University of Charleston vs. WVSU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Charleston in Charleston, WV with West Virginia State University in Institute, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

West Virginia State University is larger than University of Charleston based on total student enrollment (3,246 students vs. 3,062 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Charleston is located in Charleston, WV (Small City setting); West Virginia State University is in Institute, WV (Midsize Suburban setting).
• University of Charleston is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. West Virginia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Charleston 15:1; West Virginia State University 13:1.

University of Charleston vs. WVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Charleston or WVSU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at West Virginia State University than University of Charleston ($11,055 vs. $20,844).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Charleston are 9.2% lower than at West Virginia State University ($12,280 vs. $13,522).
• University of Charleston is 253.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than WVSU (about $24,230 more per year; $33,800.00 vs. $9,570.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 125.5% higher at University of Charleston than at West Virginia State University (about $18,810 more per year; $33,800.00 vs. $14,990.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Charleston than at West Virginia State University (97% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Charleston students is 190.6% larger than aid received by West Virginia State University students ($26,132 vs. $8,993).

University of Charleston vs. WVSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Charleston or WVSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between WVSU and University of Charleston.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Charleston (1070) is 170 points higher than at WVSU (900).
• Incoming University of Charleston students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at WVSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Charleston 985/1160; West Virginia State University 760/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Charleston 19/23; West Virginia State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Charleston - Test-free; WVSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman WVSU students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.24) than students at University of Charleston (3.13).
• WVSU has a higher acceptance rate (96%) than University of Charleston (61.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at University of Charleston vs. 5.5% at WVSU.

University of Charleston vs. WVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Charleston and WVSU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Charleston's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than West Virginia State University's (25%).
• Graduates from University of Charleston earn a median of about $12,500 more per year than WVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,200 vs. $32,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Charleston graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than WVSU graduates ($20,500 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, University of Charleston graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WVSU graduates ($211 vs. $240).
• More University of Charleston graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WVSU students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 35%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.