West Virginia University Institute of Technology
West Virginia University Institute of Technology — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
West Virginia University Institute of Technology at a Glance
West Virginia University Institute of Technology is a public college in Beckley, West Virginia. It is a divisional campus of West Virginia University.
1895
131 years old
1,622
177
Identity
Is West Virginia University Institute of Technology Worth It?
West Virginia University Institute of Technology offers moderate value at $9,337/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 34% 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 West Virginia University Institute of Technology compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #2 of 34 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 Virginia's College at Wise | 59 | $9,210 | $45,325 |
| #2 | West Virginia University Institute of Technology | 52 | $9,337 | $55,939 |
| #3 | Lake Superior State University | 51 | $12,822 | $49,045 |
| #4 | Centralia College | 48 | $9,862 | $43,140 |
| #5 | Wright State University-Lake Campus | 47 | $11,081 | $49,500 |
| #6 | Ohio University-Zanesville Campus | 45 | $5,746 | $52,581 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of West Virginia University Institute of Technology's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in WV.
Best Programs at West Virginia University Institute of Technology
The highest-earning program at West Virginia University Institute of Technology is Mechanical Engineering at $63,600/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Political Science and Government at $22,800/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Mechanical Engineering graduate from West Virginia University Institute of Technology earns $63,600, while a Political Science and Government graduate earns $22,800. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Mechanical Engineering graduates carry $24,931 in median debt vs. $23,406 for Political Science and Government.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $9,337/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | $63,600 | $63,600 | $24,931 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $63,200 | $63,200 | $24,713 |
| Chemical Engineering | $62,100 | $62,100 | $24,712 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $60,200 | $60,200 | $25,000 |
| Computer Engineering | $56,800 | $56,800 | $26,238 |
| Civil Engineering | $55,700 | $55,700 | $25,497 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $48,500 | $48,500 | $23,250 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $40,500 | $40,500 | $22,069 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $30,500 | $30,500 | $26,250 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $30,000 | $30,000 | $25,631 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $28,600 | $28,600 | $22,100 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $28,300 | $28,300 | $26,000 |
| Psychology, General | $27,100 | $27,100 | $25,000 |
| Biology, General | $26,200 | $26,200 | $22,171 |
| Political Science and Government | $22,800 | $22,800 | $23,406 |
Similar Colleges in WV
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Beckley, WV
- Student Body
- 981 students
- Admission Rate
- 37%
- Graduation Rate
- 34%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $9,337
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $55,939
- Median Student Debt
- $22,500