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West Virginia University at Parkersburg

Parkersburg, WV·Public·1,692 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for families who need the lowest possible cost and students who want small classes and close faculty access. graduation rate is below 40%. a public school with 1,692 students.

N/A
Accept
1,692
Students
$3,613
Net Price
31%
Grad Rate
$33,200
Earnings
10 yr
$8,250
Debt

About This School

West Virginia University at Parkersburg is a public institution located in Parkersburg, West Virginia with approximately 1,692 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $3,613 per year. The graduation rate is 31%, and the typical graduate earns $33,200 within 10 years of enrollment.

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.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at just $3,613/year net cost and only $8,250 in median debt, this is one of the most affordable college options you'll find anywhere, making it a reasonable starting point for students who want to minimize financial risk. However, the 31% graduation rate is a serious concern — most students who enroll don't finish — and median earnings of $33,200 a decade out suggest limited return on investment even for completers. Worth considering if you need a low-cost path to an associate degree or a local stepping stone, but go in with a clear plan and an honest look at why so many students leave before finishing.

Founded
1961
Setting
Fringe rural

Popular Programs

Health Professions18%
Business & Marketing13%
Education4%
Computer Science2%
Communications1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Jessica Lynch

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$4,420
Out-of-State Tuition
$9,124
Avg Net Price
$3,613
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants30%
Median debt at graduation$8,250

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
31%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
N/A
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$33,200
after enrollment
Median Debt
$8,250
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$8,250
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$26,700
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$33,200
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 4.0x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White94%
Black1%
Hispanic/Latino2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,692 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

West Virginia University at Parkersburg

300 Campus Drive

Parkersburg, WV 26104

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in West Virginia

Browse all West Virginia schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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