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Public, 4-year

West Virginia University at Parkersburg

Parkersburg, West Virginia · www.wvup.edu

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Out-of-state tuition

$9,424

In-state $5,476

Peer median $11,384

Undergraduates

2,728

Student-faculty ratio 17:1

Peer median 19 : 1

“Peers” are all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

West Virginia University at Parkersburg (WVUP) is a prominent institution located in Parkersburg, West Virginia. This branch of the West Virginia University system offers a unique blend of academic rigor and community engagement. One of the defining features of WVUP is its commitment to providing accessible education to a diverse student body, with a strong emphasis on meeting the needs of non-traditional students. The university offers a variety of associate and bachelor's degree programs, along with a range of certificate options, making it an ideal choice for those looking to advance their careers or pursue further education.

The campus culture at WVUP is marked by a supportive and inclusive environment where students are encouraged to participate in various extracurricular activities. The university promotes a strong sense of community through numerous student organizations, clubs, and events that foster personal growth and social interaction. Additionally, WVUP’s faculty is composed of dedicated professionals who are not only experts in their fields but also deeply committed to student success. This combination of quality education and a nurturing atmosphere ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the workforce, with a strong track record of successful employment post-graduation. Overall, West Virginia University at Parkersburg stands out as an institution dedicated to the holistic development of its students and the betterment of the local community.

Trends in Tuition, Enrollment, and Graduation Rates

West Virginia University at Parkersburg has witnessed notable changes in several key metrics over the past decade, particularly in tuition costs, student enrollment, and graduation rates. The data indicates a gradual increase in in-state tuition, which rose from $2,712 in 2014 to $5,248 by 2024, while out-of-state tuition increased from $9,648 to $9,424 over the same period. This trend reflects a broader national pattern where rising tuition costs pose significant challenges for students and their families.

Student enrollment has shown a concerning decline, dropping from 3,824 in 2013 to just 2,288 in 2023. This reduction could be attributed to various factors, including demographic shifts, economic conditions, and increasing competition among institutions. The decrease in enrollment raises questions about the university's long-term sustainability and its ability to attract and retain students amid changing educational landscapes.

Graduation rates, particularly the rates of on-time graduation, have remained relatively low, with figures hovering around 10% in recent years. This suggests that the university may face challenges in supporting students to complete their degrees within the expected timeframe. The 150% graduation rates, while somewhat better, still indicate that most students are not graduating as efficiently as they could be.

In contrast to these challenges, the retention rate for the latest year shows an impressive 100%, suggesting that once students are enrolled, they are satisfied enough to continue their studies. This indicates strong potential for improvement if the institution can address factors related to tuition affordability and academic support to enhance graduation outcomes.

Overall, while West Virginia University at Parkersburg has made strides in some areas, significant work remains to be done to improve student enrollment and graduation rates, which are critical for the institution's future success.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Rural, near a city
Nearest major city
Columbus, about 90 mi
Nearest international airport
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), about 90 mi
Parkersburg, West Virginia
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Torie Jackson (President)
Phone
3044248000
City
Parkersburg, West Virginia
Address
300 Campus Drive, Parkersburg, WV 26104

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate3971 international (0.3%)
Bachelor's2272 international (0.9%)
Top 7 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other
82
General Studies
64
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
37
Elementary Education and Teaching
23
Business Administration and Management, General
11
Engineering/Industrial Management
6
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
4

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduates from West Virginia University at Parkersburg in 2023

The data from West Virginia University at Parkersburg reveals significant insights into the graduation trends for various programs in 2023. Notably, the Liberal Arts and Sciences, encompassing both General Studies and related fields, produced the highest number of bachelor’s graduates, totaling 125. This indicates a robust interest in liberal arts, which can be attributed to their versatility in career options and the emphasis on critical thinking skills that are highly valued in today's job market.

In the realm of healthcare, the Registered Nursing program also stands out, graduating 25 students at the bachelor's level. This aligns with national trends where healthcare professions are in high demand, reflecting an increasing need for qualified nursing staff. Interestingly, the data shows a small number of international students graduating, indicating that while the institution does attract local students, it may have room to expand its appeal to international candidates.

Moreover, the absence of graduates in several technical and engineering programs raises questions about the university's outreach and the alignment of its offerings with labor market needs. Fields such as Engineering and Technology showed no graduates, which may suggest a need for curriculum enhancement or increased recruitment efforts to attract students into these critical areas.

