Best Colleges in West Virginia
“The Mountain State,” otherwise known as West Virginia, straddles the Southern and Middle Atlantic regions of the US. Hot, humid summers contrast with the chilly winters of West Virginia, but the climate is more moderate in the Appalachian Mountains. There are 44 colleges in West Virginia, distributed evenly throughout the state, and the oldest is Bethany College. There are two land-grant universities and two historically black colleges and universities, as well. The most selective institution is the Alderson Broaddus College. Aerospace, metal, and manufacturing are top industries in West Virginia, and New River Gorge National River, Seneca Caverns, and Harpers Ferry are primary state attractions.
How Were the Top Schools in West Virginia Chosen?
Appily determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.
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With campus overlooking the Tygart River Valley, Alderson Broaddus University is a 4-year private school in eastern West Virginia. Affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA and West Virginia Baptist Convention, AB confers bachelor’s degrees...
Teachers are really one on one with students.
” – Jeffrey from Lost Creek, WV
Davis & Elkins College is a private, 4-year institution established in the state of West Virginia. D&E’s scenic campus features a number of facilities available for student use, such as the Icehouse, the Booth Library, and the Boiler House Theater...
The school is wonderful enviroment to learn. The class sizes are pretty small so there is more teacher student one on one time.
” – Jacquell from Laurel, MD
Founded in 1890, West Virginia Wesleyan College is a liberal arts institution based in Buckhannon, WV. It is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and the campus is notable for its Georgian red-brick architecture. Many majors require students...
West Virginia Wesleyan's professors, at least the ones I have taken classes from, are extremely knowledgeable on their subjects that they teach and extremely helpful. The course materials used appertain to the classes significantly.
” – Lyndsey from Clendenin, WV
Wheeling University is a private, Christ-centered institution established in West Virginia. WJU offers 47 graduate and undergraduate programs, which boast a 10:1 student-faculty ratio and class sizes averaging 15 students. Academics at Wheeling...
I am a health science major and are taking core classes and some science classes. WJU has a set of core classes that every student has to take. For example, psychology, philosophy, religion, history,math, and science.
” – Kristen from North Olmsted, OH
West Liberty University is a public, 4-year institution established in the state of West Virginia. WLU offers a number of undergraduate and graduate degree programs for many different fields of study, such as Creative Art Therapy and Museum Education...
an outstanding experience. best place to learn about art. the best school for me.
” – Ashley from Williamstown, WV
Glenville State College is a public, 4-year institution established in rural West Virginia. GSC, also known as the Lighthouse on the Hill, exclusively serves undergraduate students and maintains a student body of nearly 2,000 scholars. GSC’s academic...
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With campus overlooking the Potomac River, Shepherd University is a 4-year public liberal arts college in the Shenandoah Valley region of West Virginia. Shepherd confers bachelor’s degrees in over 90 academic majors and minors. During every school...
I am an art major, and I have some amazing teachers who really know their stuff. I am learning so much here. I am only a freshmen but I feel that when I get out of school I will really know my stuff and be ready to be in the real world and be on my...
” – Amanda from Manassas, VA
Bethany College is a private, 4-year institution located in Bethany, West Virginia. The college offers a wide variety of degree programs, as well as the ability for students to create their own concentration and/or enroll in dual majors...
Bethany College is a small non-sectarian, liberal arts college affiliated with the Disciples of Christ, in which you are immersed within a close-nit community surrounded by the beautiful hills of West Virginia. Bethany is secluded from society so it...
” – Gregory from Bethany, WV
Founded in 1872, Concord University is located in Athens, West Virginia and offers degrees at the undergraduate and graduate level in over 60 programs of study. The 123 acre campus is home to over 1800 students, and provides a complete undergraduate...
The professors really know their fields and they're so helpful. They make sure you understand the material and are really willing to help if you don't. Also, Concord has free drop in tutoring for anyone who needs it.
” – Stephanie from Concord University
With a curriculum founded on a biblical worldview, Appalachian Bible College is an independent Christian institution preparing students for a life in ministry. All ABC bachelor’s degree recipients major in Bible/Theology and choose from seven...
Appalachian Bible College is everything i dreamed a college could be. The professors are kind-hearted, want to help in every way they can, and are big on making sure life isn't always so serious. Everyone is friendly and it is just an awesome place...
” – Meranda from Mt. Hope, WV
A real college experience — Big 12 athletics, R1 research, space-and-land grant opportunities packed into a tight-knit, welcoming community. Bring us your dreams, your determination, your sense of adventure. And we’ll help you turn your passions into...
WVU is a big school; however, I have not met a professor who is not willing to help students outside of class. Even though there can be classrooms filled with 200 students at a time, it is very easy to get to know the professor and to work with them...
” – Mary from Chapel Hill, NC
Founded in 1888, the University of Charleston is a private school situated in Charleston, West Virginia and is a designated military-friendly school. UC is home to the Erma Byrd Gallery, which houses over 100 pieces of art created by local female...
The University of Charleston is small private college located on the Kanawha River in Charleston, WV. The professors genuinely care about each individual student's grades, progress, and success in his or her respective field. This institution is...
” – ElizabethR from Charleston, WV
Established in 1837 and named for former Chief Justice John Marshall, Marshall University is a 4-year public research institution in southwestern West Virginia. Marshall is home to seven undergraduate colleges conferring bachelor’s degrees in 57...
You learn as much as you put into it.
” – Erin from Beckley, WV
Founded in 1865, Fairmont State University is a public institution based in Fairmont, Virginia. It is a “selective” university and operates the satellite Robert C. Byrd National Aerospace Education Center where aviation technology programs are...
FSU is a pretty small sized school; which I love! The professors at FSU are very helpful with managing your time if you let them be. Overall, I think FSU is a great school.
” – Sommar from Wana, WV
West Virginia University Institute of Technology is a STEM-focused university and a campus of WVU in southern West Virginia. WVU Tech offers bachelor’s degrees in 34 scientific and technological majors. In addition to classroom facilities, the WVU...
This is one of the top schools in the country for Mechanical Engineering and I can't wait to attend this fall.
” – Lance from Wheeling, WV
West Virginia University Potomac State College is located in Keyser, WV. Potomac State offers more than fifty 2-year programs and holds multiple articulation agreements with six institutions, including Allegany College of Maryland and the College of...
Potomac State has a small campus. There are about thirty students in a class which allows professors to be able to work more with each student.
” – Ashley from Berkeley Springs, WVBluefield State College is a public, historically black college established in the state of West Virginia. The college also maintains a satellite campus in Beckley, which serves students in the county of Raleigh and features programs in Nursing...
West Virginia State University is a public, historically black college established in Institute, West Virginia. Academic studies at WVSU are divided into four colleges: the College of Arts and Humanities, the College of Business and Social Sciences...
My classes are very informative and they are fun. High school had so many rules that prevented a positive learning experiance. College is different, but in some classes its still the same. Many teachers push you to be on time and to always attend...
” – Kim from Charleston, WVWest Virginia University at Parkersburg is a 2-year community college with two locations serving seven counties. In addition to associate degrees from five academic divisions, WVU is the only public community college in the state accredited to offer...
The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine is a medical school specializing in producing rural primary care physicians. WVSOM features a 4-year curriculum centered around Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, and Osteopathic Manipulative...
