Degree Dividend
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West Virginia University at Parkersburg vs Concord University: which has better ROI?

Public, Parkersburg WV · vs · Public, Athens WV

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Concord University comes closer — median earnings $42,703 against a $39,864 total, vs $35,171 at West Virginia University at Parkersburg. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureWest Virginia University at ParkersburgConcord University
Net price / yr$1,807$9,966
Total net cost$3,614$39,864
Median earnings, 10 yrs$35,171$42,703
Median debt$12,570$18,900
Payback
20-year net return-$267,394-$153,004

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, West Virginia University at Parkersburg or Concord University?

West Virginia University at Parkersburg, at $1,807 a year after aid versus $9,966 — a gap of $8,159 a year, or $36,250 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do West Virginia University at Parkersburg or Concord University graduates earn more?

Concord University graduates report a median $42,703 ten years after entry, $7,532 more than the $35,171 at West Virginia University at Parkersburg. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, West Virginia University at Parkersburg or Concord University?

West Virginia University at Parkersburg: its completers carry a median $12,570 in federal loans versus $18,900 at Concord University, a difference of $6,330. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

39% of students finish at Concord University, against 9% at West Virginia University at Parkersburg. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

West Virginia University at Parkersburg vs Concord University: frequently asked questions

Is West Virginia University at Parkersburg or Concord University a better value?
Concord University comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, West Virginia University at Parkersburg or Concord University?
West Virginia University at Parkersburg: $1,807/yr net price after aid versus $9,966/yr at Concord University — a difference of $8,159 a year, or about $36,250 over four years.
Do West Virginia University at Parkersburg or Concord University graduates earn more?
Concord University graduates earn a median $42,703 ten years after entry, versus $35,171 at West Virginia University at Parkersburg — a $7,532 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.