At $3,613/yr net price, West Virginia University at Parkersburg graduates earn $35,171/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,171/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,613 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $14,452 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,171/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,171/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 12.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 30.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,570 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $1,859/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,225/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $4,538/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,713/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,367/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $54,910 | $14,682 |
| 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 | $17,055 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $28,598 | $13,172 |
| 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 | $9,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $19,227 |
The Risk Factor
30.6% of students at West Virginia University at Parkersburg 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 University at Parkersburg offers a strong financial return if you pick the right program, but the low graduation rate creates significant risk. The school's $3,613 annual net price makes it one of the most affordable options in the region, and median debt of $12,570 keeps borrowing manageable for those who finish.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $54,910 annually against modest debt loads. Engineering-related fields also deliver strong returns at $53,358, though fewer students complete these programs. Education majors earn $32,485, which provides reasonable income stability in West Virginia's job market.
Liberal arts and business programs show weaker financial outcomes. Liberal arts graduates carry $17,055 in debt while earning just $28,860, creating a challenging debt-to-income ratio. Business majors face similar earnings at $28,598 despite the program's popularity.
The 30.60% graduation rate represents your biggest financial risk. Many students accumulate debt and credits without completing degrees, leaving them worse off financially than when they started. This risk affects all programs but hits hardest in lower-earning fields where incomplete degrees provide little market value.
You should consider this school if you plan to pursue nursing or engineering and can commit to finishing your degree. The low costs make it accessible for students with limited resources, and local healthcare systems actively hire nursing graduates. Avoid this school if you need extensive student support services or prefer programs with higher completion rates. With only 29.72% of students receiving financial aid, merit scholarships appear limited, making the low sticker price the primary cost advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is West Virginia University at Parkersburg worth the cost?
With a net price of just $3,613 per year and low median debt of $12,570, WVU Parkersburg offers good value for specific programs. However, the 30% graduation rate and $35,171 average earnings mean many students struggle to complete degrees or see strong financial returns.
What programs at West Virginia University at Parkersburg have the best ROI?
Registered nursing graduates earn $54,910 annually, making it the strongest program financially. Engineering-related fields also pay well at $53,358, while liberal arts and business graduates average under $29,000.
How much student debt do West Virginia University at Parkersburg graduates have?
The median debt is $12,570, which is relatively low compared to many colleges. Given the low tuition costs, most students can graduate with manageable debt levels if they complete their programs.
What is the graduation rate at West Virginia University at Parkersburg?
Only 30.6% of students graduate, which is well below national averages. This low completion rate means many students leave without degrees, limiting their earning potential despite the school's affordable costs.