West Virginia University at Parkersburg
West Virginia University at Parkersburg — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
West Virginia University at Parkersburg at a Glance
West Virginia University at Parkersburg is a public community college in Parkersburg, West Virginia, United States. Although it was originally part of West Virginia University, it is now an independent public institution with its own board of governors and degree-granting authority. Conceived as a community college to serve seven counties in west central West Virginia, it now offers baccalaureate programs. It is one of the largest community colleges in West Virginia with over 2,500 students.
1961
65 years old
2,597
2,597 undergrad
257
Identity
Is West Virginia University at Parkersburg Worth It?
West Virginia University at Parkersburg is one of the strongest value propositions in higher education. At $1,807/year net price and $35,171 median earnings, graduates earn 19.5× their annual cost within a decade of enrolling.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 20% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 2 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: West Virginia University at Parkersburg delivers strong financial returns that justify the investment for most students.
How West Virginia University at Parkersburg compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in WV
Ranked #5 of 96 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 | Northern Marianas College | 100 | $2,789 | $27,836 |
| #5 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #6 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of West Virginia University at Parkersburg'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 Virginia University at Parkersburg
The highest-earning program at West Virginia University at Parkersburg is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at $30,700/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $27,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduate from West Virginia University at Parkersburg earns $30,700, while a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate earns $27,000. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduates carry $19,407 in median debt vs. $14,000 for Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $1,807/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $30,700 | $30,700 | $19,407 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $27,700 | $27,700 | $17,482 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $27,000 | $27,000 | $14,000 |
Similar Colleges in WV
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Parkersburg, WV
- Student Body
- 1,868 students
- Graduation Rate
- 20%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $1,807
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $35,171
- Median Student Debt
- $12,570