Top 10 Universities in West Virginia

West Virginia, also known as ‘Mountain State’ is a beautiful place to live. Since it’s situated in the Appalachian Mountains, most of it is covered by forests. It has a very calm atmosphere and lots of things to experience in the outdoors; skiing, hiking, fishing, rafting, camping etc. Anyone who likes small-town settings would love to come here and enjoy the sceneries and nature.

This is why the top 10 universities in West Virginia are listed and ranked below; along with scholarships offered, and a lot of other information:

West Virginia University

West Virginia University is a public, land-grant, research university in Morgantown, West Virginia. Despite being the best university in West Virginia, the WVU acceptance rate is fairly good: 82%. It has Greek life, residence halls and apartment complexes for students wishing to live on campus, 500+ clubs and organizations, student exchange, student recreation centers, and traditions. The SAT range is 1050-1240. Their average cost after aid and scholarship is $12,181 per year. WVU student-faculty ratio is 18:1.

They have over 14 schools and colleges (a few also offer online programs):

• Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources
• College of Creative Arts
• College of Education and Human Services
• College of Law
• College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences
• Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design
• Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
• John Chambers College of Business and Economics
• Reed College of Media
• School of Dentistry
• School of Medicine
• School of Nursing
• School of Pharmacy
• School of Public Health

There are international students from over 118 nations. Students are automatically considered for WVU’s merit-based scholarships when they apply. The university also has student employment facilities. Students who wish to apply for financial aid need to submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Students who are not eligible for their grants include international students, professional students, and non-degree students.

Wheeling University

Wheeling University is a private Roman Catholic university in Wheeling, West Virginia. Their acceptance rate is 86%. SAT Ranges from 910 to 1130. Transfer students can also apply.

Their undergraduate programs include:

• Biology & General Science
• Business & Accounting
• Criminal Justice
• Education
• Engineering & Construction Management
• Exercise Science
• English & Liberal Arts
• Nursing
• Psychology
• Theology

The graduate programs are:

• Master of Business Administration
• Education
• Nursing
• Physical Therapy

Few online programs are also offered.

Wheeling U. has a student government, clubs, arts on campus, residence halls, student support services, etc. The student-faculty ratio is 11:1. 2019 – 2020 Tuition & Fees were $39,190 for a resident student and $29,290 for a commuter student. Every accepted student is required to submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

Marshall University

Marshall University is a public research university in Huntington, West Virginia with an acceptance rate of 91%. The SAT Range is 910-1130. They have student clubs and organizations, Greek life, community service, leadership opportunities, residence halls/living. Marshall U. offers online and professional degrees as well. They have over 13 schools and colleges which are:

• Lewis College of Business
• College of Education and Professional Development
• College of Arts and Media
• College of Health Professions
• Honors College
• College of Engineering and Computer Sciences
• College of Liberal Arts
• College of Science
• Office of Outreach and Continuing Studies
• University College
• Graduate College (48 Master’s Degrees, 7 Doctoral Degrees, 2 Education Specialist Degrees, and 33 certificate programs)
• Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine
• School of Pharmacy

The 2020-2021 Marshall University Tuition and Fees (per semester) for an undergraduate resident is $4,256 and $4,414 for a resident graduate. The student-faculty ratio is 18:1. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is needed to be submitted to apply for their financial aid. They offer merit-based scholarships to students who are enrolled full-time and have outstanding academic achievements.

Davis & Elkins College

Davis & Elkins College is a private liberal arts college in Elkins, West Virginia. The acceptance rate is 37% with an SAT range of 910-1080.  They have a student-faculty ratio of 11:1. D&E has recreational spaces, campus and student organizations, community service. 10% of their student population is made out of international students. They offer baccalaureate and associate degree programs on the following:

• Business & Entrepreneurship
• Creative Arts
• Education & Sport Science
• Humanities
• Mathematics and Science
• Nursing
• Social Science
• Pre-Professional Programs
• Interdisciplinary Studies Program

Tuition for the 2020-2021 Academic Year at Davis & Elkins College was $39,760. Students are automatically considered for their merit-based scholarship, no separate application is required. Students need to submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to be eligible for their financial aid. They have a study abroad program as well.

West Virginia Wesleyan College

West Virginia Wesleyan College is a private liberal arts college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. It has an acceptance rate of 70%, and the SAT range is 980-1180. They have in-campus activities, Greek life, multicultural programs and services, student organizations, etc. They have students from over 17 countries. The student-faculty ratio is 13:1. Wesleyan has the following schools and departments:

• Art & Design Department
• Communication Department
• Department of Biology & Environmental Science
• Department of Chemistry
• Department of Mathematics & Computer Science
• Department of Physics & Engineering
• English Department
• Gender Studies
• History and International Studies
• Music Department
• Philosophy and Religious Studies Department
• Psychology Department
• School of Education
• School of Exercise Science & Athletic Training
• School of Nursing
• Sociology, Criminal Justice, Political Science Department
• Theatre and Dance Department
• Thomas H. Albinson II School of Business

They have a study abroad program as well. The 2020-2021 direct cost is $43,228. Students are required to submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to be eligible for their financial aid. They offer international student grants as well. Academic scholarships are awarded automatically with acceptance to the college.

West Liberty University

West Liberty University is a public university in West Liberty, West Virginia. It has an acceptance rate of 69% and SAT range of 820-1330. The student-faculty ratio is 13:1. They have campus activities, student organizations, intramurals, Greek life, student government, and residential living, theatre, arts, music, and study abroad option,s and student employment. There are students from over 30 countries studying here. With more than 60 majors and 30 programs, they have the following colleges and schools:

• College of Arts and Communication
• Gary E. West College of Business
• College of Education and Human Performance
• College of Liberal Arts
• College of Sciences
• Honors College
• School of Professional Studies

The undergraduate tuition for the Academic Year 2019-20 $3,995.00 per semester (in-state). Students are required to submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to be eligible for their financial aid. Financial aid is available for international students as well. They have multiple scholarships to offer; check their website for more information.

West Virginia University Institute of Technology

West Virginia University Institute of Technology is a public college in Beckley, West Virginia. It is a divisional campus of West Virginia University (ranked #1). The acceptance rate is 61% with an SAT range of 1020-1190. They have student employment, residence halls, more than 30 student organizations, on-campus events, musical performances, community service, internships, co-op learning etc. WV’s programs are divided into two colleges:

• College of Business, Humanities and Social Sciences
• Leonard C. Nelson College of Engineering and Sciences

The tuition fee for the academic year 2019-2021 for a resident of WV was $7,560 and $18,912 for a non-resident. They offer a number of scholarships for students in different categories; check their website for more information. To apply for their financial aid or scholarships, students are required to submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

University of Charleston

The University of Charleston is a private university in Charleston, West Virginia. The university also has another location in Beckley, West Virginia, known as UC-Beckley. The acceptance rate is 50% with an SAT range of 910-1140. The student-faculty ratio is 15:1. UC has students from over 45 different countries. They have international programs, community service, intramural sports, residence housing, Greek life, student government, student organizations, internships, etc. UC has the following schools (few also has online degree options):

• School of Arts & Sciences
• School of Business and Leadership
• School of Health Sciences
• School of Pharmacy

The total cost for living on the campus is $41,400 and $30,900 for off-campus. In order to be considered for their scholarships and financial aid, students are required to submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), visit their website for more scholarship-related information.

Shepherd University

Shepherd University is a public university in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Their acceptance rate is 89% with an SAT range of 970-1160. The student-faculty ratio is 16:1. They have student employment, study abroad programs, jobs and internships, student activities, community service projects, fraternity and sorority life, resident housing. Shepherd University has the following colleges, schools, and departments:

• College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
• College of Business
• College of Nursing, Education, and Health Sciences
• College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
• School of Graduate and Professional Studies

The estimated tuition and fees for the 2019-2020 school year for in-state were $18,026 and $28,466 out-of-state. All students can apply for the scholarships they have to offer. (refer to the Shepherd U. website for more information). International students are also eligible for merit-based, Honors, athletic, and service scholarships. For financial aid, students are required to fill the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

West Virginia State University

West Virginia State University is a public, land-grant university in Institute, West Virginia. They have an acceptance rate of 94% and SAT range of 880-1040. The student-faculty ratio is 19:1. The university has student organizations, cultural activities, housing and residence halls, internship programs, online programs, etc. WVSU has the following colleges:

• College of Arts and Humanities
• College of Business and Social Sciences
• College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
• College of Professional Studies

The total cost of attendance for undergraduate West Virginia residents for the academic year 2020-2021 was $21,546 and $27,518 for out-of-state residents. The graduate cost for the same year and west Virginia residents was $21,926 and $33,272 for the out-of-state residents. Students are required to submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to be considered for financial aid. New students are automatically considered for their merit scholarships after university application. International students are given these scholarships as well. To find out more, visit their website.

The cost of living in West Virginia is very low, the people are very friendly with a great sense of community. The winters can be very cold and the job market is not going that well. This is why people usually don’t settle there after studying. Overall, it’s a great place to enjoy your few years of university or college since it has a lot to offer in terms of having fun in nature and of course, in the top 10 universities to choose from.