by our College Data Analytics TeamCollege Factual’s Best for the Money Rankings compare the quality of a WVU degree with its cost to decide whether the school is asking a fair price. Here is how WVU measures up.
WVU is ranked #929 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of D-. Within West Virginia, it ranks #18 of 36 for value.
These WVU majors earned the highest value rankings from College Factual.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Wood Science & Wood Products/Pulp & Paper Technology | #1 of 4 |
| Mining & Mineral Engineering | #2 of 9 |
| Mining Engineering | #2 of 9 |
| Engineering | #2 of 9 |
| Forest Management/Forest Resources Management | #2 of 10 |
| L& Use Planning & Management/Development | #2 of 6 |
| Game & Interactive Media Design | #2 of 67 |
| Microbiology & Immunology | #3 of 10 |
| General Petroleum Engineering | #3 of 17 |
| Petroleum Engineering | #3 of 17 |
Below is the detailed WVU value breakdown: state and national value rankings, the real cost of a degree, and how the price stacks up against the aid most students receive.
West Virginia University is ranked #1 out of #36 in West Virginia for quality and #18 out of #36 for West Virginia value.
Live in-state? You may qualify for a reduced price. Check the WVU financial aid page to be sure.
West Virginia University is ranked #929 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Based on our analysis of other colleges at similar price points, West Virginia University is overpriced for the quality of education it provides.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at WVU costs about $17,673. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $70,690 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $25,827 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $15,634 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $17,673 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $70,690 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
There are many ways to lower the cost of a college education. Consider in-state tuition, transfer credits, or finishing your degree faster. Learn more about WVU net price and the factors that affect it.
What WVU costs you depends on how much aid you receive, so few students fit perfectly into averages.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a WVU degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $103,308 | — | — |
| All Students | $70,690 | #929 | D- |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $62,536 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $103,308 | — | — |
| All Students | $70,690 | #18 | C |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $62,536 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at WVU shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $9,217 |
| $30K–$48K | $10,199 |
| $48K–$75K | $12,379 |
| $75K–$110K | $15,708 |
| Over $110K | $17,130 |
About 80% of WVU undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $12,265 per year. Get more details on the WVU financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual determines value by weighing a school’s average total cost against its educational quality, then comparing it to other schools in the same quality tier. See the WVU net price page for the cost detail.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.