College Costs in Welch, WV 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Welch, 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
1
institutions
Welch Overview
Population
2,406
Student Population
1,874 (77.9%)
Cost of Living Index
71.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
48/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
College Cost Calculator for Welch
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$86,104
Total After Financial Aid
$86,104
Annual Cost
$21,526
Annual After Aid
$21,526
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $86,104 |
| Monthly Payment | $978 |
| Total Interest | $31,219 |
| Total Loan Cost | $117,323 |
Universities in Welch
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Welch State University | Public | $9,522 |
| Welch Community College | Community | $4,945 |
Welch has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Welch vs. National Average
| Category | Welch | 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 | 71.8 | 100 | -28.200000000000003 |
Welch'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 Welch
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,874 students
Welch has a total population of 2,406, with approximately 1,874 college students (77.9% of the population). As a major college town, Welch offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Welch
$24,859
Starting Salary
4.1%
Unemployment Rate
71%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Welch earn a median starting salary of $24,859, which is -$10,141 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $86,104 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,746 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
Beckley
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,800
Clarksburg
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Teays Valley
1 colleges · Avg tuition $8,800
South Charleston
1 colleges · Avg tuition $8,800
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