Best Public Colleges in West Virginia

From the picturesque Appalachian Mountains to the meandering waters of the Ohio River, West Virginia provides stunning landscapes and top-notch educational institutions. Let’s dive into the state’s premier public colleges.

West Virginia University (WVU)

Information About Public Programs

Located in Morgantown, WVU is the state’s flagship institution with a strong emphasis on research. Known for its programs in engineering, journalism, and medicine.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

In-state tuition averages around $8,900. WVU enrolls approximately 29,000 students, with an SAT range of 1050-1250.

Marshall University

Information About Public Programs

Situated in Huntington, Marshall University stands out for its health sciences, education, and business programs.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

Residents can expect an annual fee of about $8,500. Enrollment is nearly 13,000 students, and the SAT range is 990-1170.

West Virginia University Institute of Technology (WVU Tech)

Information About Public Programs

Based in Beckley, WVU Tech boasts vital engineering, computer science, and nursing programs.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

In-state students face an average cost of $7,400. About 1,400 students attend, with an SAT range of 940-1140.

West Liberty University

Information About Public Programs

Located in West Liberty, this university is recognized for its business, education, and arts programs.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

Residents pay approximately $8,100 per year. The enrollment stands around 2,500, with an SAT range of 950-1150.

Shepherd University

Information About Public Programs

Shepherd University is nestled in Shepherdstown and emphasizes liberal arts, business, and social sciences.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

In-state students pay around $7,700 annually. The university has a student body of about 3,700, with an SAT range of 970-1170.

Fairmont State University

Information About Public Programs

Located in Fairmont, this university is lauded for its engineering, technology, aviation, and education programs.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

Residents face an annual cost of $7,500. Enrollment numbers are around 3,900, with an SAT score range of 930-1130.

West Virginia University at Parkersburg

Information About Public Programs

This institution in Parkersburg offers a diverse range of associate and bachelor’s degree programs, emphasizing applied technology and business.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

In-state tuition is approximately $3,500. It enrolls about 2,400 students, with SAT scores typically not a primary admission factor.

Concord University

Information About Public Programs

Situated in Athens, Concord stands out for its social work, business, and pre-professional studies programs.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

Residents can expect a fee of $8,400 annually. The university enrolls roughly 2,200 students, with an SAT range of 930-1120.

West Virginia State University

Information About Public Programs

Located in Institute, this university emphasizes STEM, business, and education.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

In-state tuition averages around $8,200. About 3,900 students attend, with an SAT range of 880-1080.

Bluefield State University

Information About Public Programs

Based in Bluefield, this institution is known for its engineering technology, nursing, and business programs.

Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range

Residents pay around $7,500 annually. The school enrolls approximately 1,400 students, with an SAT range of 910-1100.

Best Public Colleges in Three Other States

Best Public Colleges in Pennsylvania

Prominent schools include Penn State University and the University of Pittsburgh.

Best Public Colleges in Ohio

The University of Ohio and Miami University stand out.

Best Public Colleges in Virginia

Notable institutions include the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech.

Benefits of an SAT Prep Class

SAT Prep classes offer students a structured study plan, expert guidance, and strategic test-taking skills. They can boost confidence, familiarize students with the exam’s format, and ultimately aim to improve scores. Given the importance of SAT scores in college admissions, investing in a prep class can benefit many students.

From vibrant academic communities to specialized programs catering to diverse interests, West Virginia’s public colleges are a testament to the state’s commitment to higher education. With affordability and quality at the forefront, students in the Mountain State have a wealth of options to pave their paths to success.