Business/Commerce at Strayer University-West Virginia

Strayer's West Virginia campus produces associate business graduates earning more than almost every other program in the country—$44,154 in the first year places them in the 95th percentile nationally. In West Virginia, where the median for this degree is $35,272, Strayer grads earn about $9,000 more annually, ranking 80th percentile statewide. That's essentially tied with American Public University System, the state's top earner in this field, and far ahead of most community colleges.

The tradeoff is debt: $32,810 versus a national median of just $13,437 for associate business programs. That's more than double what most graduates carry, though the 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio means you'd theoretically pay it off in under nine months if dedicating every dollar earned. With 85% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are betting on higher earnings to justify the premium price. Earnings do grow modestly to $47,516 by year four, suggesting stable career progression.

For families weighing cost against outcomes, this comes down to financial starting position. If your child can access substantial grant aid and you're confident about job placement in West Virginia's business sector, the earnings advantage is real and measurable. But if taking on $33,000 in debt for a two-year degree feels risky—especially compared to community college alternatives at a fraction of the cost—that instinct is worth trusting. The outcomes are strong, but you're paying significantly more for them.