Business Administration, Management and Operations at Potomac State College of West Virginia University
Bachelor's Degree
potomacstatecollege.eduAnalysis
Potomac State College's business program outperforms both state and national benchmarks while keeping debt manageableβa 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 salaryβa 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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,040 | $49,634 | $60,001 | $25,242 | 0.51 | |
| $32,842 | $63,623 | $50,544 | $13,666 | 0.21 | |
| $8,400 | $61,687 | $64,308 | $20,490 | 0.33 | |
| $9,648 | $49,634 | $60,001 | $25,242 | 0.51 | |
| $10,750 | $45,834 | β | $31,000 | 0.68 | |
| $4,420 | $44,419 | $47,593 | β | β | |
| National Median | β | $45,703 | β | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Human Resources Managers
Sales Managers
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.