Potomac State College of West Virginia University
Potomac State College of West Virginia University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Potomac State College of West Virginia University at a Glance
WVU Potomac State College is a public college in Keyser, West Virginia, United States. It is part of the West Virginia University system. Potomac State College is located approximately 90 miles east of West Virginia University's campus in Morgantown, West Virginia.
1901
125 years old
915 acres
Identity
Is Potomac State College of West Virginia University Worth It?
Potomac State College of West Virginia University offers moderate value at $9,197/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $55,939, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.7 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 28% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
How Potomac State College of West Virginia University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #16 of 58 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | New College of Florida | 100 | $7,195 | $48,082 |
| #2 | University of New Hampshire at Manchester | 93 | $9,992 | $66,479 |
| #3 | University of Minnesota-Morris | 90 | $8,837 | $50,919 |
| #4 | University of Minnesota-Rochester | 72 | $13,744 | $69,020 |
| #5 | University of Maine at Fort Kent | 68 | $7,482 | $51,077 |
| #6 | University of Virginia's College at Wise | 59 | $9,210 | $45,325 |
| #16 | Potomac State College of West Virginia University | 43 | $9,197 | $55,939 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Potomac State College of West Virginia University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in WV.
Best Programs at Potomac State College of West Virginia University
The highest-earning program at Potomac State College of West Virginia University is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $38,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at $28,600/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from Potomac State College of West Virginia University earns $38,100, while a Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities graduate earns $28,600. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $22,980 in median debt vs. $22,100 for Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $9,197/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $38,100 | $38,100 | $22,980 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $30,000 | $30,000 | $25,631 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $28,600 | $28,600 | $22,100 |
Similar Colleges in WV
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Keyser, WV
- Student Body
- 853 students
- Graduation Rate
- 28%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $9,197
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $55,939
- Median Student Debt
- $22,500