Best Small Colleges in West Virginia 2024
Small colleges in West Virginia are a great option for students interested in a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Whether the focus is on the technical or on the liberal arts, small colleges give you the chance to pursue a well-rounded education while working closely with classmates and professors in a dynamic community atmosphere.
10 Best Small Colleges in West Virginia 2024
- West Virginia State University
- University of Charleston
- West Liberty University
- Fairmont State University
- Bethany College
- West Virginia Wesleyan College
- Shepherd University
- Bluefield State University
- Potomac State College of West Virginia University
- Concord University
- West Virginia State University
- University of Charleston
- Bethany College
- West Virginia Wesleyan College
- Fairmont State University
- West Liberty University
- Potomac State College of West Virginia University
- Shepherd University
- Concord University
- West Virginia University Institute of Technology
- Fairmont State University 98%
- Bluefield State University 97%
- West Virginia State University 96%
- Shepherd University 96%
- West Virginia Wesleyan College 96%
- Concord University 91%
- Davis & Elkins College 75%
- West Liberty University 74%
- Wheeling University 73%
- University of Charleston 68%
- Potomac State College of West Virginia University 16 to 1
- University of Charleston 16 to 1
- Glenville State University 16 to 1
- West Virginia State University 16 to 1
- Concord University 15 to 1
- Shepherd University 15 to 1
- West Virginia University at Parkersburg 15 to 1
- Salem University 14 to 1
- Alderson Broaddus University 14 to 1
- Bluefield State University 14 to 1
- West Virginia Wesleyan College $32,976
- Bethany College $32,640
- University of Charleston $31,900
- Alderson Broaddus University $31,500
- Davis & Elkins College $30,680
- Wheeling University $28,290
- Salem University $13,150
- West Virginia State University $8,856
- Bluefield State University $8,840
- West Liberty University $8,716
- Alderson Broaddus University $29,000
- University of Charleston $16,400
- Salem University $13,464
- West Virginia Wesleyan College $11,128
- Wheeling University $9,900
- Bethany College $9,900
- West Virginia State University $9,168
- Concord University $9,162
- Bluefield State University $8,840
- Glenville State University $8,280
- Glenville State University
- Davis & Elkins College
- Wheeling University
- Ohio Valley University
- Salem University
- West Virginia University at Parkersburg
- Alderson Broaddus University
- West Virginia University Institute of Technology
- Concord University
- Potomac State College of West Virginia University
- Glenville State University
- Davis & Elkins College
- Ohio Valley University
- Salem University
- Bluefield State University
- Wheeling University
- West Virginia University at Parkersburg
- Alderson Broaddus University
- West Virginia University Institute of Technology
- Concord University
- Alderson Broaddus University 61%
- West Virginia University Institute of Technology 65%
- Bethany College 65%
- University of Charleston 68%
- Wheeling University 73%
- West Liberty University 74%
- Davis & Elkins College 75%
- Concord University 91%
- West Virginia Wesleyan College 96%
- Shepherd University 96%
- Wheeling University 9 to 1
- Davis & Elkins College 10 to 1
- West Virginia Wesleyan College 11 to 1
- West Liberty University 12 to 1
- West Virginia University Institute of Technology 12 to 1
- Bethany College 12 to 1
- Fairmont State University 13 to 1
- Salem University 14 to 1
- Alderson Broaddus University 14 to 1
- Bluefield State University 14 to 1
- West Virginia University at Parkersburg $4,032
- Potomac State College of West Virginia University $4,752
- Fairmont State University $6,022
- Shepherd University $6,288
- West Virginia University Institute of Technology $7,848
- Glenville State University $8,044
- Concord University $8,540
- West Liberty University $8,716
- Bluefield State University $8,840
- West Virginia State University $8,856
- West Liberty University $7,080
- Fairmont State University $7,474
- Glenville State University $8,280
- Shepherd University $8,280
- Bluefield State University $8,840
- Concord University $9,162
- West Virginia State University $9,168
- Wheeling University $9,900
- Bethany College $9,900
- West Virginia Wesleyan College $11,128
Colleges and Universities in West Virginia
West Virginia has 20 public higher education institutions, all at a sticker price of $9,000 or less, making it one of the more affordable states to earn a degree. With over 25,000 students in attendance, West Virginia University is the largest and charges $9,000 in tuition. Aside from the community and state colleges, six other public universities have populations ranging from about 2,100 to just over 10,000, and all schools have a tuition rate of about $8,000.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
The state is also home to 12 private schools, eight of which are religiously affiliated. The University of Charleston is the largest private university, but its student population is still small. About 2,000 students take classes in fields such as chemistry, political science, and history, and the tuition totals $21,000. At $32,000 in tuition and fees, West Virginia Wesleyan College is the most expensive, but its student population is only slightly above 1,300.
