Business Administration, Management and Operations at Potomac State College of West Virginia University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Potomac State College's business program outperforms both state and national benchmarks while keeping debt manageable—a combination that's harder to find than you might expect. With first-year earnings of $49,634 that climb to $60,001 by year four, graduates here earn more than the typical West Virginia business graduate ($42,738) and rank in the 64th percentile nationally. That 21% earnings growth suggests these graduates are building marketable skills that translate into career advancement.
The debt picture reinforces the value story. At $25,242, graduates owe roughly half their first-year salary—a debt-to-earnings ratio that financial aid experts generally consider sustainable. This matches closely with both state and national debt medians, meaning students here aren't paying a premium for these better-than-average outcomes. For a state where nearly 40% of students qualify for Pell grants, that accessibility matters.
While this program doesn't reach the heights of University of Charleston or American Public University System, it matches West Virginia University's outcomes at what's typically a lower total cost of attendance. If your child is considering business school in West Virginia and wants solid earning potential without excessive debt, Potomac State delivers a straightforward value proposition: above-average results at average prices.
Where Potomac State College of West Virginia University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates earn $50k, placing them in the 64th percentile of all business administration, management and operations bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in West Virginia
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in West Virginia (19 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Potomac State College of West Virginia University | $49,634 | $60,001 | $25,242 | 0.51 |
| University of Charleston | $63,623 | $50,544 | $13,666 | 0.21 |
| American Public University System | $61,687 | $64,308 | $20,490 | 0.33 |
| West Virginia University | $49,634 | $60,001 | $25,242 | 0.51 |
| Salem University | $45,834 | — | $31,000 | 0.68 |
| West Virginia University at Parkersburg | $44,419 | $47,593 | — | — |
| National Median | $45,703 | — | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in West Virginia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across West Virginia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Charleston Charleston | $32,842 | $63,623 | $13,666 |
| American Public University System Charles Town | $8,400 | $61,687 | $20,490 |
| West Virginia University Morgantown | $9,648 | $49,634 | $25,242 |
| Salem University Salem | $10,750 | $45,834 | $31,000 |
| West Virginia University at Parkersburg Parkersburg | $4,420 | $44,419 | — |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Potomac State College of West Virginia University, approximately 39% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 134 graduates with reported earnings and 147 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.