By C.J. Harvey
For The University of Charleston
Charleston — Undergraduate students who graduate from the University of Charleston earn more in the first four years following graduation than those from any other college or university in West Virginia, according to a new analysis published by Business Insider.
Using U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data, the publication found that UC undergraduates earn a median annual income of $69,000 within four years of completing their degrees, the highest figure among West Virginia institutions included in the analysis.
The College Scorecard’s data included median annual earnings, which measured how much former federal-aid-receiving students earned 4 years after completing their degrees.
The recognition highlights the strong career outcomes achieved by UC undergraduates and reflects the university’s commitment to preparing students for success in the workforce.
“This recognition reinforces what we see every day,” UC President Marty Roth said. “While UC may be smaller than some other universities in West Virginia, it is clear our impact is significant. We focus on preparing students for careers in some of the most in-demand fields in today’s workforce, and it is rewarding to see our graduates succeeding in those careers. Our mission is to help students build meaningful careers while preparing them to contribute, lead, and make a difference in their professions and communities. I believe we are living up to that expectation.”
Business Insider’s analysis reviewed colleges and universities across all 50 states using federal data that tracks earnings outcomes for undergraduate students who received financial aid and completed their degrees.
UC’s strong results are driven in part by popular career-focused academic programs such as business and nursing. These industry-focused fields are also well-represented in UC’s expanding graduate program portfolio.
At a time when students and families are increasingly focused on the value of higher education, the recognition underscores UC’s commitment to connecting classroom learning with real-world opportunity, preparing graduates to thrive in their chosen professions, and delivering a high return on investment.
For questions or more information, please contact C.J. Harvey, UC Vice President for Marketing and Communications at [email protected] or 304-352-0014.
The University of Charleston is an independent, nationally recognized university located in West Virginia’s capital city, with an additional campus in Beckley. Named the Best College in West Virginia by Niche and recognized by The Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report, and Colleges of Distinction, UC offers more than 50 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Known for small class sizes, a student-focused approach, and deep connections to the military community, UC serves nearly 3,000 students from more than 40 states and 50 countries, all united by a mission to prepare graduates for productive work, enlightened living, and community involvement.
