West Virginia University at Parkersburg: $4,420 Tuition

$4,420Tuition

1,692Students

31%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$35,171Earnings

#14 in West VirginiaPublic4-yearData: 2023-24

About West Virginia University at Parkersburg

West Virginia University at Parkersburg serves 1,692 students in the Mid-Ohio Valley, functioning as a community college that bridges the gap between high school and four-year degrees. The campus sits in a rural-fringe setting where 95% of students come from in-state. This is a practical choice for local families seeking affordable higher education close to home. Women make up 63% of the student body, reflecting the school's strong programs in health sciences and education.

The financial picture looks promising for students willing to stay local. Average net price hits just $3,613, and families earning under $30,000 pay only $1,859 after aid. Graduates carry a median debt load of $12,570 with monthly payments around $133. While the 10-year median earnings of $35,171 might seem modest, the employment rate reaches 94.4%. The low debt burden means graduates can build financial stability without crushing loan payments.

The 30% graduation rate reflects the reality of community college students who often attend part-time while working. With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, students get personal attention as they work toward certificates, associate degrees, or transfer to four-year programs. The Riverhawks compete in athletics, adding campus spirit to an otherwise commuter-focused environment.

Academics & Faculty

West Virginia University at Parkersburg operates as a community college serving the Mid-Ohio Valley region with practical, career-focused programs. The school maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, providing personalized attention in smaller classroom settings. However, only 30.6% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many working adults and first-generation college students face in completing their degrees. The college emphasizes workforce development programs that align with local industry needs, particularly in healthcare, business, and technical fields. Students benefit from affordable education with strong ties to regional employers, though academic support services are crucial given the relatively low completion rates among the predominantly local student body.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 27.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 30.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 30.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $35,171
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate/Associate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$54,910
Engineering-Related Fields.	Bachelor	$53,358
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$32,485
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Bachelor	$28,860
Business/Commerce, General.	Associate	$28,598
Precision Metal Working.	Associate	$26,353
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$25,967
Mechanics and Repairers, General.	Associate	$22,989
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$20,824
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$19,227

View all 55 programs →

Campus Life

West Virginia University at Parkersburg sits along the Ohio River about 100 miles south of Pittsburgh. With 1,692 students spread across a compact campus, you'll recognize faces quickly in this close-knit community college atmosphere. The student body is 94.87% from West Virginia, creating a strong local feel where many students commute from nearby towns.

Winters require a solid coat as temperatures drop into the 20s, while summers bring humid 80-degree days perfect for riverside activities. The 63.18% female student population reflects the school's strong nursing and education programs. Most students live off-campus since this is primarily a commuter school serving working adults and recent high school graduates. Weekend activities center around Parkersburg's downtown riverfront and nearby state parks. Students often gather at local coffee shops or attend Riverhawks athletic events. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic goals. Many students work part-time jobs in the area's healthcare facilities and local businesses while completing their associate degrees or transfer requirements.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1961

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 23°–40°F
July Avg: 65°–86°F
Annual Precipitation: 42.1"
Annual Snowfall: 11.3"

Student Demographics

West Virginia University at Parkersburg draws nearly 95% of its students from within state borders, reflecting its role as a local educational anchor for the Mid-Ohio Valley region. Women make up about two-thirds of the 1,692 students, a demographic pattern common at community colleges offering health sciences and education programs. Nearly 30% receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves working-class families seeking affordable pathways to four-year degrees or career training. The overwhelmingly white student body mirrors the demographics of rural West Virginia, where the school provides accessible higher education options.

Men: 36.8%
Women: 63.2%
White: 93.7%
Black: 1.4%
Hispanic: 1.7%
Asian: 0.2%
In-State Students: 94.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 29.7%

Location

Parkersburg sits in northwestern West Virginia along the Ohio River, about 80 miles southeast of Columbus, Ohio. The city serves as a regional center for the Mid-Ohio Valley area. With 1,692 students, West Virginia University at Parkersburg draws heavily from the local community, as 94.87% of students come from in-state. The campus sits in a rural-fringe setting where Appalachian foothills meet river valley flatlands. Parkersburg itself is known for its petrochemical industry and historic downtown district. The area offers outdoor recreation along the Ohio River and nearby state parks. Students considering colleges in West Virginia may also compare West Virginia University at Parkersburg with similar schools in the region.

Address: Parkersburg, West Virginia 26104

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $35,171
Median Earnings (5 years): $43,419
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $26,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 34.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $133/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,570

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at West Virginia University at Parkersburg?

As a community college, WVU Parkersburg maintains an open enrollment policy for most programs. The school serves 1,692 students with 94.87% coming from in-state. This accessibility makes it a popular stepping stone for West Virginia residents looking to start their higher education journey affordably.

How much does West Virginia University at Parkersburg cost after financial aid?

The average net price is just $3,613, making it one of the most affordable college options in West Virginia. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $1,859 after aid. With median debt of $12,570 and monthly loan payments of $133, graduates avoid the heavy debt burden common at four-year institutions.

What is the student-faculty ratio at West Virginia University at Parkersburg?

Classes maintain a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for more personalized attention than larger universities. The college operates on a semester system and focuses heavily on career preparation. This smaller scale helps explain why the campus has a close-knit community feel despite being a commuter school.

What are the graduation rates and job prospects at West Virginia University at Parkersburg?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 30.60%, typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. However, graduates who do finish see strong employment outcomes with a 94.4% employment rate. Median earnings reach $35,171 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the school's focus on practical, job-ready programs.

Where is West Virginia University at Parkersburg located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Parkersburg along the Ohio River, serving a rural-fringe community in western West Virginia. With 63.18% female enrollment and 93.74% white students, the Riverhawks reflect the local demographic. The commuter-focused environment means limited traditional campus life, but students benefit from small-town connections and regional job networks.

Does West Virginia University at Parkersburg offer good value for transfer students?

The college serves as an excellent transfer pathway with in-state tuition of just $4,420 and strong articulation agreements with four-year institutions. Only 29.72% of students receive federal financial aid, suggesting many can afford the low costs without borrowing. This makes it an ideal place to complete general education requirements before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree.