1. West Virginia University (WVU)
Overview of West Virginia University
Location: Morgantown, West Virginia
Founded in 1867, West Virginia University (WVU) is the state’s flagship public research institution. WVU is known for its programs in engineering, health sciences, law, and agriculture. The university is home to the WVU School of Medicine, a leading medical school in Appalachia, and its forensic science program is nationally recognized. WVU is also a land-grant institution with a strong emphasis on research and community engagement.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #234 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 26,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 300 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Average SAT Score: 1050-1240
Extracurricular Activities
- WVU Mountaineers Athletics (NCAA Division I, Big 12)
- Student Government Association
- The Daily Athenaeum (student newspaper)
- WVU Marching Band
- Outdoor Adventure and Climbing Clubs
Famous Alumni
- Jerry West – NBA Hall of Famer and NBA logo
- Don Knotts – Emmy Award-winning actor
- Katherine Johnson – NASA mathematician
- Steve Harvey – Comedian and TV host
- Oliver Luck – Former NFL player and sports executive
Top Employers of Graduates
- West Virginia University Health System
- NASA
- Boeing
- Mylan Pharmaceuticals
- U.S. Department of Energy
2. Marshall University
Overview of Marshall University
Location: Huntington, West Virginia
Founded in 1837, Marshall University is a public research university known for its programs in medicine, business, and education. The university is home to the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, which is highly regarded for training healthcare professionals in rural and underserved areas. Marshall also has a strong emphasis on community service and workforce development.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #299-391 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 13,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 150 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Average SAT Score: 970-1170
Extracurricular Activities
- Marshall Thundering Herd Athletics (NCAA Division I, Conference USA)
- Student Government Association
- The Parthenon (student newspaper)
- Greek Life
- Campus Activities Board
Famous Alumni
- Brad D. Smith – Former CEO of Intuit
- Billy Crystal – Actor (attended briefly)
- John F. Nash Jr. – Nobel Prize-winning mathematician
- Conchata Ferrell – Actress, Two and a Half Men
- Mike D’Antoni – NBA coach
Top Employers of Graduates
- Cabell Huntington Hospital
- Marshall University
- Amazon
- NASA
- Steel of West Virginia
3. West Virginia Wesleyan College
Overview of West Virginia Wesleyan College
Location: Buckhannon, West Virginia
Founded in 1890, West Virginia Wesleyan College is a private liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The college is known for its strong programs in nursing, education, and business. Wesleyan emphasizes a well-rounded liberal arts education and provides students with personalized attention, small class sizes, and a close-knit campus community.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #48 Regional Universities South
- Number of Students: Approximately 1,200
- Degrees Offered: Over 50 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 72%
- Average SAT Score: 950-1160
Extracurricular Activities
- WVWC Bobcats Athletics (NCAA Division II, Mountain East)
- Student Government Association
- Outdoor Adventure Club
- Greek Life
- Wesleyan Choir
Famous Alumni
- Mary Lou Retton – Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics
- Don Nehlen – Former WVU football coach
- John McCuskey – West Virginia State Auditor
- Henry Louis Gates Jr. – Historian and PBS host
- John R. Gregg – Former Indiana House Speaker
Top Employers of Graduates
- West Virginia Wesleyan College
- WVU Medicine
- Highmark Health
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- Pittsburgh Public Schools
4. Wheeling University
Overview of Wheeling University
Location: Wheeling, West Virginia
Founded in 1954, Wheeling University is a private Roman Catholic university known for its health sciences, business, and liberal arts programs. The university is committed to community service and offers a personalized education with a focus on leadership and ethical decision-making. Wheeling University has a strong connection to the local community and emphasizes internships and hands-on learning experiences.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #65 Regional Universities South
- Number of Students: Approximately 1,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 30 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 58%
- Average SAT Score: 960-1190
Extracurricular Activities
- Wheeling Cardinals Athletics (NCAA Division II)
- Campus Ministry
- Student Government Association
- Service Learning Programs
- Greek Life
Famous Alumni
- Dr. Tom Sostaric – NASA scientist
- Jason Furman – Former chair of the U.S. Council of Economic Advisers
- Patrick McHenry – U.S. Congressman
- Mike Florio – Sports analyst and founder of ProFootballTalk
- Joseph Kernan – Former Governor of Indiana
Top Employers of Graduates
- Wheeling Hospital
- U.S. Department of Defense
- WVU Medicine
- Wheeling University
- Marriott International
5. Fairmont State University
Overview of Fairmont State University
Location: Fairmont, West Virginia
Founded in 1865, Fairmont State University is a public university known for its programs in education, nursing, and business. The university places a strong emphasis on workforce development and hands-on learning, particularly through its partnerships with local businesses and industries. Fairmont State’s College of Education is one of the most respected teacher training programs in the state.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #36 Regional Colleges South
- Number of Students: Approximately 3,500
- Degrees Offered: Over 80 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Average SAT Score: 910-1120
Extracurricular Activities
- Fairmont State Fighting Falcons Athletics (NCAA Division II, Mountain East)
- Student Government Association
- Greek Life
- Intramural Sports
- Campus Activities Board
Famous Alumni
- Nick Saban – Head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team
- Stephen J. Harmelin – Attorney and former President of the Philadelphia Bar Association
- Ralph Baxter – Business executive and legal innovator
- Don Redman – Jazz musician and composer
- Chuck Howley – NFL Hall of Famer
Top Employers of Graduates
- West Virginia Department of Education
- Fairmont State University
- Northrop Grumman
- WVU Medicine
