Rankings / By State

Best Master's Programs in West Virginia

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 17 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$47,225

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

42%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$13,271

Avg. Net Price

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Choosing the right master's program can be a pivotal decision for many students. In West Virginia, where higher education is a key factor for economic mobility, understanding which programs lead to successful outcomes is crucial. The average earnings for graduates from these master's programs sit at $47,225, highlighting the potential return on investment for students weighing their options.

What sets the top schools apart in this list are their graduate outcomes, specifically earnings, graduation rates, and student debt levels. For instance, West Virginia University stands out with impressive earnings of $55,939 and a graduation rate of 63%, suggesting a strong alignment between what students invest in their education and what they can expect to earn afterward. It's important to look at the interplay of these metrics when considering which program might be the best fit for your goals.

Among the top five, West Virginia University Institute of Technology and Marshall University offer contrasting experiences. While both schools have similar debt levels around $22,500, the earnings for graduates from West Virginia University Institute of Technology are notably higher at $55,939 compared to Marshall University's $46,354. This difference underlines the importance of evaluating not just the cost of education but the potential financial outcomes post-graduation as well.

Key Findings

West Virginia University graduates earn an average of $55,939, the highest in the state.

The graduation rate at West Virginia University is 63%, significantly above the state average of 42%.

Marshall University graduates carry an average debt of $23,250, which is among the highest in the top programs.

Fairmont State University has a net price of $9,032, making it one of the more affordable options in the state.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 17

Avg. earnings at 10yr $47,225

Avg. graduation rate 42%

Avg. net price $13,271

Avg. median debt $22,370

How We Ranked

Master's programs in West Virginia ranked by graduate outcomes

Read our full methodology →

Earnings vs. Cost

Each dot is a ranked school. Up = higher earnings. Right = higher cost. Top-left is the best value.

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

Top 3

West Virginia University

Morgantown, WV

Graduation63%

Earnings$55,939

Net Price$15,634

View full profile →

Marshall University

Huntington, WV

Graduation50%

Earnings$46,354

Net Price$7,502

View full profile →

Shepherd University

Shepherdstown, WV

Graduation50%

Earnings$49,358

Net Price$11,363

View full profile →

Featured Programs From Accredited Schools

Accredited schools accepting applicants in this field.

Full Rankings

West Virginia University

Morgantown, WV · 17,385 students · Public

With a vibrant student body of over 17,000, West Virginia University in Morgantown presents a rich campus life and diverse academic offerings. The graduation rate sits at 63%, indicating a solid commitment to student success, with many graduates earning a median income of $55,939 within a decade of finishing their degrees. This mix of community and achievement makes it a compelling choice for students looking to thrive in an engaging environment.

89% accepted 63% graduate $55,939 earnings

Marshall University

Huntington, WV · 7,266 students · Public

In Huntington, Marshall University serves around 7,266 students, creating a welcoming atmosphere that balances personal attention with a variety of programs. The school has a graduation rate of 50%, which reflects its efforts to support student retention and success. Graduates earn a median income of $46,354, which shows potential for solid financial stability in the workforce.

96% accepted 50% graduate $46,354 earnings

Marshall's full profile

Shepherd University

Shepherdstown, WV · 2,344 students · Public

Shepherd University in Shepherdstown offers a close-knit community with about 2,344 students, creating an environment where individuals can thrive both academically and socially. The graduation rate stands at 50%, highlighting the university's focus on supporting its students. Graduates find success in the job market, earning a median income of $49,358 ten years after graduation, which reflects the value of a degree from this institution.

97% accepted 50% graduate $49,358 earnings

Shepherd's full profile

Concord University

Athens, WV · 1,504 students · Public

Concord University, located in the picturesque hills of Athens, WV, is a supportive environment for students pursuing their passions. With an acceptance rate of 93%, this school welcomes a diverse array of applicants looking for a personalized educational experience.

93% accepted 41% graduate $42,703 earnings

Concord's full profile

University of Charleston

Charleston, WV · 2,259 students · Private nonprofit

The University of Charleston stands out with its focus on practical education and a solid return on investment, where graduates earn a median of $55,774 within ten years of completing their degree. Located in the heart of Charleston, this private nonprofit institution creates opportunities for students to engage with local businesses and industries, enhancing their learning experience through real-world applications.

62% accepted 46% graduate $55,774 earnings

University's full profile

West Liberty University

West Liberty, WV · 1,511 students · Public

With a 97% acceptance rate, West Liberty University welcomes a diverse range of students, creating a vibrant campus community. The school’s median earnings of $43,296 a decade after graduation suggest that graduates can find meaningful employment in various fields, which is a crucial consideration for many families when choosing a college.

97% accepted 60% graduate $43,296 earnings

West Virginia State University

Institute, WV · 1,321 students · Public

West Virginia State University, nestled in Institute, WV, is an inviting option for students seeking a close-knit campus atmosphere. Though the graduation rate is 36%, the university is dedicated to helping students succeed through various support services and resources tailored to individual needs.

