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College keeps getting more and more expensive. This has been well documented.
In fact, some people wonder whether getting a college degree is even worth it anymore. It’s a fair question, since you could be earning money for four or more years, rather than racking up student debt. For some people, that might be the right path. But you should also consider the fact that getting a degree significantly improves your employment prospects. According to a study conducted by Georgetown University, of the 11.6 million jobs the economy has gained since the Great Recession, 11.5 million have gone to people with at least some collegiate education—that’s more than 99 percent. And of those, 3.8 million went to people with graduate degrees, and 4.6 million jobs went to people with bachelor’s degrees.
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So if you weren’t before, perhaps now you’re convinced that you should give college a shot. If you’re in West Virginia, or would like to go, then this is the page for you. (In fact, even if you're not, you may be able to attend through one of the Top Online Schools in West Virginia. Originally part of the state of Virginia, West Virginians split off in 1861 in order to fight slavery alongside the rest of the Union. Since then, they’ve nurtured and created a vibrant culture, in evidence especially in their state’s musical traditions, although not only there. And even if you haven’t had the chance to explore West Virginia’s natural beauty, you’ve probably heard John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” which describes his experience driving through the state. The hills, forests, and caves make for a stunning landscape.
What are the best colleges in West Virginia?
For such a small state, West Virginia has a surprising number of colleges. In order to compile this list, we combed through the data on every college and university that offers four-year degrees in order to find the best and arrange them in this list. In doing so, we considered three central factors: academic quality, student body diversity, and return on investment—a measurement of total cost against expected early career income. All data comes from IPEDS, courtesy of the National Center for Education Statistics.
Best Colleges in West Virginia
See our rankings methodology page.
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Bethany CollegeLocation
Bethany, WV
Tuition$7689
Graduation Rate47%
Overview
Bethany College was founded in 1840 in the town of Bethany. This historic town is nestled in the northern panhandle of West Virginia in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains. It was founded by Alexander Campbell and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Today, Bethany College is the oldest higher education institution in West Virginia.
Features
Today, Bethany serves over 720 students. There are over 30 different programs to study. Bethany also has several Dual-Degree programs with regional larger schools so students can complete a Bachelor and Master degree in less time. In the classroom, the average class size is 14. The student-faculty ratio is 14 to 1. Outside of the classroom, 90% of all students live on campus with access to internet, cable TV and voicemail. Additionally, there are 50 student organizations and 10 different Greek organizations for the students to join. Top majors include:
- Education
- Psychology
- Communication & Media Arts
- Biological & Biomedical Sciences
- Public Administration
Notables
Bethany requires all students to complete a senior project and to pass a comprehensive exam prior to graduation. Bethany is one of the few colleges that still maintain this requirement. It is a point of pride to know that the students are ready to enter their respective fields with a Bethany Degree.
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West Virginia UniversityLocation
Morgantown, WV
Tuition$11703
Graduation Rate57%
Overview
West Virginia University was founded in 1867 in Morgantown, West Virginia, as a land-grant university to teach agriculture and mechanic arts (an early form of engineering). It is part of the state-wide West Virginia University System. Altogether, there are over15,880 acres statewide that include 518 buildings, 10 experimental farms, 4 forests, and a 4-H camp. The main Morgantown campus has over 1,800 acres for research, learning and activities.
Features
Today, West Virginia University serves over 22,500 students on their campus studying over 341 majors. Students can join over 400 student organizations, 30 Greek Chapters or watch an NCAA Division I conference game. Inside the classroom, over 50% of their classes will be less than 20 students. The student to faculty ratio is 21 to 1. Top Majors include:
- Engineering
- Business
- Multi-Interdisciplinary
- Marketing
- Healthcare programs
Notables
There are a few things to remember when you go to West Virginia University. First, faculty are known for adding volunteering or other forms of service hours to their course requirements. Second, the school’s history and points of pride are in their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programs. Finally, because of a great partnership with the FBI, there are three crime scene houses and forensic garages for students to learn forensics. There are plenty of options to explore careers in various fields at West Virginia University.
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West Virginia State UniversityLocation
Institute, WV
Tuition$7417
Graduation Rate25%
Overview
West Virginia State University was founded in 1891 to serve as a high school education, vocational training and teacher preparation for black students. It is located a few miles outside of Charleston, West Virginia. Overtime, the small school changed its name several times and grew into a university. It is known as a Historically Black College with a rich history of alumni, military and community relations – bravery, tireless commitment and inspiring fortitude.
