Northern Arizona University vs West Virginia University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
Good news if you're stuck between them: Northern Arizona University and West Virginia University come out about even on financial return. Northern Arizona University scores 64/100 and West Virginia University scores 64/100 - close enough that your own situation (your major, the aid package each one offers you, in-state vs out-of-state) will matter more than the score gap.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Northern Arizona University runs $14,158 a year against $15,634 at West Virginia University - $1,476 more a year, or about $5,904 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, West Virginia University graduates earn a median $55,939 against $54,384 at Northern Arizona University. The cost earns itself back in 10.1 years at Northern Arizona University and 9.7 years at West Virginia University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Northern Arizona University owing a median $19,000 versus $22,500 at West Virginia University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.52 and 0.57 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Northern Arizona Universi... | West Virginia University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $13,009 | $10,104 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $29,881 | $28,608 |
| Net Price (avg) | $14,158 | $15,634 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $56,632 | $62,536 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $36,900 | $39,300 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $54,384 | $55,939 |
| Graduation Rate | 61.3% | 64.7% |
| Payback Period | 10.1 yr | 9.7 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $19,000 | $22,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $201 | $239 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.52 | 0.57 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 68.6% | 71.8% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 59.2% | 64.2% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 89.6% | 89.0% |
| Enrollment | 22,903 | 17,385 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Northern Arizona Uni... | West Virginia Univer... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $9,709 | $9,450 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $10,398 | $12,501 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $13,330 | $14,179 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $18,050 | $18,710 |
| $110,001+ | $20,686 | $20,273 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Northern Arizona Uni... | West Virginia Univer... |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering | $95,388 | $99,542 |
| Computer Science | $99,067 | $98,277 |
| Management Information Systems | $76,041 | $95,324 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $91,941 | $90,461 |
| Civil Engineering | $88,184 | $82,117 |
| Registered Nursing | $84,996 | $83,750 |
| Accounting | $81,144 | $76,135 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $77,855 | $76,959 |
| Mathematics | $54,149 | $77,144 |
| Dental Support Services | $68,917 | $76,662 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $66,376 | $73,646 |
| Marketing | $69,834 | $69,357 |
| Hospitality Administration | $58,857 | $68,473 |
| Business Information Systems | $63,605 | $68,161 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences | $60,402 | $66,798 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Northern Arizona Uni... | West Virginia Univer... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 74 | 74 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 60 | 63 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 70 | 58 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 62 | 68 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 36 | 45 |
| Overall ROI Score | 64 | 64 |
The Verdict
It's close. Northern Arizona University edges out West Virginia University by 0 points (64 vs 64), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
Northern Arizona University
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
West Virginia University
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.