Median Earnings (1yr)
$49,634
64th percentile
60th percentile in West Virginia
Median Debt
$25,242
3% below national median

Analysis

Potomac State College's business program outperforms both state and national benchmarks while keeping debt manageableβ€”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 salaryβ€”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

Earnings Distribution

How Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Potomac State College of West Virginia University$49,634$60,001+21%
American Public University System$61,687$64,308+4%
West Virginia University$49,634$60,001+21%
Shepherd University$41,766$53,391+28%
University of Charleston$63,623$50,544-21%

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)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Potomac State College of West Virginia UniversityKeyser$5,040$49,634$60,001$25,2420.51
University of CharlestonCharleston$32,842$63,623$50,544$13,6660.21
American Public University SystemCharles Town$8,400$61,687$64,308$20,4900.33
West Virginia UniversityMorgantown$9,648$49,634$60,001$25,2420.51
Salem UniversitySalem$10,750$45,834β€”$31,0000.68
West Virginia University at ParkersburgParkersburg$4,420$44,419$47,593β€”β€”
National Medianβ€”$45,703β€”$26,0000.57

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

$140,360/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Human Resources Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

$140,030/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$138,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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.