Features
Today, West Virginia State University serves over 3,500 students in a small school atmosphere with large university opportunities on its 100 acres. Most classes are small with less than 20 students. Student-to-faculty ratio is 17 to 1. West Virginia State University offers 23 undergraduate degrees and 6 graduate degrees. Top majors include:
- Education
- Criminal Justice
- Business
- General Studies
Notables
West Virginia has a proud military contribution. They were one of the first six historically black colleges to establish an aviation program connected to the U.S. Army Air Corp. The resulting candidates entered the first group of African-Americans to service in the Air Corps. Today, they continue the tradition the ROTC program. Because of their U.S. Army ROTC Yellow Jacket Battalion, they have produced over 900 Officers – over 100 reaching Lieutenant Colonel and 15 Generals.
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Concord UniversityLocation
Athens, WV
Tuition$5042
Graduation Rate34%
Overview
Concord University was founded in 1872 by Colonel Henderson French and five local families: Fanning, French, Holroyd, Martin, and Vermillion. Concord University is in rural town of Athens, West Virginia. It was originally started to train teachers for the area rural schools. Over the course of time, it grew to become the university that is known today.
Features
Today Concord University serves over 2,400 students. Most classes are less than 20 students with a student to faculty ration of 15 to 1. Outside the classroom, students are encouraged to study abroad, volunteer for local organizations or join one of student organizations on campus. Top Programs include:
- Business
- Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Education
- Social Sciences
- Public Administration
Notables
The University was founded by veterans of both sides of the Civil War: Union and Confederate soldiers. It was named Concord because both sides were striving to find a place where harmony and sweet fellowship would prevail between both political, emotional and religious groups. Over 125 years later, that history continues today in at Concord.
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Wheeling Jesuit UniversityLocation
Wheeling, WV
Tuition$6981
Graduation Rate64%
Overview
Wheeling Jesuit University was founded in 1954 in the suburban area of Wheeling, West Virginia, on 65 acres. It is the youngest of 28 Jesuit institutions. The school also has a 550 acre Lantz retreat farm and research preserve not far from the main campus.
Features
Today Wheeling Jesuit University serves over 1,300 students studying over 27 programs of study: 35 Bachelors, 7 Masters, 1 Doctoral and 4 Certificate programs. Students can join over 29- different organizations. Over 79% undergraduates live on campus. Nearly 70% of the classes have less than 20 students. The student-faculty ratio is 11:1. Top Majors include:
- Health Professions
- Business
- Psychology
- Homeland Security & Protective Services
- Psychical Sciences
Notables
The Society of Jesuit was founded in 1540 by St. Ignatius Loyola. He was a Basque Nobleman who gave up his wealth to seek after God. Today, the Soceity of Jesuit is one of the largest male religious orders in the Roman Catholic Church. Their motto is “God in all things”. There are over 25,000 Jesuits serving in 112 nations throughout the world.
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Alderson Broaddus UniversityLocation
Philippi, WV
Tuition$5771
Graduation Rate45%
Overview
Alderson Broaddus University was technically founded in 1867. The namesake comes from the mergers of two Baptist institutions in 1932 due to financial hardships: the Broaddus Institute and Alderson Academy. The Broaddus Institute was founded in 1871 and named after an American Civil War prominent Baptist Minister: Reverend William Francis Ferguson Broaddus. The Alderson Academy was founded in 1901 by Emma C. Alderson. Then, in 1964, a portion of Storer College, a historically black Baptist college founded in 1867, was added to Alderson Broaddus. Today, Alderson Broaddus University is in rural Philippi, West, Virginia on 170 acres.
Features
Today, Alderson Broaddus University serves over 1,000 students. Students study 25 majors, 3 graduate degrees and 7 pre-professional programs. Student-faculty ratio is 17:1. Over 60% of the classes have less than 20 students. Top Majors include:
- Biology
- Nursing
- Business Administration
- Exercise Science
- Criminal Justice
Notables
Alderson Broaddus University is located in Philippi, West Virginia, overlooking the Tygart River. It has a strong focus on faith-based learning and focusing on health-related programs. In 1968 started the nation’s first 4-year physician assistant program and in 1991 developed the physician assistant masters program.
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Davis & Elkins CollegeLocation
Elkins, WV
Tuition$7995
Graduation Rate37%
Overview
Davis & Elkins College was founded in 1904 by Senators Henry Gassaway Davis and Stephen Benton Elkins tucked in the shadow of the mighty Appalachian Mountains. These two senators were also known for their influence and efforts to build the first railroad into this coal-based area. Both Senators assisted in the development, fundraising, and land donations for this college. The local community matched the donations. With the assistance of the community, the college has developed to what it is today on 172 acres.