- Fairmont Medical Center
6. Shepherd University
Overview of Shepherd University
Location: Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Founded in 1871, Shepherd University is a public liberal arts university known for its programs in education, business, and nursing. Located near the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Shepherd offers students access to internships and career opportunities in government, public policy, and international relations. The university also emphasizes community service and civic engagement.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #38 Regional Colleges South
- Number of Students: Approximately 3,200
- Degrees Offered: Over 90 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
- Average SAT Score: 950-1150
Extracurricular Activities
- Shepherd Rams Athletics (NCAA Division II, PSAC)
- Student Government Association
- Shepherd University Theatre
- Greek Life
- Campus Crusade for Christ
Famous Alumni
- Markos Moulitsas – Founder of Daily Kos
- Joanne Boyle – Head women’s basketball coach, University of Virginia
- Catherine Filene Shouse – Founder of Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
- Morgan Spurlock – Documentary filmmaker
- Denny Hamlin – NASCAR driver (attended briefly)
Top Employers of Graduates
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- Jefferson County Public Schools
- Shepherd University
- U.S. Department of Education
- Procter & Gamble
7. Concord University
Overview of Concord University
Location: Athens, West Virginia
Founded in 1872, Concord University is a public university known for its programs in education, business, and social sciences. The university is located in a rural setting, providing students with a close-knit campus community. Concord emphasizes hands-on learning and offers students opportunities for internships, service learning, and undergraduate research.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #50 Regional Colleges South
- Number of Students: Approximately 1,600
- Degrees Offered: Over 70 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 93%
- Average SAT Score: 920-1130
Extracurricular Activities
- Concord Mountain Lions Athletics (NCAA Division II, Mountain East)
- Student Government Association
- Concord Choir
- Greek Life
- Outdoor Recreation Club
Famous Alumni
- Nick Rahall – Former U.S. Congressman
- M. Blane Michael – U.S. Court of Appeals Judge
- Dallas Cook – Former Mayor of Beckley, West Virginia
- Rick Tolley – Former Marshall University football coach
- Angie Rosser – Environmental advocate and executive director of the West Virginia Rivers Coalition
Top Employers of Graduates
- Concord University
- U.S. Department of Education
- West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources
- Raleigh General Hospital
- Appalachian Power
8. Glenville State University
Overview of Glenville State University
Location: Glenville, West Virginia
Founded in 1872, Glenville State University is a public university known for its programs in criminal justice, education, and natural resource management. The university emphasizes experiential learning and is located near vast forest lands, making it an ideal location for students studying forestry, land management, and environmental science.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #37 Regional Colleges South
- Number of Students: Approximately 1,400
- Degrees Offered: Over 35 undergraduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Average SAT Score: 900-1110
Extracurricular Activities
- GSU Pioneers Athletics (NCAA Division II, Mountain East)
- Forestry Club
- Student Government Association
- Greek Life
- Glenville Choir
Famous Alumni
- Robert F. Combs – Former CEO of Consol Energy
- Frankie Vanzant – West Virginia State Senator
- Clarence Watson Meadows – Former Governor of West Virginia
- Mike Woelfel – West Virginia State Senator
- Dale Waters – NFL player
Top Employers of Graduates
- West Virginia Department of Natural Resources
- U.S. Forest Service
- Glenville State University
- Dominion Energy
- Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area
9. West Liberty University
Overview of West Liberty University
Location: West Liberty, West Virginia
Founded in 1837, West Liberty University is the oldest institution of higher learning in West Virginia. It is known for its programs in health sciences, business, and education. West Liberty emphasizes practical, hands-on experience and provides students with opportunities to engage in internships and clinical rotations, particularly in its healthcare programs.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #54 Regional Colleges South
- Number of Students: Approximately 2,500
- Degrees Offered: Over 70 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Average SAT Score: 920-1120
Extracurricular Activities
- WLU Hilltoppers Athletics (NCAA Division II, Mountain East)
- Student Government Association
- Greek Life
- West Liberty Dental Hygiene Association
- The Trumpet (student newspaper)
Famous Alumni
- Brad Paisley – Country music star (attended briefly)
- Gary West – Businessman and philanthropist
- Ronald G. Garney – Comic book artist
- Chad Anthony – Film director and producer
- Joe Manchin III – U.S. Senator from West Virginia
Top Employers of Graduates
- Wheeling Hospital
- West Liberty University
- Amazon
- WVU Medicine
- Aetna
10. Alderson Broaddus University
Overview of Alderson Broaddus University
Location: Philippi, West Virginia
Founded in 1871, Alderson Broaddus University is a private Christian university known for its health sciences, education, and business programs. The university offers a personalized education with small class sizes and focuses on preparing students for professional careers, particularly in healthcare fields such as nursing and physician assistant studies.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #108 Regional Universities South
- Number of Students: Approximately 800
- Degrees Offered: Over 30 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 43%
- Average SAT Score: 950-1150
Extracurricular Activities
- AB Battlers Athletics (NCAA Division II, Mountain East)
- Student Government Association
- Campus Ministry
- Greek Life
- Choir and Musical Ensembles
Famous Alumni
- Maxie Lambright – Former Louisiana Tech football coach
- Clarence E. Moore – Former U.S. Army General
- Garrett Ford – WVU athletics administrator
- Barbara Smith – Educator and activist
- Jack Canfield – Co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul
Top Employers of Graduates
- Alderson Broaddus University
- Davis Health System
- WVU Medicine
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- Broaddus Hospital