West Virginia University
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$38,592
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$10,181/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
3.8 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
428%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
West Virginia University's in-state tuition costs $9,648. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $43,805. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $45,181, and after ten years, earnings reach $55,939. The median debt for graduates is $22,500, and 44.1% of students receive financial aid.
The data does not provide enough information to calculate a debt-to-income ratio or a break-even timeline.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$9,648
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$45,181
Graduation Rate
62%
Receive Financial Aid
44%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | $38,592 | $44,412 | 388% |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General. | $38,592 | $0 | N/A |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $38,592 | $67,758 | 1598% |
| Journalism. | $38,592 | $49,434 | 648% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | $38,592 | $47,427 | 544% |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $38,592 | $83,975 | 2438% |
| Psychology, General. | $38,592 | $41,351 | 229% |
| Biology, General. | $38,592 | $40,544 | 187% |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | $38,592 | $73,601 | 1900% |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences. | $38,592 | $63,291 | 1366% |
| Criminology. | $38,592 | $49,643 | 659% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | $38,592 | $71,597 | 1797% |
Peer Comparison
428%
20yr ROI
531%
20yr ROI
257%
20yr ROI
484%
20yr ROI
453%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.