Features
Today, Davis & Elkins College has an enrollment of 796 students and are still strongly affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). On campus students can study over 23 majors and join over 35 student organizations including 2 Greek Organizations. There are small class sizes and a small student-faculty ratio (12 to 1). Top majors include:
- Nursing
- Business
- Marketing
- Psychology
- Hospitality
Notables
Elkins, West Virginia is a small town of 7,000 students. It is a Certified Art, Preservation and a Tree City. It borders the Monongahela National Forest. It is truly a “Small Town Gem”. It is over 2 ½ -hour drive to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
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Marshall UniversityLocation
Huntington, WV
Tuition$8402
Graduation Rate44%
Overview
Marshal University was founded in 1837 as Marshall Academy. It is named after John Marshall, the 4th chief justice of the United States. The campus has 114 acres. It is one of the oldest public institutions of higher education. It was originally founded as an academy in 1837. It became Marshall college in 1858 and university in 1961. in Huntington, West Virginia. With locations in South Charleston, Point Pleasant, Texas Valley and Beckley.
Features
Today, Marshall University serves over 13,600 students: 9,500 undergraduates and 3,400 graduate students. Students normally attend classes with an average class size of 21. There are 230 recognized student organizations. 18 Greek organizations. 61 undergraduate degrees and 61 graduate degrees. Student faculty ratio is 19 to 1. About 44% of classes have less than 20 students. Top degrees include:
- Business
- Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Health Professions
- Education
- Psychology
Notables
In November 1970, there was a plane crash that ended the lives of 75 people including a large portion of the Marshal University football team, coaches, and staff as well as other community members and crew. There is an annual fountain ceremony that marks the anniversary of the plane crash and the memory of those who lost their lives. To learn more about the story, please read more on the school website or watch the 2006 Warner Bros. feature film “We Are Marshall”.
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West Virginia Wesleyan CollegeLocation
Buckhannon, WV
Tuition$6326
Graduation Rate58%
Overview
West Virginia Wesleyan College was founded in 1890 by the United Methodist Church. Today it is a campus of 110 acres located in Buckhannon, West, Virginia. Buckhannon is located 2 hours south of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In addition to the growth seen on the campus, West Virignia Wesleyan College has developed 3-2 engineering partnerships with Virginia Tech, the University of Virginia, and West Virginia University.
Features
Today, the college services over 1400 students and offers 49 majors and 34 minors and 5 graduate programs. Local students can engage in over 70 campus groups, 9 greek organizations or watch school teams play. 90% live on campus. 58% of the classes have less than 20 students. Student-faculty ratio is 13:1. Top programs include:
- Parks, Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies
- Business, Management, Marketing
- Education
- Psychology
- Physical Sciences
Notables
Buckhannon, West Virginia, is located on the Buckhannon River in Upshur County. They are a progressive small town that has an extraordinary quality of life. This small town can track its history back before the French and Indian wars in 1755. It is proud of its heritage and West Virginia Wesleyan College.
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University of CharlestonLocation
Charleston, WV
Tuition$6776
Graduation Rate35%
Overview
The University of Charleston was founded in 1888. Located in Barboursville, West Virginia. In 1978, Morris Harvey College was renamed the University of Charleston. Today, the University of Charleston is a selective institution known for student innovation, modern venues and green spaces. Their core mission is to “educate each student for a life of productive work, enlightened living and community involvement.”
Features
Today, there are over 2,400 students studying at University of Charleston. 1,727 of those students are undergraduate students. In the classroom, there is a 15 to 1 student-faculty ratio. Over 65% of classes have less than 20 students. They have 6 graduate programs including a doctorate in pharmacy and a doctorate in executive leadership. Top programs:
- Nursing
- Business
- Education
- Biology
- Pre-med/Pre-pharmacy
Notables
When the University of Charleston moved from the north bank to the south bank of the Kanawha River, they literally ferried buildings across the river. The campus consisted of 5 government surplus buildings, 3 barracks-type buildings a Quonset hut, a small frame building and a hall that doubled as a cafeteria and assembly space.
