NWOSU vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, OK with Potomac State College of West Virginia University in Keyser, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwestern Oklahoma State University is larger than Potomac State College of West Virginia University based on total student enrollment (2,079 students vs. 1,077 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwestern Oklahoma State University is located in Alva, OK (Remote Town setting); Potomac State College of West Virginia University is in Keyser, WV (Distant Town setting).
• Northwestern Oklahoma State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Potomac State College of West Virginia University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwestern Oklahoma State University 15:1; Potomac State College of West Virginia University 13:1.

NWOSU vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NWOSU or Potomac State College of West Virginia University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Potomac State College of West Virginia University than NWOSU ($9,541 vs. $10,492).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwestern Oklahoma State University are 54.5% lower than at Potomac State College of West Virginia University ($5,720 vs. $12,580).
• Northwestern Oklahoma State University is 13.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Potomac State College of West Virginia University (about $690 more per year; $5,970.00 vs. $5,280.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.2% higher at Potomac State College of West Virginia University than at Northwestern Oklahoma State University (about $1,536 more per year; $13,200.00 vs. $11,664.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwestern Oklahoma State University than at Potomac State College of West Virginia University (95% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwestern Oklahoma State University students is 30.8% larger than aid received by Potomac State College of West Virginia University students ($9,011 vs. $6,890).

NWOSU vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NWOSU or Potomac State College of West Virginia University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Potomac State College of West Virginia University and NWOSU.

• Potomac State College of West Virginia University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern Oklahoma State University 803/1036.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern Oklahoma State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NWOSU - Required; Potomac State College of West Virginia University - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman NWOSU students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Potomac State College of West Virginia University (3.06).

NWOSU vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NWOSU and Potomac State College of West Virginia University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Graduates from Potomac State College of West Virginia University earn a median of about $10,200 more per year than NWOSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,600 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwestern Oklahoma State University graduates have a $9,686 lower median loan debt than Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates ($14,315 vs. $24,001).
• Among borrowers, NWOSU graduates have an estimated $100 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates ($148 vs. $248).
• More Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NWOSU students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 55%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.