West Virginia University

What are the graduation rates for students at West Virginia University?

West Virginia University has an overall graduation rate of 61%, placing it in the top 45% of comparable institutions. The six-year graduation rate is slightly lower at 60%, which is also considered above average and ranks in the top 45%. However, the university's four-year graduation rate is notably lower at 43%, situating it in the bottom half nationally.

Breaking down graduation rates by gender reveals some disparity. Women tend to graduate at a higher rate of 67%, ranked in the top 40%, while men graduate at a lower rate of 56%, also in the top 45%. This gap suggests female students at West Virginia University generally complete their degrees more quickly or consistently than their male counterparts.

The university maintains a retention rate of 81%, which signals that a substantial majority of first-year students continue their studies into the second year. This retention figure is considered above average and ranks in the top 35%, indicating relatively strong student persistence after initial enrollment.

What is the earning potential for graduates at West Virginia University?

Graduates of West Virginia University see a wide range of earning potentials depending on their field of study. Students pursuing degrees in engineering disciplines tend to achieve some of the highest average salaries. For instance, graduates in Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering earn approximately $69,420, while those in Computer Engineering and Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering follow closely with earnings near $68,916 and $66,040 respectively. Similarly, Mechanical Engineering alumni report average earnings of about $65,850.

Computer-related degrees also demonstrate strong financial outcomes. Graduates in Computer and Information Sciences earn around $65,253, and Computer Science majors make close to $54,477. Those specializing in Management Information Systems report earnings of approximately $56,463, reflecting robust salaries in technology and information fields.

Among business-oriented programs, earnings vary but generally indicate solid economic opportunities. Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates average $45,204, with Marketing and Accounting graduates earning $44,543 and $43,916 respectively. Finance and Financial Management Services on average yield $43,925, while Business/Commerce graduates earn roughly $40,412.

Other notable fields with competitive earnings include Landscape Architecture, where graduates report an average income of $50,843, and Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science, which offers around $55,033. Registered Nursing alumni also experience strong results, with average earnings near $61,227.

In contrast, some degrees show more modest income outcomes. For example, English Language and Literature graduates earn about $18,726, while Fine and Studio Arts alumni earn $24,612. Those with degrees in Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management or Drama/Theatre Arts average $19,620 and $19,345 respectively.

Fields in the social sciences and humanities such as Sociology, Psychology, and Geography offer average salaries ranging from approximately $25,520 to $32,177. Interdisciplinary studies also align with this range, with multi/interdisciplinary graduates earning around $31,937.

Science majors reveal mixed earnings: Mathematics graduates average $43,465, while Geological and Earth Sciences alumni report about $41,892. Biology and Health-related programs typically see earnings between $26,000 and $32,000, illustrating moderate financial returns in these areas.

Overall, West Virginia University produces graduates in numerous disciplines with varied earning potentials. Engineering, computer science, and health-related fields appear to offer the most lucrative opportunities, while arts and humanities programs generally report lower average incomes.