West Virginia University
Morgantown, West Virginia · Public · 89.0% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 64/100 · Fair Value
West Virginia University
Fair ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $10,104/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $28,608/yr |
| Average net price | $15,634/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $62,536 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,939 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $39,300 |
| Median debt at graduation | $22,500 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $239 |
| Estimated payback period | 9.7 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 64.7% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 17,385 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,450 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,501 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,179 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,710 |
| $110,001+ | $20,273 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at West Virginia University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $57,359 | D |
| Registered Nursing | $83,750 | B |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences | $70,165 | D |
| Mechanical Engineering | $90,461 | B |
| Psychology | $51,263 | D |
| Marketing | $69,357 | C |
| Journalism | $58,454 | D |
| Biology | $57,486 | D |
| Finance and Financial Management | $76,959 | C+ |
| Business Administration and Management | $65,372 | C |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at West Virginia University is $10,104/year ($28,608/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $15,634/year, or roughly $62,536 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $9,450/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $20,273/year.
The median graduate leaves with $22,500 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $239 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $55,939 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.57 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 67.2% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 71.8% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 64.2% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 71.8% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 89.0% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 490-600 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 520-620 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 20-26 |
| Enrollment | 17,385 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 21.6% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $11,832 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia University (this school) | 64 | $15,634 | $55,939 |
| Northern Arizona University | 64 | $14,158 | $54,384 |
| East Carolina University | 61 | $15,739 | $55,146 |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | 59 | $15,014 | $54,990 |
| Concord University | 30 | $9,966 | $42,703 |
| Bluefield State University | 20 | $13,684 | $38,217 |
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
West Virginia University offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $15,634 per year leads to $62,536 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $55,939 a decade out. The payback period of 9.7 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
Median debt of $22,500 against $55,939 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.