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Bluefield State CollegeLocation
Bluefield, WV
Tuition$6763
Graduation Rate34%
Overview
Bluefield State College was founded in 1895 to educate the African-American coal miners Today there are two campuses. Bluefield – the main campus and Beckley campus in Beaver, West Virginia. It is the only non-residential 4-year college in the state system. Because of its history is it on the register of Historically Black Colleges and Universities; however, it has less than 13% black and over 80% white.
Features
Bluefield State College has 1,250 students studying between the two campuses. Students enjoy a close relationship with their faculty because of the 15 to 1 student faculty ratio. Because it is in the foothills, students continually joke about having to walk up-hill both ways when they attend classes. Top majors include:
- Engineering Technology
- Engineering
- Health Professions
- Social Sciences
- Education
Notables
Bluefield State College has a rich history of many famous individuals coming to the campus to enjoy the social scene. Heavyweight champion, Joe Louis, held boxing exhibitions in the gymnasium. Langston Hughes read poetry on campus. Count Basie and Duke Ellington played at fraternity parties. Just because you are just a small institution, it doesn’t mean that you can’t have world-class interactions.
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West Virginia University Institute of TechnologyLocation
Montgomery, WV
Tuition$6765
Graduation Rate19%
Overview
West Virginia Institute of Technology was founded in 1895 as a Montgomery preparatory school. It has grown since then by adding a junior and later a 4-year college. In 1996, it joined the West Virginia University system. In 2007, it became its own full division within the West Virginia University system. Today, the West Virginia University Institute of Technology has campuses in Montgomery and Beckley, West Virginia. However, the university, itself, is currently in the process of moving. It will finally operate entirely from the WVU Beckley campus as for Fall 2017. Today it has 170 acres. In rural.
Features
Today, West Virginia university Institute of Technology has an undergraduate enrollment of 1,263 that pursue over 40 programs. The university has kept the average class size at 17 students and the student-faculty ratio at 12 to 1. Outside the classroom, students can join over 30 student organizations and support local athletics. Top Programs include:
- Engineering
- Business
- Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, & Firefighting
- Engineering Technologies
- Computer & Information Sciences
Notables
West Virginia University Institute of Technology is currently experiencing growing pains as it undergoes the revitalization of the Berkley campus and the university move. The campus might be under construction for a while because there are additional plans to add a Tech Hiking Trail and an expansion of several other areas.
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Fairmont State UniversityLocation
Fairmont, WV
Tuition$6375
Graduation Rate33%
Overview
Fairmont State University was founded in 1865 as the state’s first private normal school (training teachers). In 1923, it offered its first Bachelor degree. In 2004, name chanted to Fairmont State University. Today, it is in Fairmont, West Virginia, on 120 acres. Fairmont, West Virginia is a city of 19,000 residents.
Features
Fairmont State University has an undergraduate enrollment of 4,600. These students pursue more than 80 bachelor degrees and 5 graduate degree programs. In the classroom, students have an average class size of 22 and a student-faculty ratio of 17-to-1. Outside the classroom, students are able to join over 80 student organizations such as Greek organizations, intramural sports, volunteering or performing arts. Top programs include:
- Civil Engineering
- Criminal Justice
- Education
- Nursing
- General Studies
Notables
Fairmont, West Virginia is known for its small-town vibes with interest in history. A few great things to do is to visit the Telephone Museum and Pricketts Fort State Park. For those used to a faster pace, Fairmont, West Virginia, reminds you that life is best enjoyed slow.
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Glenville State CollegeLocation
Glenville, WV
Tuition$6565
Graduation Rate32%
Overview
Glenville State college was founded in 1872 as a normal school – a school to develop teachers. By 1910, the college population exceeded the size of the small town of Glenville. By 1931, it became a bachelor level institution. Since then it has expanded into many other areas. Today, Glenville State College is known its GSC graduates and their faculty. Their motto is “Tradition, Innovation, Leadership and Community”. its setting is rural, and the campus size is 325 acres.
Features
Today, Glenville State College serves over 1,800 students on a campus of 325 acres. These students study 32 bachelor degrees or 5 associate degrees. The average class size is 15 students and a 11-to1 student-faculty ratio. If you want to be specific: There is an average of 18 students in entry-level courses and an average of 9 students in advanced coursework. 18 students in normal entry-level class. 9 students average in advanced level classes. Outside of the classroom, students have access to over 40 student organizations that include intramural life. Top programs include:
- Business
- Corrections & Police
- Natural Resource Management
- Education
Notables
Glenville State College’s nickname is the “Lighthouse on the Hill” for the quality of teaching and the quality of the GSC graduates in the work force. These students were known for their ‘civil, moral, refined, religious, and generous to fault’ attributes.