Overall, the graduation statistics highlight both strengths, such as the prominence of liberal arts and nursing, and areas for improvement, particularly in technical disciplines. As the job market continues to evolve, aligning educational programs with industry demands will be key for West Virginia University at Parkersburg to enhance its graduate outcomes and attract a diverse student body.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Liberal arts has 198 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$40,464
General Studies.$40,464
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other.$40,464
Health professionshas 98 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Surgical Technology/Technologist.$50,404
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$64,566-$95,316
Businesshas 92 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Business/Commerce, General.-
Business Administration and Management, General.-
Educationhas 49 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Elementary Education and Teaching.-
Mechanic and repair has 37 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Mechanics and Repairers, General.-
Mechanic and Repair Technologies/Technicians, Other.-
Human science has 25 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Child Development.-
Computer and information sciencehas 25 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Information Technology.-
Computer Science.-
Homeland security has 24 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.-
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 17 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.-
Engineering technologieshas 14 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Manufacturing Engineering Technology/Technician.-
Engineering/Industrial Management.-
Culinary has 12 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General.-
Precision production has 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Welding Technology/Welder.-
Science technologies has 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Chemical Process Technology.-
Science Technologies/Technicians, Other.-
Agricultural has 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations.-
Communications technologies has 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Recording Arts Technology/Technician.-
Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects.-
Communication has 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnder
Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia.-
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication.-

Students

2,728 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 39:61

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (2,728)

White
2,520 · 92.4%
Two or more races
83 · 3.0%
Hispanic
51 · 1.9%
Black
37 · 1.4%
Asian
14 · 0.5%
International
14 · 0.5%
Unknown
3 · 0.1%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
30.6%
18–19
21.7%
20–21
13.6%
22–24
9.2%
25 and over
24.9%

Data insights

Student Composition at West Virginia University at Parkersburg

The student demographic data for West Virginia University at Parkersburg in 2023 reveals interesting insights into the composition of its undergraduate and graduate populations. The undergraduate freshmen constitute a significant portion of the student body, with a total of 294 students where females slightly outnumber males, comprising 53.7% of this group. This trend continues among undergraduate juniors, where the total number reaches 1,038, with an even more pronounced female representation at 67%.

The numbers indicate a consistent pattern of higher female enrollment across various undergraduate classifications, which aligns with national trends showing that women have been pursuing higher education at increasing rates compared to their male counterparts. In contrast, the data on undergraduate transfer students also highlights a majority female demographic at 67.5%, reinforcing this observation.

Furthermore, the overall diversity of the student body is noteworthy. The data on racial and ethnic breakdowns, although incomplete, suggests that white students form the largest group among freshmen and transfer students. However, the presence of other ethnicities, including Asian, Latino, and African American students, is essential for creating a more inclusive academic environment.

In summary, the data paints a picture of a predominantly female student population at West Virginia University at Parkersburg, particularly among undergraduates. This trend reflects broader societal shifts in education and could have implications for future policy and program development aimed at supporting the diverse needs of all students on campus.

Age Distribution of Students at West Virginia University at Parkersburg

The age composition of students at West Virginia University at Parkersburg reveals intriguing insights into the demographics of the institution. A significant proportion of students fall within the younger age brackets, particularly those under 18 and between 18-19 years old, which together account for approximately 49% of the total student population. This suggests that the university is attracting a substantial number of traditional college-age students, likely reflecting broader trends in higher education where younger individuals are increasingly pursuing degrees immediately after high school.

The absence of graduate male students and the lack of students in the age groups of 22-24 and beyond indicate a potential gap in the availability of graduate programs or a shift in focus towards undergraduate studies. Notably, the representation of students aged 30 and above appears limited, with only about 13% of the total population, which may suggest challenges faced by older individuals in balancing education with work and family responsibilities.

Moreover, the gender distribution among the various age groups shows a higher enrollment of female students, particularly in the younger categories, which aligns with national trends indicating that women are increasingly pursuing higher education at higher rates than men.

