Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at West Virginia University at Parkersburg

WVU Parkersburg's nursing program produces graduates earning $64,670 in their first year—notably below both the state median ($67,859) and trailing several in-state alternatives like Davis & Elkins and Fairmont State. More concerning is the trajectory: by year four, earnings drop to $58,045, a 10% decline that runs counter to typical career progression in nursing. This backward slide suggests graduates may be shifting to lower-paying positions or reduced hours rather than advancing into better-compensated roles.

The moderate debt load of $20,103 is actually better than West Virginia's typical nursing debt ($24,250), making the financial picture less painful than the earnings alone suggest. That 0.31 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can reasonably manage payments while establishing themselves. However, ranking at just the 40th percentile among West Virginia nursing programs indicates this is a middle-of-the-pack option in a state where you have 16 choices.

For families prioritizing affordability over maximum earning potential, this program offers a manageable entry into nursing. But if your child has the grades to gain admission elsewhere, programs like Blue Ridge Community and Technical College deliver stronger first-year earnings with similar associate degree credentials. The declining income pattern here warrants serious questions about local job market conditions and whether graduates are finding the career stability nursing typically provides.