At $19,040/yr net price, Wheeling University graduates earn $57,949/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $23,949/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,040 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $76,160 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,949/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$23,949/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,125 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,139/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,524/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,257/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,265/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,026/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. | 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 |
The Risk Factor
32.0% of students at Wheeling University 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
Wheeling University presents a financially risky proposition with a 32% graduation rate that undermines even its strongest programs. Your chances of completing your degree are roughly one in three, making any ROI calculation speculative at best.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning over $90,000 annually in the top nursing track. This program justifies the investment if you can handle the low retention rate and complete your studies. Educational administration also shows solid returns at $54,531, though you'll need graduate school to reach those positions.
Business programs tell a different story. Business administration graduates earn just $31,133 while carrying $26,732 in debt, creating negative ROI for years. Accounting fares only slightly better at $37,568. These programs represent poor financial choices given the school's completion challenges.
The 65% retention rate signals academic or financial struggles that push students out after freshman year. Combined with the low graduation rate, you face substantial risk of leaving with debt but no degree. Only 25% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited merit scholarship opportunities.
This school works financially for nursing students who can handle the academic demands and complete their programs. The regional healthcare market in West Virginia provides steady employment for nursing graduates. Everyone else should look elsewhere. The combination of low completion rates, limited aid availability, and weak earning potential in non-nursing programs creates too much financial risk for most students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wheeling University worth the cost?
Wheeling University's ROI depends heavily on your major. Nursing graduates earn strong salaries around $91,744, but the 32% graduation rate means many students leave without degrees and still owe money.
What programs at Wheeling University have the best job prospects?
Nursing programs at Wheeling University offer the strongest return, with graduates earning $59,999 to $91,744 annually. Business and accounting graduates typically earn much less at $31,133 to $37,568.
How much debt do Wheeling University graduates have?
Wheeling University graduates carry a median debt of $25,125. With only 32% of students graduating, many leave with debt but no degree to show for it.
Does Wheeling University provide good financial aid?
The net price at Wheeling University averages $19,040 per year after aid. However, low graduation rates mean financial aid often goes toward incomplete degrees rather than career preparation.