Potomac State College Of West Virginia University combines affordable education with above average earnings outcomes. As a Selective Achievers institution, the college produces $9,416 in earnings beyond expectations, ranking in the top 25% nationally, while maintaining manageable costs for students and families in West Virginia.
With well above average performance, driven by strong earnings relative to educational investment
Also well above average, reflecting controlled costs and reasonable debt levels
Positioning around the national average for enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students
Also around the national average, indicating typical outcomes for economic advancement metrics
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisStrong earnings beyond expectations
Potomac State College Of West Virginia University ranks #489 nationally in Azimuth's analysis, with composite performance at the 75.6th percentile. Located in Keyser, West Virginia, this small public college demonstrates well above average overall performance.
The institution enrolls 39.4% Pell-eligible students and 30.4% first-generation students, positioning it around the national average for access measures. Graduates earn $9,416 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 84.5th percentile nationally - a well above average result.
Median earnings reach $55,939 ten years after enrollment, placing the college at the 65.0th percentile for long-term earnings. This combination of moderate access and strong earnings outcomes places Potomac State College within the Selective Achievers quadrant, representing institutions with strong outcomes that serve fewer low-income students than mobility-focused peers.
Potomac State College Of West Virginia University delivers above average earnings outcomes relative to student backgrounds and program offerings. Graduates earn a median of $55,939 ten years after enrollment, ranking at the 65.0th percentile nationally.
Earnings span from $35,542 at the 25th percentile to $84,067 at the 75th percentile, reflecting varied career paths and transfer destinations. The institution generates $9,416 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it at the 84.5th percentile nationally on this measure - a well above average performance that ranks in the top 25% nationally.
Students seeking solid post-graduation outcomes in general studies or transfer preparation. Well-suited for first-generation students (30.4%) and Pell-eligible students (39.4%) who value affordable education with above-average earnings potential.
The Selective Achievers designation indicates strong outcomes despite serving fewer low-income students than typical access-focused institutions.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
Comprehensive Analysis
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This is the Potomac State College Of West Virginia University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/potomac-state-college-of-west-virginia-university/analysis.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Potomac State College Of West Virginia University maintains affordable tuition rates with in-state costs of $5,040 and out-of-state tuition of $12,624. The average net price across all income levels reaches $7,403, though this figure is $3,472 higher than the peer median of $10,875, indicating relatively higher costs compared to similar institutions.
Net prices vary significantly by family income, ranging from $5,309 for the lowest-income families to $12,317 for the highest-income bracket. This $7,008 difference between the lowest and highest income tiers demonstrates meaningful financial aid targeting toward lower-income students.
The gap between sticker prices and actual net costs shows that most families pay substantially less than published tuition rates, particularly those with lower incomes who benefit from federal and state aid programs. For West Virginia residents, the combination of low in-state tuition and need-based aid creates accessible pathways to higher education, though out-of-state students face higher costs that may approach the full tuition rate for higher-income families.
Potomac State College graduates demonstrate consistent earnings growth over time. Median earnings rise from $45,181 six years after enrollment to $52,556 at eight years and $55,939 at ten years, representing 23.8% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 8,307 graduates, providing high confidence in reported figures despite the institution's small size. Graduates earn $9,416 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing the college at the 84.5th percentile for earnings performance - well above average and ranking in the top 25% nationally.
Low-income graduates earn $46,200, demonstrating the institution's ability to support economic advancement for students from diverse backgrounds. Earnings span from $35,542 at the 25th percentile to $84,067 at the 75th percentile, reflecting differences in career paths and potential transfer to four-year institutions.
Approximately 30% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating strong preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education pathways.
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.
59 graduates
Potomac State College offers 1 bachelor's degree program with federal earnings data available for analysis. General Studies ranks #31 nationally and #2 in West Virginia, producing 48 graduates annually with median earnings of $44,412 and a program value score of 39.9.
This represents the institution's flagship and primary academic offering, serving as both a standalone degree pathway and preparation for transfer to four-year institutions. The program's state ranking demonstrates competitive performance within West Virginia's higher education landscape.
While the program count is limited compared to comprehensive universities, the focused approach allows the institution to concentrate resources and expertise in areas that serve student needs effectively. The earnings outcomes for General Studies graduates reflect the program's dual nature - supporting both direct workforce entry and preparation for continued education at four-year institutions.
