At $18,148/yr net price, West Virginia Wesleyan College graduates earn $51,593/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,593/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,148 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $72,592 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,593/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,593/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,553/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,597/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,406/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,593/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,477/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. | Bachelor | $55,512 | $27,000 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $38,871 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $32,569 | $27,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $29,929 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $22,329 | $26,649 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | Master | $21,508 |
The Risk Factor
49.5% of students at West Virginia Wesleyan College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
West Virginia Wesleyan College offers weak financial returns for most majors, with concerning retention and graduation rates that amplify the risk. Only 49% of students graduate, meaning half never complete their degree despite accumulating debt.
Nursing stands out as the only program with strong ROI potential at $55,512 in median earnings. This salary justifies the $27,000 debt load and aligns well with West Virginia's healthcare job market. Business majors earn $38,871, which provides modest returns but nothing strong for the debt burden.
Avoid psychology, criminal justice, and physical education programs. Psychology graduates earn just $22,329 after carrying similar debt loads to higher-earning majors. Criminal justice and physical education both pay under $33,000, making the debt difficult to manage on these salaries in West Virginia's economy.
The 68% retention rate signals academic or financial struggles that force many students to leave before completing degrees. Combined with the low graduation rate, you face substantial risk of dropping out with debt but no degree.
This school makes financial sense only for nursing students who can handle the academic demands and secure employment in West Virginia's healthcare sector. The net price of $18,148 appears reasonable, but the completion rates suggest many students struggle more than expected.
Look elsewhere if you're considering psychology, education, or criminal justice. The earnings data shows these programs don't generate sufficient income to justify college costs, even at Wesleyan's relatively affordable price point. The regional job market simply doesn't support strong returns for most liberal arts graduates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is West Virginia Wesleyan College worth the cost?
West Virginia Wesleyan College's value depends heavily on your major. Nursing graduates earn $55,512 within 10 years, making the $27,000 median debt manageable, but psychology majors earn only $22,329, creating a poor return on investment.
What is the ROI for West Virginia Wesleyan College graduates?
The ROI varies dramatically by program at West Virginia Wesleyan College. While nursing and business majors see decent returns, graduates in fields like psychology and physical education often struggle with low salaries relative to their debt load.
How much debt do West Virginia Wesleyan College students graduate with?
West Virginia Wesleyan College graduates carry a median debt of $27,000. This debt level is reasonable for nursing majors who earn over $55,000, but problematic for graduates in lower-paying fields like psychology or education.
Does West Virginia Wesleyan College have good job placement rates?
West Virginia Wesleyan College has concerning graduation metrics with only a 49.5% graduation rate. The school's 96% acceptance rate suggests low selectivity, which often correlates with weaker career outcomes compared to more competitive institutions.