College Costs in Beckley, WV 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Beckley, West Virginia. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$8,800
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$24,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$400
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Beckley Overview
Population
16,909
Student Population
1,501 (8.9%)
Cost of Living Index
78.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
39/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
College Cost Calculator for Beckley
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$83,404
Total After Financial Aid
$83,404
Annual Cost
$20,851
Annual After Aid
$20,851
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $83,404 |
| Monthly Payment | $947 |
| Total Interest | $30,240 |
| Total Loan Cost | $113,644 |
Universities in Beckley
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Beckley State University | Public | $8,627 |
| Beckley Community College | Community | $5,286 |
Beckley has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Beckley vs. National Average
| Category | Beckley | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $8,800 | $10,940 | -$2,140 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $400 | $1,050 | -$650 |
| Cost of Living Index | 78.2 | 100 | -21.799999999999997 |
Beckley's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Beckley
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,501 students
Beckley has a total population of 16,909, with approximately 1,501 college students (8.9% of the population). Beckley has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Beckley
$21,279
Starting Salary
4.8%
Unemployment Rate
49%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Beckley earn a median starting salary of $21,279, which is -$13,721 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $83,404 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,773 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in West Virginia
Charleston
2 colleges · Avg tuition $7,944
Huntington
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,700
Morgantown
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,504
Parkersburg
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,800
Wheeling
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,800
Weirton
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,800
Fairmont
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,800
Martinsburg
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,800
Clarksburg
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,800
Teays Valley
1 colleges · Avg tuition $8,800
South Charleston
1 colleges · Avg tuition $8,800
Cross Lanes
1 colleges · Avg tuition $8,800
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Beckley
How we compile Beckley college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Beckley institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Beckley's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
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