As the only state contained entirely within the Appalachian range, West Virginia is rightfully nicknamed The Mountain State. Those who love the outdoors will feel at home hiking through the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve or skiing at Canaan Valley Ski Resort. History buffs can visit Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, where they can take a walk through life in the 1800s. In addition, the state offers over 30 private and public colleges and universities to those looking to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree.
Check out the state’s top programs and see why West Virginia could be a good fit for your educational goals and budget.
What are West Virginia’s Colleges & Universities?
- 3 Research Universities
- 18 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 4 Graduate Schools
- 12 Public Colleges & Universities
- 9 Private Colleges & Universities
- 6 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 18 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 14 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 8 Community Colleges
- 10 Online Colleges
West Virginia’s Best Overall
The following list of the best small colleges and universities in West Virginia is composed mainly of four-year undergraduate schools (though a handful also offer graduate programs). We’ve identified 18 small colleges in West Virginia. The list below of the best small colleges in West Virginia. To be included schools must fully accredited, and must have student body populations below 5,000 students.
Best Small Colleges in West Virginia 2023
- #11 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #3 Best Colleges in West Virginia 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Public Colleges in West Virginia 2024
- #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #2 Best Online Colleges in West Virginia 2024
- #3 Best Online Master's Programs in West Virginia 2024
- #16 Best Online Bachelor’s of Health Science Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #17 Best HBCU Online Programs
- #19 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
35%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
952/19
Career Outlook for degree at West Virginia State University
Cost of Degree: $9,431Expenses: $16,615Starting Salary: $33,800Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is West Virginia State University known for?
West Virginia State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
West Virginia State University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Accounting
- Required Credits: 35
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in English
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
RBA in Regents Bachelor Of Arts
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Private Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in West Virginia 2024 #5 Best Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in West Virginia 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
68%
Graduation
42%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Charleston
Cost of Degree: $21,500Expenses: $14,600Starting Salary: $46,800Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Charleston known for?
University of Charleston’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Political Science
- Business
- Communications
- Psychology
- Nursing
- Criminal Justice
- Education
- Chemistry
- Medical
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
University of Charleston’s Online Degrees
BSBA in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Accounting
- Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Organizational Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSCS in Cybersecurity
- Required Credits: 125
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing
Degree Concentrations
- Rn To Bsn
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #6 Best Colleges in West Virginia 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
61%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1009/7
Career Outlook for degree at West Liberty University
Cost of Degree: $8,716Expenses: $15,789Starting Salary: $39,500Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is West Liberty University known for?
West Liberty University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
West Liberty University’s Online Degrees
BSN in Nursing
Degree Concentrations
- Rn To Bsn
- Required Credits: 125
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #7 Best Colleges in West Virginia 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
98%
Graduation
46%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
935/20
Career Outlook for degree at Fairmont State University
Cost of Degree: $8,008Expenses: $13,022Starting Salary: $38,400Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Fairmont State University known for?
Fairmont State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Nursing
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Political Science
- Engineering
- Education
- History
Most Influential Alumni
- #1 Best Christian Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in West Virginia 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
65%
Graduation
42%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Bethany College
Cost of Degree: $32,850Expenses: $15,700Starting Salary: $44,200Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Bethany College known for?
Bethany College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Biology
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Mathematics
- Education
- Literature
- Political Science
- History
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Christian Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #9 Best Colleges in West Virginia 2024
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
53%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1045/20
Career Outlook for degree at West Virginia Wesleyan College
Cost of Degree: $32,976Expenses: $15,725Starting Salary: $48,800Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is West Virginia Wesleyan College known for?
West Virginia Wesleyan College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Sociology
- Economics
- Literature
- Business
- History
- Mathematics
- Religious Studies
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Best Public Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #10 Best Colleges in West Virginia 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
48%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1050/21
Career Outlook for degree at Shepherd University
Cost of Degree: $8,282Expenses: $14,862Starting Salary: $43,000Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Shepherd University known for?
Shepherd University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- History
- Computer Science
- Nursing
- Political Science
- Communications
- Engineering
- Education
- Chemistry
- Criminal Justice
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Best Public Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in West Virginia 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
97%
Graduation
35%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
975/19
Career Outlook for degree at Bluefield State University
Cost of Degree: $9,840Expenses: $16,100Starting Salary: $31,900Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Bluefield State University known for?
