University of Charleston
University of Charleston — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Charleston at a Glance
The University of Charleston (UC) is a private university in Charleston, West Virginia, United States. Founded in 1888, it also has a satellite campus in Beckley, West Virginia. The university enrolled approximately 3,000 students as of fall 2025.
1888
138 years old
$57M
$56.9 million (2023)
3,032
2,338 undergrad · 713 grad
Identity
Is University of Charleston Worth It?
At a value score of 29/100, University of Charleston is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $55,774 — 4% above average — while paying $22,107/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 46% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at University of Charleston has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How University of Charleston compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #92 of 132 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 | University of St Francis | 81 | $13,006 | $63,926 |
| #2 | Wofford College | 76 | $18,732 | $68,964 |
| #3 | University of Tulsa | 74 | $15,000 | $61,408 |
| #4 | Holy Family University | 72 | $13,143 | $62,235 |
| #5 | Carroll University | 67 | $15,193 | $58,009 |
| #6 | Centre College | 66 | $20,781 | $66,240 |
| #92 | University of Charleston | 29 | $22,107 | $55,774 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of University of Charleston's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at University of Charleston
The highest-earning program at University of Charleston is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $59,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $43,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from University of Charleston earns $59,100, while a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate earns $43,400. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $22,000 for Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $22,107/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $59,100 | $59,100 | $27,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $44,200 | $44,200 | $26,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $43,400 | $43,400 | $22,000 |
Similar Colleges in WV
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Charleston, WV
- Student Body
- 2,259 students
- Admission Rate
- 62%
- Graduation Rate
- 46%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $22,107
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $55,774
- Median Student Debt
- $19,500