Business at West Virginia University at Parkersburg

Parkersburg, WV · Public · Certificate · Business/Commerce, General

a smaller institution with 1,692 students in Parkersburg, WV.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $33,536 track close to the $36,982 national median for Business programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 79.4x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Business career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

At $14,519 in median debt against $33,536 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

West Virginia University at Parkersburg ranks #26 among 130 Business programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The 8 apprenticeship pathways connected to Business reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

76 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
72
Low End
76
Score
78
High End
Earnings $33,536/yr (-9% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (54% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (832,900 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$351K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
79.4x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
16 of 16
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$4,420
Out-of-state: $9,124
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,519
5.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Business graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Chief executives $206,420 +4.3% 44%
Sales managers $138,060 +4.7% 55%
Managers, all other $136,550 +4.5% 53%
Chief executives
$206,420
+4.3% growth 44% AI-proof
Sales managers
$138,060
+4.7% growth 55% AI-proof
Managers, all other
$136,550
+4.5% growth 53% AI-proof

View all 16 career paths with full salary data →

Business Career Guide

What can you do with a Business credential from West Virginia University at Parkersburg? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Business career guide →

Compare & Explore

Business Overview

Business at Other Schools

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Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does West Virginia University at Parkersburg's Business program score?
This program scores 76/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Business nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
Should I worry about AI if I study Business at West Virginia University at Parkersburg?
AI won't eliminate Business careers, but it may reshape them. At West Virginia University at Parkersburg, a score of 76/100 already accounts for the 46% task exposure — the ROI calculation factors in reduced employment probability.
Why does West Virginia University at Parkersburg rank so high for Business?
The #26 ranking out of 130 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Can I learn Business through an apprenticeship instead of West Virginia University at Parkersburg?
The DOL recognizes 8 apprenticeship pathways related to Business. For students weighing West Virginia University at Parkersburg's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
What's the job market like for Business from West Virginia University at Parkersburg?
Job availability for Business is strong — 832,900 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For West Virginia University at Parkersburg graduates specifically, local market conditions in WV may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →