Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 53.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 32.0%
- Retention Rate
- 65.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $57,949
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,125
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 64.4%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $266/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $91,744 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $59,999 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $54,531 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $37,568 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $31,133 | $26,732 |
| Education, General. | Bachelor | $26,353 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $21,964 |
Outcomes Overview
Wheeling graduates face a challenging financial reality after college. The median debt of $25,125 creates monthly payments of $266, consuming roughly 5.5% of typical graduate earnings of $57,949. This debt-to-income ratio sits below the recommended 10% threshold but reflects the university's modest earning outcomes. The 96.2% employment rate shows graduates find work, often in nursing, education, and regional healthcare systems that dominate West Virginia's economy. However, the loan repayment rate of 64.43% suggests many struggle to keep up with payments. Given the low graduation rates and moderate earnings relative to debt burden, Wheeling offers a weak return on investment for most students.