West Virginia Wesleyan College
West Virginia Wesleyan College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
West Virginia Wesleyan College at a Glance
West Virginia Wesleyan College is a private college in Buckhannon, West Virginia, United States. It has an enrollment of about 1,055 students from 35 U.S. states and 26 countries. The school was founded in 1890 by the West Virginia Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church and is currently affiliated with the United Methodist Church. West Virginia Wesleyan College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
1890
136 years old
$88M
$88 million
1,055
971 undergrad · 84 grad
137
Identity
Is West Virginia Wesleyan College Worth It?
At a value score of 38/100, West Virginia Wesleyan College is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $51,593 — 4% below average — while paying $18,083/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 53% 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.
With a 93% 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 $27,000 representing 52% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at West Virginia Wesleyan College has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How West Virginia Wesleyan College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #25 of 116 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 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #2 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #3 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #4 | Albizu University-San Juan | 73 | $9,732 | $41,544 |
| #5 | Trinity Washington University | 67 | $9,302 | $53,804 |
| #6 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #25 | West Virginia Wesleyan College | 38 | $18,083 | $51,593 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of West Virginia Wesleyan College'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 Wesleyan College
The highest-earning program at West Virginia Wesleyan College is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $53,900/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from West Virginia Wesleyan College earns $53,900, while a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate earns $53,900. 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. $27,000 for Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $18,083/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 | $53,900 | $53,900 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in WV
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Buckhannon, WV
- Student Body
- 954 students
- Admission Rate
- 93%
- Graduation Rate
- 53%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $18,083
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $51,593
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000