion to regional economic constraints that cap earning potential regardless of your major.
This institution might work if you qualify for significant need-based aid, plan to stay in West Virginia where living costs are lower, or specifically need the teacher preparation program with local connections. However, most students would find better financial outcomes at other regional universities with stronger job placement records and higher graduation rates.
The low percentage of students receiving aid suggests limited merit scholarship opportunities, meaning you'll likely pay close to the full net price unless you qualify for federal need-based assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is West Virginia State University worth the cost?
With median earnings of $40,492 ten years after graduation and a net price of $10,191 annually, West Virginia State University offers reasonable value for the cost. However, the 33.5% graduation rate means most students don't finish their degree, which significantly impacts ROI.
What are the best paying majors at West Virginia State University?
Teacher education programs lead earnings at West Virginia State University with graduates making around $34,000 annually. Most other popular programs, including social work and business, produce graduates earning under $30,000 per year.
How much debt do West Virginia State University graduates have?
West Virginia State University graduates leave with a median debt of $23,338. Given that many programs lead to starting salaries under $30,000, this debt load could create financial strain for graduates in lower-paying fields.
What is the graduation rate at West Virginia State University?
Only 33.5% of students graduate from West Virginia State University within six years. This low completion rate means many students accumulate debt without earning a degree, making the investment particularly risky.