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Shepherd UniversityLocation
Shepherdstown, WV
Tuition$6032
Graduation Rate40%
Overview
Shepherd University was founded in 1871 in Shepherdstown to utilize the vacated courthouse for educational pursuits. In 1930, the school began offering bachelor degrees. 2004 it became Shepherd University. Today, the university is still located in a rural area on a campus with 325 acres.
Features
Shepherd University has over 3,600 undergraduates. They pursue over 30 different degrees. Inside the classroom, students have over 55% of their classes with less than 20 students. The local student-faculty ratio is 15 to 1. However, like most rural schools, 66% of the students choose to live off campus. Top programs include:
- Liberal Arts & Sciences
- Education,
- Business & Marketing
- Health Professions
- Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies
Notables
Shepherdstown, West Virginia is located 90 minutes from Washington, D. C. and Baltimore, New York areas. When you are in Shepherdstown, you can walk the many biking and hiking trails, visit historic Revolutionary war sites on the Washington Heritage trail or visit Battlefield sites. Harpers Ferry is just minutes from the school.
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West Liberty UniversityLocation
West Liberty, WV
Tuition$5416
Graduation Rate40%
Overview
West Liberty University was founded in 1837 as the West Liberty Academy in the town of West Liberty, West Virginia – just outside Wheeling, West Virginia. This is 26 years before West Virginia became a state. It is in it the town of. Today, it is a public university that offers undergraduate and graduate programs on its 263-acre property. In 2017, it is celebrating its 180th year with renewed interest, vigor and pride at being the oldest public institution in West Virginia.
Features
West Liberty University has over 70 undergraduate and graduate academic programs that over 2,320 students pursue. Inside the classroom, the average class size is 25 students. Yet, over 67% of those classes will have less than 20 students. Outside the classroom, there are over 60 student organizations to join, 9 Greek organizations to discover and attend NCAA Division II sports. Top programs include:
- Business
- Kinesiology and Exercise Science
- Education
- Criminal Justice
Notables
West Liberty is mentioned in the Declaration of Independence. It is part of the territory of New Liberty in the farthest westernmost point of new liberty in the late 1700s. Today, you can visit a Glass Museum, a toy & train museum or just purchase Russell Stover Chocolates.
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West Virginia University at ParkersburgLocation
Parkersburg, WV
Tuition$5549
Graduation Rate30%
Overview
West Virginia University at Parkersburg was founded in 1961. The first classes were housed in an old elementary school. By 1969, a bond levy was passed to develop a property off Route 47 in Parkersburg. Today, the Main campus is in Parkersburg and there is another location in Ripley. It is the fourth largest university in West Virginia.
Features
West Virginia University at Parkersburg serves over 1,600 students pursuing over 40 degrees. Inside the classroom, the average class has 14 students. The student-faculty ratio is 15 to 1. There are 40 student organizations and 21 student support services. Top Programs include.
- Nursing
- Business
- Business
- Education
- Police and criminal science
Notables
The Bell at the main campus was found in a storage closet in the original elementary school. It was cast by the Meneely Bell company of Troy, NY. Once discovered, it was restored to original operating condition. This bell is now used at campus ceremonies, including commencement. When not in use, it is on display just outside of the President’s office.
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Potomac State College of West Virginia UniversityLocation
Keyser, WV
Tuition$5270
Graduation Rate20%
Overview
Potomac State College of West Virginia University was founded in 1901 in Keyser, West Virginia, as a preparatory school for the West Virginia University. It provided a way for students who needed remedial coursework completed prior to being able to meet full admission requirements of the West Virginia University. Overtime, it has developed into a full-junior college and moved out of the remedial course work. Currently, it has added some Bachelor-level degrees. So, while it is not just a community college, it does act as a preparatory channel or a feeder system to the main campus. Today, it is West Virginia’s only residential junior college- with BA options. It is 90 miles away from Morgantown, West Virginia.
Features
Today, the students have 1,452 students studying at this 915-acre campus. They offer 43 associate degrees that are designed to transfer elsewhere as well as 3 bachelor degrees. Average class size is 22. Student to faculty ratio is 20 to 1. Top programs include:
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Business
- Criminal justice
- Engineering
- Forestry & Agriculture
Notables
Potomac State College of West Virginia University has always been the institution to provide local students the best education at their fingertips. Students who finish their first two years of education here usually go on to complete an online bachelor degree through West Virginia University.
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