Best Small Colleges in West Virginia 2025

Badge for BEST IN WEST VIRGINIA SMALL COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski
Published:
Updated:

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.

Key Takeaways

  • Small colleges in West Virginia are known for their close-knit, community-oriented campus life, where students have ample opportunities to take on leadership roles, participate in student organizations, and engage in campus traditions, fostering a strong sense of belonging.
  • Many of the colleges in our ranking emphasize a broad-based liberal arts education, complemented by hands-on learning opportunities such as internships, research projects, and community service, helping students apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
  • Small colleges in West Virginia offer low student-to-faculty ratios, allowing students to receive individualized attention and build close relationships with professors, creating a more supportive and engaging academic environment.

10 Best Small Colleges in West Virginia in 2025

  1. West Virginia State University
  2. University of Charleston
  3. West Virginia Wesleyan College
    +3
  4. Bethany College
    +1
  5. Fairmont State University
    –1
  6. West Liberty University
    –3
  7. Potomac State College of West Virginia University
    +2
  8. Shepherd University
    –1
  9. Concord University
    +1
  10. West Virginia University at Parkersburg
    +3

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best online MBA degree programs with no GRE requirements saw a fair amount of shuffling. West Virginia Wesleyan College gained three ranking positions as the college expanded their STEM programs, with upgraded labs and new research opportunities in environmental science and engineering. The college has also launched a new entrepreneurship initiative, offering students mentorship, workshops, and funding opportunities to develop and launch their own business ideas.

Additionally, WVWC has enhanced its sustainability efforts, incorporating renewable energy projects and eco-friendly campus upgrades. These updates reflect the college’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and hands-on learning experiences for students.

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

  1. #1

    West Virginia State University

    Institute , WV
    #11 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in West Virginia 2025 #3 Best Colleges in West Virginia 2024
    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
  2. #2

    University of Charleston

    Charleston , WV
    #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 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
  3. #3

    West Virginia Wesleyan College

    Buckhannon , WV
    #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: $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
  6. #5

    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 #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: $8,454
    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
  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 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: $8,732
    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

    Potomac State College of West Virginia University

    Keyser , WV
    #7 Most Affordable Colleges in West Virginia 2025 #8 Best Public Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in West Virginia 2025
    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
  9. #8

    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 #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: $8,642
    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
  10. #9

    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 #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: $9,700
    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
  12. #10

    West Virginia University at Parkersburg

    Parkersburg , WV
    #10 Most Affordable 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:

    Compare school
  13. #11

    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
  14. #12

    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
    Compare school
  15. #13

    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
  16. #14

    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
  18. #15

    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
    Compare school
  19. #16

    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
    Compare school
  21. #18

    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
    Compare school
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West Virginia’s Best Small College 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. Glenville State University
  3. Concord University
  4. Shepherd University
  5. Davis & Elkins College
  6. Wheeling University
  7. West Virginia Wesleyan College
  8. Alderson Broaddus University
  9. University of Charleston
  10. Ohio Valley University
  11. West Liberty University

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.

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