WVU vs. Wheeling University

Comparable Facts

Compare West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV with Wheeling University in Wheeling, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

West Virginia University is larger than Wheeling University based on total student enrollment (23,643 students vs. 774 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• West Virginia University is located in Morgantown, WV (Small City setting); Wheeling University is in Wheeling, WV (Small City setting).
• West Virginia University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Wheeling University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: West Virginia University 19:1; Wheeling University 15:1.

WVU vs. Wheeling University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WVU or Wheeling University? 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 University than Wheeling University ($15,169 vs. $21,073).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wheeling University are 14.5% lower than at West Virginia University ($12,470 vs. $14,582).
• Wheeling University is 195.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than WVU (about $19,771 more per year; $29,875.00 vs. $10,104.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.4% higher at Wheeling University than at West Virginia University (about $1,267 more per year; $29,875.00 vs. $28,608.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wheeling University than at West Virginia University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wheeling University students is 77.4% larger than aid received by West Virginia University students ($21,931 vs. $12,363).

WVU vs. Wheeling University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WVU or Wheeling University? 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 Wheeling University and WVU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at West Virginia University (1120) is 50 points higher than at Wheeling University (1070).
• Incoming WVU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Wheeling University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: West Virginia University 1010/1220; Wheeling University 950/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: West Virginia University 20/26; Wheeling University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WVU - Test optional; Wheeling University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman WVU students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at Wheeling University (3.33).
• WVU has a higher acceptance rate (89%) than Wheeling University (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.8% at WVU vs. 10.2% at Wheeling University.

WVU vs. Wheeling University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WVU and Wheeling University? 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).

• Wheeling University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than West Virginia University's (57%).
• Graduates from West Virginia University earn a median of about $2,500 more per year than Wheeling University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,600 vs. $48,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Virginia University graduates have a $2,999 lower median loan debt than Wheeling University graduates ($24,001 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WVU graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wheeling University graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Wheeling University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WVU students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 59%)

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.