College Costs in Wheeling, WV 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Wheeling, 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
Wheeling Overview
Population
26,771
Student Population
2,753 (10.3%)
Cost of Living Index
78.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
40/100
Transit Score
13/100
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
College Cost Calculator for Wheeling
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$83,472
Total After Financial Aid
$83,472
Annual Cost
$20,868
Annual After Aid
$20,868
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $83,472 |
| Monthly Payment | $948 |
| Total Interest | $30,265 |
| Total Loan Cost | $113,737 |
Universities in Wheeling
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Wheeling State University | Public | $8,503 |
| Wheeling Community College | Community | $5,088 |
Wheeling has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Wheeling vs. National Average
| Category | Wheeling | 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 | 78.8 | 100 | -21.200000000000003 |
Wheeling'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 Wheeling
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,753 students
Wheeling has a total population of 26,771, with approximately 2,753 college students (10.3% of the population). Wheeling has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Wheeling
$23,047
Starting Salary
4.6%
Unemployment Rate
75%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Wheeling earn a median starting salary of $23,047, which is -$11,953 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $83,472 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,328 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in West Virginia
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