Institute, WV · Private University
Is West Virginia State University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$40,492
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$9,049
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$14,623
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$58,492
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.77x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
10.7 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
33.5%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$23,338
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$10,191
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
West Virginia State University graduates earn $4,508 less than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at West Virginia State University ranked by graduate earnings
55 graduates
73 graduates
41 graduates
24 graduates
34 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at West Virginia State University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and MethodsBest ROI | $40,676 | 2.8x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $39,885 | 2.7x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $39,069 | 2.7x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $37,669 | 2.6x |
| Social Work | $36,320 | 2.5x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $33,861 | 2.3x |
| Psychology, GeneralLowest | $31,761 | 2.2x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
West Virginia State University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $40,492 10 years after starting, $4,508 below the national median of $45,000. At the current earnings trajectory, it takes approximately 10.7 years to recover the total cost of attendance.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.