Best Colleges in West Virginia 2024

Badge for BEST IN WEST VIRGINIA COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Here are the best colleges and universities in West Virginia. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you.

10 Best Colleges in West Virginia

Sort by:
  1. West Virginia University
  2. Marshall University
  3. West Virginia State University
  4. American Public University System
  5. University of Charleston
  6. West Liberty University
  7. Fairmont State University
  8. Bethany College
  9. West Virginia Wesleyan College
  10. Shepherd University
  1. West Virginia University
  2. Marshall University
  3. West Virginia State University
  4. University of Charleston
  5. Bethany College
  6. West Virginia Wesleyan College
  7. Fairmont State University
  8. American Public University System
  9. West Liberty University
  10. Potomac State College of West Virginia University
  1. Fairmont State University 98%
  2. Marshall University 97%
  3. Bluefield State University 97%
  4. West Virginia State University 96%
  5. Shepherd University 96%
  6. West Virginia Wesleyan College 96%
  7. Concord University 91%
  8. West Virginia University 88%
  9. Davis & Elkins College 75%
  10. West Liberty University 74%
  1. American Public University System 24 to 1
  2. West Virginia University 17 to 1
  3. Glenville State University 16 to 1
  4. Marshall University 16 to 1
  5. University of Charleston 16 to 1
  6. Potomac State College of West Virginia University 16 to 1
  7. West Virginia State University 16 to 1
  8. West Virginia University at Parkersburg 15 to 1
  9. Concord University 15 to 1
  10. Shepherd University 15 to 1
  1. West Virginia Wesleyan College $32,976
  2. Bethany College $32,640
  3. University of Charleston $31,900
  4. Alderson Broaddus University $31,500
  5. Davis & Elkins College $30,680
  6. Wheeling University $28,290
  7. Salem University $13,150
  8. West Virginia University $9,360
  9. West Virginia State University $8,856
  10. Bluefield State University $8,840
  1. Alderson Broaddus University $29,000
  2. University of Charleston $16,400
  3. Salem University $13,464
  4. West Virginia Wesleyan College $11,128
  5. West Virginia University $10,602
  6. Wheeling University $9,900
  7. Bethany College $9,900
  8. West Virginia State University $9,168
  9. Concord University $9,162
  10. Bluefield State University $8,840
  1. Glenville State University
  2. Davis & Elkins College
  3. Wheeling University
  4. Ohio Valley University
  5. Salem University
  6. West Virginia University at Parkersburg
  7. Alderson Broaddus University
  8. West Virginia University Institute of Technology
  9. Concord University
  10. Potomac State College of West Virginia University
  1. Glenville State University
  2. Davis & Elkins College
  3. Ohio Valley University
  4. Salem University
  5. Bluefield State University
  6. Wheeling University
  7. West Virginia University at Parkersburg
  8. Alderson Broaddus University
  9. West Virginia University Institute of Technology
  10. Concord University
  1. Alderson Broaddus University 61%
  2. West Virginia University Institute of Technology 65%
  3. Bethany College 65%
  4. University of Charleston 68%
  5. Wheeling University 73%
  6. West Liberty University 74%
  7. Davis & Elkins College 75%
  8. West Virginia University 88%
  9. Concord University 91%
  10. West Virginia Wesleyan College 96%
  1. Wheeling University 9 to 1
  2. Davis & Elkins College 10 to 1
  3. West Virginia Wesleyan College 11 to 1
  4. West Virginia University Institute of Technology 12 to 1
  5. West Liberty University 12 to 1
  6. Bethany College 12 to 1
  7. Fairmont State University 13 to 1
  8. Alderson Broaddus University 14 to 1
  9. Salem University 14 to 1
  10. Bluefield State University 14 to 1
  1. West Virginia University at Parkersburg $4,032
  2. Potomac State College of West Virginia University $4,752
  3. Fairmont State University $6,022
  4. Shepherd University $6,288
  5. Marshall University $7,190
  6. American Public University System $7,360
  7. West Virginia University Institute of Technology $7,848
  8. Glenville State University $8,044
  9. Concord University $8,540
  10. West Liberty University $8,716
  1. American Public University System $6,660
  2. West Liberty University $7,080
  3. Fairmont State University $7,474
  4. Marshall University $7,520
  5. Glenville State University $8,280
  6. Shepherd University $8,280
  7. Bluefield State University $8,840
  8. Concord University $9,162
  9. West Virginia State University $9,168
  10. Wheeling University $9,900

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?

West Virginia’s Best Overall

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

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We’ve identified 21 colleges and universities in West Virginia that meet our criteria. This list of the top colleges in West Virginia below focuses on schools that offer bachelor’s degrees. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in West Virginia.

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Best Colleges in West Virginia 2023

  2. #2

    Marshall University

    Huntington , WV
    #2 Best Grad Schools in West Virginia 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in West Virginia 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in West Virginia 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in West Virginia 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    13K

    Career Outlook for degree at Marshall University

    Cost of Degree: $8,942
    Expenses: $16,352
    Starting Salary: $41,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Marshall University known for?