This demographic data can have significant implications for university policy-making, especially in terms of program offerings, support services, and engagement strategies aimed at enhancing the academic experience for diverse student populations. As higher education continues to evolve, understanding these age dynamics will be crucial for institutions to adapt and thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.5%

14 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.0%2017: 0.0%2018: 0.0%2019: 0.0%2020: 0.0%2021: 0.0%2022: 0.0%2023: 3.1%2024: 0.7%2025: 0.5%
2016Peer median 0.8%2025

Data insights

International Student Trends at West Virginia University at Parkersburg

The data from West Virginia University at Parkersburg indicates a notable shift in the international student population over the years. In 2005, the university had a total of 3,722 undergraduate students, with only one international student, accounting for a mere 0.03% of the undergraduate body. Fast forward to 2023, and the total undergraduate enrollment has decreased to 2,288, yet the number of international students has significantly increased to 71, representing approximately 3.10% of the undergraduate population.

This change reflects broader trends in higher education, where U.S. institutions are increasingly attracting international students despite global challenges such as the pandemic and visa restrictions. The increase in the percentage of international students is a positive sign for the university, as diversity in the student body can enhance the educational experience for all students, fostering cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.

However, it is important to note that there are no available data on graduate students for the years provided, which limits our understanding of the overall international student demographics at the graduate level in this institution. As universities continue to strategize on attracting and retaining international talent, it will be crucial for institutions like West Virginia University at Parkersburg to develop supportive frameworks for these students, ensuring their success both academically and socially. The rise in the international student population could be a vital factor in revitalizing the university's enrollment and promoting a more global perspective within its academic offerings.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$23,968

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$9,424
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$5,476
Room and board
$14,544
Out-of-state tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $23,440 · all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose -18% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 293%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$32.7M

Government grants and contracts
$21.5M66.0%
Tuition and fees
$7.3M22.2%
Gifts and private grants
$1.3M3.9%
Investment return
$1.3M3.9%
Sales and services of educational activities
$317K1.0%
Auxiliary enterprises
$61K0.2%
Other
$938K2.9%

Expenses$27.7M

Instruction
$11.3M40.6%
Institutional support
$4.9M17.7%
Scholarships
$4.4M15.9%
Student services
$2.7M9.8%
Academic support
$206K0.7%
Auxiliary enterprises
$24K0.1%
Other
$4.2M15.1%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.

All faculty
$57,268peers $66,438
Professor
$73,930peers $76,496
Associate professor
$58,922peers $69,371
Assistant professor
$53,353peers $60,685
Instructor
$45,193peers $52,290

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools near West Virginia University at Parkersburg:

  1. Ohio University-Main Campus - Ranked 178th in the 2024 US News rankings, Ohio University offers a comprehensive range of programs and a vibrant campus life.

  2. Denison University - A highly regarded liberal arts college, Denison University is ranked 39th and is known for its strong academic programs and engaged student community.

  3. Ohio State University-Main Campus - This prestigious institution is ranked 43rd and provides a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on research and innovation.

  4. University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus - The University of Pittsburgh is ranked 67th and is recognized for its research initiatives and diverse academic offerings.

  5. Carnegie Mellon University - A top-ranked institution at 24th, Carnegie Mellon is renowned for its programs in technology, arts, and business.

  6. Washington and Lee University - This liberal arts university is ranked 21st and is known for its rigorous academics and strong emphasis on character development.

These institutions provide a range of educational opportunities and are recognized for their contributions to higher education.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.7 · all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Motor vehicle theft
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Data at West Virginia University at Parkersburg

The crime statistics from West Virginia University at Parkersburg show a fluctuating trend over the years from 2013 to 2023. The data indicates a significant increase in crime rates in 2015 and 2016, with a peak of 1.78 incidents per 1,000 students in 2016. This spike may correlate with various social factors or campus events that could have influenced student behavior during those years.

Interestingly, the university reported zero incidents in several years, including 2014, 2018, 2021, and 2022. This could suggest effective crime prevention strategies or a decrease in criminal activity, which is a positive sign for campus safety. However, the return to reported incidents in 2019 and again in 2023, albeit at lower rates, indicates that vigilance is still necessary.

The types of offenses primarily reported include gun-related arrests, drug-related offenses, and alcohol-related incidents. The absence of violent crimes such as murder or rape in the data is encouraging and suggests a relatively safe environment for students. Yet, the presence of drug and alcohol-related issues highlights areas where the university could focus on further preventive measures.

Overall, while the data presents a generally favorable picture of campus safety, the fluctuations in crime rates remind us of the importance of continuous efforts in crime prevention and fostering a secure campus environment. For further insights into crime rate calculations, refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.