Bluefield State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Bluefield State University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Management
- Marketing
- Entrepreneurship
- Accounting
- Sport Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Accountancy
- Required Credits: 150
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Computer Science
- Required Credits: 121-122
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Forensic Investigation
- Corrections
- Law Enforcement
- Required Credits: 125
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Social Science
Degree Concentrations
- Political Science
- Required Credits: 120-121
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Elementary Education
Degree Concentrations
- Middle Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Humanities
- Required Credits: 81
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Regents Bachelor Of Arts
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Social Sciences
Degree Concentrations
- History
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Required Credits: 120-121
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Health Services Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Registered Nurse (2+2)
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Applied Science
Degree Concentrations
- Pre-Medicine
- Interdisciplinary
- Required Credits: 120-122
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Civil Engineering Technology
- Required Credits: 89-91
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Engineering Management
- Required Credits: 64
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Imaging Science
Degree Concentrations
- 2+2 Program
- Computed Tomography
- Nuclear Medicine
- Sonography
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Electrical Engineering Technology
- Required Credits: 60-64
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #8 Best Public Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in West Virginia 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
26%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Potomac State College of West Virginia University
Cost of Degree: $4,752Expenses: $13,236Starting Salary: $52,700Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Potomac State College of West Virginia University known for?
Potomac State College of West Virginia University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Potomac State College of West Virginia University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- General Business
- Marketing
- Hospitality And Tourism Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Integrated Marketing Communications
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BAS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BMDS in Multidisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
RBA in Regents Bachelor Of Arts
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #9 Best Public Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in West Virginia 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
40%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1012/21
Career Outlook for degree at Concord University
Cost of Degree: $9,100Expenses: $14,418Starting Salary: $35,700Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Concord University known for?
Concord University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Mathematics
- Earth Sciences
- Psychology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- History
- Political Science
- Education
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
Concord University’s Online Degrees
BS in Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
65%
Graduation
34%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1015/21
Career Outlook for degree at West Virginia University Institute of Technology
Cost of Degree: $7,848Expenses: $15,626Starting Salary: $52,700Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is West Virginia University Institute of Technology known for?
West Virginia University Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Medical
- Biology
- Criminal Justice
- Chemistry
- Nursing
- Sociology
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Christian Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #9 Best Online Colleges in West Virginia 2024
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
61%
Graduation
34%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
980/18
Career Outlook for degree at Alderson Broaddus University
Cost of Degree: $31,500Expenses: $14,737Starting Salary: $47,000Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Alderson Broaddus University known for?
Alderson Broaddus University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Alderson Broaddus University’s Online Degrees
BSN in Nursing
Degree Concentrations
- Rn-Bsn
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
30%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at West Virginia University at Parkersburg
Cost of Degree: $4,132Starting Salary: $33,200What is West Virginia University at Parkersburg known for?
West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #4 Best Grad Schools in West Virginia 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #9 Best Online Master's Programs in West Virginia 2024
Tuition + fees
$13K
Graduation
29%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Salem University
Cost of Degree: $13,150Expenses: $11,400Starting Salary: $34,100Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Salem University known for?
Salem University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Salem University’s Online Degrees
BS in Accounting
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Applied Management
- Esports Management
- Finance
- Healthcare Management
- Human Resource Management
- International Business
- Management
- Retail Management
- Sports & Recreation Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSBA in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Engineering Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Computer Science
Degree Concentrations
- Data Science
- Software Development
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Information Technology
Degree Concentrations
- Cybersecurity
- Enterprise Network Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Criminal Justice
Degree Concentrations
- Crime Scene Investigation
- Homeland Security
- Law Enforcement
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
What is Ohio Valley University known for?
Ohio Valley University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #5 Best Christian Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #8 Best Private Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in West Virginia #10 Best Online Master's Programs in West Virginia 2024
Tuition + fees
$28K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
70%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Wheeling University
Cost of Degree: $29,290Expenses: $14,720Starting Salary: $49,600Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Wheeling University known for?
Wheeling University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Best Christian Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #9 Best Private Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #7 Best Online Colleges in West Virginia 2024
Tuition + fees
$31K
Acceptance
75%
Graduation
48%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1002/7
Career Outlook for degree at Davis & Elkins College
Cost of Degree: $30,680Expenses: $14,677Starting Salary: $40,200Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Davis & Elkins College known for?
Davis & Elkins College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Mathematics
- Sociology
- Literature
- Chemistry
- Economics
- Criminal Justice
- Computer Science
- Nursing
- History
Most Influential Alumni
Davis & Elkins College’s Online Degrees
BSN in Nursing
Degree Concentrations
- Rn To Bsn
- Required Credits: 40
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #6 Best Online Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #7 Best Online Associate Degrees in West Virginia 2024
Tuition + fees
$9K
Graduation
33%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Glenville State University
Cost of Degree: $9,064Expenses: $15,158Starting Salary: $38,400Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Glenville State University known for?
Glenville State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Glenville State University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
West Virginia’s Best Small College in Your Area of Interest
2021 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.
Many states have great small colleges. If you’re interested in looking into what other states have to offer, check out the best small colleges in Iowa and Texas.