    Marshall University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Marshall University’s Online Degrees

    BA in General Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in English
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Geography
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Geography
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Professional Writing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  3. #3

    West Virginia State University

    Institute , WV
    #11 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #1 Best Small Colleges in West Virginia 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in West Virginia 2025
    Other Rankings

    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: $9,499
    Expenses: $16,568
    Starting Salary: $33,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
    Compare school
  4. #4

    American Public University System

    Charles Town , WV
    #2 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in West Virginia 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    94K

    Career Outlook for degree at American Public University System

    Cost of Degree: $8,400
    Starting Salary: $67,000
    What is American Public University System known for?

    American Public University System’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    American Public University System’s Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Analytics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Entrepreneurship
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Hospitality Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Retail Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Reverse Logistics Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sports Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Supply Chain Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Technical Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Transportation And Logistics Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Data Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Emergency And Disaster Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Fire Science Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Government Contracting And Acquisition
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Homeland Security
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Intelligence Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Legal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Security Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in English
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Human Development And Family Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in International Relations And Global Security
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Middle Eastern Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Military History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Philosophy
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Political Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Religion
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Information Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Health Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sports And Health Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Environmental Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Mathematics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Natural Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Space Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  5. #5

    University of Charleston

    Charleston , WV
    #2 Best Private Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in West Virginia 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in West Virginia 2024 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in West Virginia
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Charleston

    Cost of Degree: $21,610
    Expenses: $15,892
    Starting Salary: $46,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Charleston known for?

    University of Charleston’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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
    Compare school
  7. #6

    West Liberty University

    West Liberty , WV
    #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in West Virginia 2025 #6 Best Small Colleges in West Virginia 2025
    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: $8,732
    Expenses: $15,818
    Starting Salary: $39,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
    Compare school
  8. #7

    Fairmont State University

    Fairmont , WV
    #4 Most Affordable Colleges in West Virginia 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #5 Best Small Colleges in West Virginia 2025
    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: $8,454
    Expenses: $14,486
    Starting Salary: $38,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Fairmont State University known for?

    Fairmont State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  10. #9

    West Virginia Wesleyan College

    Buckhannon , WV
    #2 Best Christian Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #3 Best Small Colleges in West Virginia 2025 #4 Best Private Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts 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: $33,494
    Expenses: $16,045
    Starting Salary: $48,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is West Virginia Wesleyan College known for?

    West Virginia Wesleyan College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  11. #10

    Shepherd University

    Shepherdstown , WV
    #6 Best Public Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in West Virginia 2025 #8 Best Small Colleges in West Virginia 2025
    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: $8,642
    Expenses: $14,874
    Starting Salary: $43,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Shepherd University known for?

    Shepherd University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  13. #11

    Bluefield State University

    Bluefield , WV
    #7 Best Public Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in West Virginia 2025 #8 Best Online Bachelor’s of Electrical and Computer Engineering Degree Programs for 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: $10,240
    Expenses: $16,827
    Starting Salary: $31,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
    Compare school
  14. #12

    Potomac State College of West Virginia University

    Keyser , WV
    #7 Most Affordable Colleges in West Virginia 2025 #7 Best Small Colleges in West Virginia 2025 #8 Best Public Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges 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: $5,040
    Expenses: $16,020
    Starting Salary: $52,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
    Compare school
  15. #13

    Concord University

    Athens , WV
    #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in West Virginia 2025 #9 Best Public Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #9 Best Small Colleges in West Virginia 2025
    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: $9,700
    Expenses: $16,282
    Starting Salary: $35,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Concord University known for?

    Concord University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Concord University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  16. #14

    West Virginia University Institute of Technology

    Beckley , WV
    #10 Best Public Colleges in West Virginia 2024

    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: $8,064
    Expenses: $17,140
    Starting Salary: $52,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is West Virginia University Institute of Technology known for?

    West Virginia University Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  17. #15

    Alderson Broaddus University

    Philippi , WV
    #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

    What 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
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  19. #16

    West Virginia University at Parkersburg

    Parkersburg , WV
    #10 Most Affordable Colleges in West Virginia 2025 #10 Best Small Colleges in West Virginia 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    30%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at West Virginia University at Parkersburg

    Cost of Degree: $5,248
    Starting Salary: $33,200
    What is West Virginia University at Parkersburg known for?

    West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

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  20. #17

    Salem University

    Salem , WV
    #4 Best Grad Schools in West Virginia 2025 #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: $10,750
    Expenses: $11,200
    Starting Salary: $34,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
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  22. #19

    Wheeling University

    Wheeling , WV
    #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: $29,475
    Expenses: $15,812
    Starting Salary: $49,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Wheeling University known for?

    Wheeling University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  23. #20

    Davis & Elkins College

    Elkins , WV
    #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: $31,270
    Expenses: $15,191
    Starting Salary: $40,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Davis & Elkins College known for?

    Davis & Elkins College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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
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  25. #21

    Glenville State University

    Glenville , WV
    #6 Best Online Associate Degrees in West Virginia 2025 #6 Best Online Colleges in West Virginia 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Graduation

    33%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Glenville State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,412
    Expenses: $16,072
    Starting Salary: $38,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
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West Virginia’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest

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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.

  1. Bethany College
  2. West Virginia University
  3. Marshall University
  4. Glenville State University
  5. Concord University
  6. Shepherd University
  7. Davis & Elkins College
  8. Wheeling University
  9. West Virginia Wesleyan College
  10. Alderson Broaddus University
  11. Ohio Valley University
  12. West Liberty University
  13. University of Charleston
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