West Liberty University
West Liberty University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
West Liberty University at a Glance
West Liberty University (WLU) is a public university in West Liberty, West Virginia, United States. Located in the state's Northern Panhandle, it was established as an academy in 1837 and is the oldest university in West Virginia. It offers more than 70 undergraduate majors and graduate programs and had an enrollment of approximately 2,500 students in 2022.
1837
189 years old
$20M
$20.3 million (2021)
2,505
1,919 undergrad · 396 grad
143
290 acres
Identity
Is West Liberty University Worth It?
West Liberty University offers moderate value at $15,366/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $43,296, which is 20% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 60% graduation rate means roughly 40% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
With a 97% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
With median debt of $23,250 representing 54% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
How West Liberty University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in WV
Ranked #34 of 91 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 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | North Florida College | 100 | $804 | $33,929 |
| #3 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #4 | Alpena Community College | 100 | $3,320 | $36,442 |
| #5 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #6 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #34 | West Liberty University | 42 | $15,366 | $43,296 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of West Liberty University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 5 in WV.
Best Programs at West Liberty University
The highest-earning program at West Liberty University is Criminal Justice and Corrections at $33,400/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Health and Physical Education/Fitness at $25,300/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Criminal Justice and Corrections graduate from West Liberty University earns $33,400, while a Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduate earns $25,300. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates carry $23,250 in median debt vs. $26,139 for Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $15,366/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $33,400 | $33,400 | $23,250 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $33,200 | $33,200 | $19,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $29,100 | $29,100 | $23,250 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $27,700 | $27,700 | $30,994 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $25,600 | $25,600 | N/A |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $25,300 | $25,300 | $26,139 |
Similar Colleges in WV
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- West Liberty, WV
- Student Body
- 1,511 students
- Admission Rate
- 97%
- Graduation Rate
- 60%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $15,366
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $43,296
- Median Student Debt
- $23,250