College Costs in Parkersburg, WV 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Parkersburg, 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
Parkersburg Overview
Population
29,675
Student Population
3,481 (11.7%)
Cost of Living Index
78.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
35/100
Transit Score
16/100
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
College Cost Calculator for Parkersburg
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$88,816
Total After Financial Aid
$88,816
Annual Cost
$22,204
Annual After Aid
$22,204
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $88,816 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,008 |
| Total Interest | $32,203 |
| Total Loan Cost | $121,019 |
Universities in Parkersburg
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Parkersburg State University | Public | $8,168 |
| Parkersburg Community College | Community | $4,694 |
Parkersburg has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Parkersburg vs. National Average
| Category | Parkersburg | 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 |
Parkersburg'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 Parkersburg
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,481 students
Parkersburg has a total population of 29,675, with approximately 3,481 college students (11.7% of the population). Parkersburg has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Parkersburg
$21,839
Starting Salary
3.9%
Unemployment Rate
46%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Parkersburg earn a median starting salary of $21,839, which is -$13,161 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $88,816 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,958 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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