96% accepted 36% graduate $40,492 earnings

West Virginia Wesleyan College

Buckhannon, WV · 954 students · Private nonprofit

West Virginia Wesleyan College offers a picturesque campus experience in Buckhannon, and it attracts students committed to academic excellence, reflected in its 53% graduation rate. With median earnings of $51,593 a decade post-graduation, the school strikes a balance between a nurturing environment and practical career outcomes for its students.

93% accepted 53% graduate $51,593 earnings

West Virginia University Institute of Technology

Beckley, WV · 981 students · Public

Located in Beckley, the West Virginia University Institute of Technology is a smaller campus with around 981 students, offering an intimate learning environment. The school has a lower graduation rate of 34%, but students can expect the same median earnings of $55,939 at ten years post-graduation, indicating that the degrees earned here can lead to solid financial outcomes despite the challenges some students face.

37% accepted 34% graduate $55,939 earnings

Fairmont State University

Fairmont, WV · 2,590 students · Public

With a 99% acceptance rate, Fairmont State University is an accessible choice for many students in West Virginia. The university's location in a charming small town offers a tight-knit community where students can thrive academically and socially.

99% accepted 46% graduate $46,857 earnings

Fairmont's full profile

#11

Davis & Elkins College

Elkins, WV · 661 students · Private nonprofit

Located in Elkins, West Virginia, Davis & Elkins College presents a close-knit environment with just 661 students, making it an attractive option for those who thrive in smaller settings. The college has a 94% acceptance rate, suggesting an open and welcoming approach to student admissions, which can be especially appealing for applicants looking for a supportive community as they begin their college journey.

94% accepted 38% graduate $43,411 earnings

Glenville State University

Glenville, WV · 1,096 students · Public

Glenville State University offers a unique atmosphere in which students can truly feel at home while pursuing their education. The school has a graduation rate of 35%, but many students find success in its tight-knit community that emphasizes engagement and hands-on learning experiences.

35% graduate $39,315 earnings

Glenville's full profile

#13

Wheeling University

Wheeling, WV · 589 students · Private nonprofit

Wheeling University may attract students with its focus on close-knit community learning, fostering personal growth and academic success despite its lower graduation rate of 27%. With median earnings of $57,949 after ten years, graduates find themselves in promising positions, indicating that the university supports a strong network of career opportunities.

63% accepted 27% graduate $57,949 earnings

Wheeling's full profile

#14

Bethany College

Bethany, WV · 614 students · Private nonprofit

Bethany College is a private nonprofit institution that fosters a close-knit community with a focus on student success. With a graduation rate of 47%, students here are encouraged to engage deeply with their studies, supported by dedicated faculty and a collaborative campus culture that values personal connections.

59% accepted 47% graduate $44,512 earnings

Bethany's full profile

#15

Potomac State College of West Virginia University

Keyser, WV · 853 students · Public

With a unique setting in Keyser, WV, Potomac State College of West Virginia University is an intimate campus that fosters strong relationships between students and faculty. Though the graduation rate is only 28%, the college emphasizes personal attention to help students achieve their academic goals.

28% graduate $55,939 earnings

Potomac's full profile

#16

Bluefield State University

Bluefield, WV · 1,042 students · Public

With a welcoming acceptance rate of 97%, Bluefield State University is an accessible option for many students looking to further their education. The community-focused environment encourages collaboration and support, making it a place where students can thrive alongside their peers in a nurturing setting.

97% accepted 36% graduate $38,217 earnings

Bluefield's full profile

#17

West Virginia University at Parkersburg

Parkersburg, WV · 1,868 students · Public

Located in Parkersburg, this university attracts students with its affordable net price of just $1,807, making higher education more accessible. Despite a lower graduation rate of 20%, the supportive faculty and resources are designed to help students overcome challenges and achieve their academic goals.

20% graduate $35,171 earnings

Despite the similarities among the top master's programs in West Virginia, a closer look reveals significant differences in outcomes. West Virginia University leads with $55,939 in earnings and a graduation rate of 63%, while Fairmont State University, though offering a lower net price of $9,032, has a graduation rate of only 46% and earnings averaging $46,857. This suggests that investing in a program with a higher graduation rate may yield better long-term financial benefits.

As you weigh options, consider how each program aligns with your personal goals and circumstances. Beyond the numbers, factors like location, program fit, and campus culture play a crucial role in your experience. It’s essential to balance the data against what’s most important to you, whether that’s affordability, proximity to home, or the reputation of specific programs.

Ultimately, the decision about which master's program to pursue is about finding a pathway to a stable future. With the right information, you can make a choice that not only enhances your education but also positions you for success in your career. One family’s choice to invest in a program with higher earnings potential could lead to a more secure financial future, underscoring the stakes involved in this decision.

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Social Capital Atlas

Times Higher Education World Rankings

NCES IPEDS

Sources & Citations

[1]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →

[2]

National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →

David Krug

Co-Founder, CollegeRanker

David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.

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