Compare 9 Nursing Science. programs in West Virginia. Average earnings: $62,732.
With top graduates earning $71,847, Nursing Science stands out as a field where program choice matters more than school name. The gap between the best and median programs exceeds $9K—proof that evaluating programs individually beats relying on institutional prestige.
Shepherd University's Nursing Science program leads with graduates earning $71,847, followed closely by Fairmont State at $70,701. The state average sits at $62,732, but these top programs demonstrate how regional publics can outperform expectations when focused on program-specific outcomes rather than overall institutional rankings.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Shepherd University graduates borrow $21,600 and face just a 6% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families, Fairmont State leads with a 10.1% family burden, proving that the best choice depends on who's paying.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Shepherd UniversityPublic | $71,847 | 73 | $21,600 | Excellent | $21,546 | Manageable |
| #2 | $70,701 | 55 | $21,000 | Excellent | $12,589 | Good | |
| #3 | West Virginia UniversityPublic | $67,758 | 208 | $22,500 | Excellent | $32,980 | Challenging |
| #4 | $64,272 | 15 | $27,000 | Good | $24,356 | Challenging | |
| #5 | Wheeling UniversityPrivate | $63,902 | 13 | $25,125 | Good | $14,847 | Manageable |
| #6 | Marshall UniversityPublic | $62,166 | 102 | $23,250 | Good | $13,944 | Manageable |
| #7 | University Of CharlestonPrivate | $60,530 | 36 | $19,500 | Excellent | $18,300 | Manageable |
| #8 | $52,975 | 25 | $18,250 | Good | $7,550 | Manageable | |
| #9 | West Liberty UniversityPublic | $50,439 | 33 | $23,250 | Good | $16,248 | Challenging |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
