Best Grad Schools in West Virginia 2024

Badge for BEST IN VIRGINIA GRADUATE SCHOOLS
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Graduate school may be a critical step in your higher education, whether you are interested in expanding your knowledge, learning a specialization, or earning advanced credentials required by your profession. The best graduate schools in West Virginia offer advanced degrees, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.

Best Grad Schools in West Virginia

Sort by:
  1. West Virginia University
  2. Marshall University
  3. American Public University System
  4. Salem University
  1. West Virginia University
  2. Marshall University
  3. American Public University System
  4. Salem University
  1. Marshall University 97%
  2. West Virginia University 88%
  1. American Public University System 24 to 1
  2. West Virginia University 17 to 1
  3. Marshall University 16 to 1
  4. Salem University 14 to 1
  1. Salem University $13,150
  2. West Virginia University $9,360
  3. American Public University System $7,360
  4. Marshall University $7,190
  1. Salem University $13,464
  2. West Virginia University $10,602
  3. Marshall University $7,520
  4. American Public University System $6,660
  1. Salem University
  2. American Public University System
  3. Marshall University
  4. West Virginia University
  1. Salem University
  2. American Public University System
  3. Marshall University
  4. West Virginia University
  1. West Virginia University 88%
  2. Marshall University 97%
  1. Salem University 14 to 1
  2. Marshall University 16 to 1
  3. West Virginia University 17 to 1
  4. American Public University System 24 to 1
  1. Marshall University $7,190
  2. American Public University System $7,360
  3. West Virginia University $9,360
  4. Salem University $13,150
  1. American Public University System $6,660
  2. Marshall University $7,520
  3. West Virginia University $10,602
  4. Salem University $13,464

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.

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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


West Virginia's Best Grad Schools Badge
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There are 4 doctorate-granting graduate schools in West Virginia. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the West Virginia is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.

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Best Grad Schools in West Virginia 2023

  2. #2

    Marshall University

    Huntington , WV
    #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #2 Best Research Universities in West Virginia 2024 #2 Best 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: $8,604
    Expenses: $15,340
    Starting Salary: $41,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Salem University

    Salem , WV
    #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: $13,150
    Expenses: $11,400
    Starting Salary: $34,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 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

    Compare school
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West Virginia’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 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. West Virginia University
  2. Marshall University
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