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 costs almost nothing to attend, and that low price is the main reason the numbers work at all. Median earnings ten years out sit near $35,000, which is thin, but median debt is low enough that you are unlikely to leave with a payment you can't handle. The return here is modest and safe, not big.
The one program that clearly pays off is engineering-related fields, where graduates earn more than $53,000 , over double what business administration graduates make at the same school. If you can get into and finish that track, it changes your entire ROI. Teacher education lands in the low $30,000s, which matches regional teaching pay. Business administration and general liberal arts sit under $29,000, and liberal arts also carries the highest debt of the listed programs, so that combination gives you the weakest payoff on campus.
The real risk is the 30% graduation rate. Cheap tuition only helps if you finish, and most people who start here don't. If you enroll, take on any loans, and leave without a credential, you get the debt and none of the earnings bump. That risk hits harder than the price tag suggests.
If your family earns under $30,000, your net price is under $2,000 a year, and this becomes one of the lowest-risk ways to try a bachelor's degree. Even at the top income tier, under $10,000 a year is affordable. This school fits you if you want an engineering-related or teaching path close to home and can commit to finishing. Look elsewhere if you're aiming at business or general studies and expect strong salary growth , the earnings data here doesn't support that outcome.
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.