Best Political Science and Government Degrees in West Virginia by ROI
Colleges in West Virginia ranked by estimated 20-year net return on investment — calculated from median graduate earnings, total attendance cost, and average student debt. Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Programs in West Virginia
4
Colleges with salary data
Average 20-Yr Net ROI
-$141,702
Across West Virginia programs
Average Annual Cost
$19,919
Cost of attendance
| # | College | 20-Yr Net ROI | Median Salary | Annual Cost | Avg Debt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
American Public University System
Grad rate: 54.3% |
+$156,697 | $54,342 | $16,358 | $18,304 | Full ROI → |
| 2 |
West Virginia University Institute of Technology
Grad rate: 35.0% |
-$189,559 | $37,760 | $18,343 | $23,250 | Full ROI → |
| 3 |
West Virginia University
Grad rate: 61.7% |
-$210,899 | $37,760 | $23,678 | $23,250 | Full ROI → |
| 4 |
Marshall University
Grad rate: 49.2% |
-$323,050 | $31,743 | $21,299 | $24,233 | Full ROI → |
How ROI is calculated
20-Year Net ROI = Gross Earnings (salary × 20) − Total Degree Cost (annual cost × programme years) − Debt Payoff (avg debt × 1.35) − Baseline Opportunity Cost ($42,000 × 20 = $840,000)
A positive ROI means a degree in this field pays off relative to entering the workforce without one. Data from the U.S. College Scorecard.
Find Best Political Science and Government Degrees by State
Browse Political Science and Government programs ranked by 20-year ROI in every state that offers this degree.