Universities / Compare / West Virginia University vs University of Charleston

West Virginia University vs University of Charleston

Side-by-side comparison of tuition, graduate earnings, acceptance rate, graduation rate, student debt and more. Data automatically aggregated from public sources — errors may occur. Always verify with institutions.

West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV · Public · 17,385 students
$56k
Earnings 10yr
65%
Grad Rate
89.0%
Accept Rate
$16k
Net Price/yr
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University of Charleston
Charleston, WV · Private Nonprofit · 2,259 students
$56k
Earnings 10yr
46%
Grad Rate
61.5%
Accept Rate
$22k
Net Price/yr
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West Virginia University vs University of Charleston — Full Comparison

MetricWest Virginia UniversityUniversity of Charleston
Median Earnings (10yr)$55,939$55,774
Median Earnings (6yr)$45,181$42,698
Median Earnings (8yr)$52,556$49,711
% Earning >$25k (6yr)64.5%64.8%
Graduation Rate64.7%45.6%
Retention Rate83.4%74.8%
Acceptance Rate89.0%61.5%
SAT Average1,122N/A
In-State Tuition$10,104$33,800
Out-of-State Tuition$28,608$33,800
Avg Net Price (after aid)$15,634$22,107
Median Student Debt$22,500$19,500
Pell Grant Recipients21.6%31.4%
First-Gen Students30.4%43.1%
Total Students17,3852,259
Avg Faculty Salary$11,832$7,297
Spend per Student$13,615$5,497
Endowment$0.8B$0.1B
⚠️ This comparison does not imply overall superiority. Green/red indicators reflect individual metrics only. Many critical factors are NOT captured: teaching quality, research output, campus safety, mental health resources, career placement rates, alumni networks, class sizes, and individual program strength.
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Estimated Return on Investment

⚠️ This is a rough, simplified estimate only — we may have made errors in this calculation. Actual ROI depends on your major, career path, scholarships, loan interest, and individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before any financial decision.
West Virginia University
89%
Estimated ROI ratio
$55,939 earnings ÷ $62,536 est. cost
University of Charleston
63%
Estimated ROI ratio
$55,774 earnings ÷ $88,428 est. cost
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Most Popular Programs

West Virginia University
Business & Marketing17%
Engineering12%
Health Sciences9%
Biological Sciences8%
University of Charleston
Business & Marketing56%
Health Sciences26%
Biological Sciences3%
Social Sciences2%

Top Earning Programs

West Virginia University
Engineering Science$141k
Computer Science$139k
Business Administration, Management and Operations$136k⚠️ small sample
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$135k
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods$131k
Computer Engineering$130k
University of Charleston
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$85k
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions$64k
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services$63k⚠️ small sample
Health and Medical Administrative Services$36k⚠️ small sample
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services$33k
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians$33k
⚠️ Figures marked "small sample" are based on fewer than 30 graduates and may not be statistically representative. Interpret with caution and verify directly with the institution.

West Virginia University vs University of Charleston — Overview

West Virginia University is a Public located in Morgantown, West Virginia. It enrolls approximately 17,385 students with a graduation rate of 64.7%. Graduates earn a median salary of $55,939 ten years after starting college. The acceptance rate is 89.0%.

University of Charleston is a Private Nonprofit located in Charleston, West Virginia. It enrolls approximately 2,259 students with a graduation rate of 45.6%. Graduates earn a median salary of $55,774 ten years after starting college. The acceptance rate is 61.5%.

🎓 This comparison reflects publicly available data points only and may contain errors. Choosing a university involves many personal factors no dataset can capture. We strongly encourage you to visit both campuses in person, speak with current students and recent alumni, consult qualified academic advisors and financial aid officers, and seek independent professional advice before making any enrollment or financial decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is West Virginia University or University of Charleston harder to get into?+

Based on available data, West Virginia University has an acceptance rate of 89.0% while University of Charleston has an acceptance rate of 61.5%. University of Charleston is slightly more selective based on this metric alone. Acceptance rates vary by program, year, and applicant profile. Always verify directly with each institution.

Which university has better graduate earnings?+

According to available data, West Virginia University graduates earn a median salary of $55,939 ten years after starting college, while University of Charleston graduates earn $55,774. Earnings vary significantly by major, career path, and individual circumstances. These are median estimates from public sources and may contain errors.

Which is more affordable — West Virginia University or University of Charleston?+

After financial aid, the average net price at West Virginia University is $15,634 per year compared to $22,107 at University of Charleston. Net price varies significantly based on family income and financial aid eligibility. These are averages — your actual cost may differ substantially. Contact each university's financial aid office for personalized estimates.

Which offers better return on investment?+

Using a simplified ROI estimate (10yr median earnings ÷ estimated 4-year cost), West Virginia University shows approximately 89% and University of Charleston shows approximately 63%. This is a rough calculation that may contain errors — we make mistakes. Actual ROI depends on your major, career path, scholarships, loan interest, and individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making any financial decisions.

What factors should I consider beyond this comparison?+

Data comparisons capture only a fraction of what makes a university the right fit. Critical factors not reflected here include campus culture, social life, research opportunities, internship networks, geographic location, specific program quality within departments, faculty mentorship, alumni connections, mental health resources, campus safety, and your personal career goals. We strongly encourage campus visits, conversations with current students, and consultation with academic and financial advisors.

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Important Disclaimer
Data displayed on this page is automatically aggregated from publicly available sources through large-scale automation. While we strive for accuracy, errors may occur and we make mistakes — data may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. UniOutcomes is an independent data aggregation platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or partnered with any educational institution. This information is for informational purposes only and should not be the sole basis for enrollment, financial, or career decisions. Many factors that define a university experience — campus culture, faculty quality, research opportunities, location, alumni networks, and personal fit — are not captured here. Always verify data directly with the institution. Always consult a qualified professional before making any major academic or financial decision.
Data is automatically aggregated from public government sources and may be inaccurate. For informational purposes only. Always verify from official sources before making any decision. Terms of Use