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Head-to-head comparison

University of Charleston vs Wheeling University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Charleston WV · vs · Private nonprofit, Wheeling WV

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

Option A Charleston, WV

University of Charleston

Net price / year
$22,107
Earnings, 10 years
$55,774
Payback
11.9 yrs

Option B Wheeling, WV

Wheeling University

Net price / year
$20,503
Earnings, 10 years
$57,949
Payback
8.6 yrs
The verdict

Wheeling University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $82,012 in 8.6 years versus 11.9 years at University of Charleston, on median earnings of $57,949 vs $55,774 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of CharlestonWheeling University
Net price / yr$22,107$20,503
Total net cost$88,428$82,012
Median earnings, 10 yrs$55,774$57,949
Median debt$19,500$25,125
Payback11.9 yrs8.6 yrs
20-year net return$59,852$109,768

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

The short answer

Which is cheaper, University of Charleston or Wheeling University?

Wheeling University, at $20,503 a year after aid versus $22,107 — a gap of $1,604 a year, or $6,416 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do University of Charleston or Wheeling University graduates earn more?

Wheeling University graduates report a median $57,949 ten years after entry, $2,175 more than the $55,774 at University of Charleston. 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.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, University of Charleston or Wheeling University?

University of Charleston: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $25,125 at Wheeling University, a difference of $5,625. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

46% of students finish at University of Charleston, against 23% at Wheeling University. 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.

University of Charleston vs Wheeling University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Charleston or Wheeling University a better value?
Wheeling University. It clears its $82,012 net cost in about 8.6 years versus 11.9 years at University of Charleston, on median earnings of $57,949 vs $55,774 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Charleston or Wheeling University?
Wheeling University: $20,503/yr net price after aid versus $22,107/yr at University of Charleston — a difference of $1,604 a year, or about $6,416 over four years.
Do University of Charleston or Wheeling University graduates earn more?
Wheeling University graduates earn a median $57,949 ten years after entry, versus $55,774 at University of Charleston — a $2,175 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.