West Virginia State University

  • 2/10 Overall Rating
  • 4 Year
  • Institute, WV
  • 0 reviews
#9 Best Public Universities in West Virginia

Overview

Total enrollment

3,246
West Virginia State University overview
West Virginia State University overview
  • Size Mid-size
  • Status Non-profit
  • Housing Yes
  • Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

West Virginia State University, located in Institute, West Virginia, sits on a suburban campus approximately 8 miles west of the state capital Charleston. Founded in 1891 as a historically Black land-grant institution, WVSU has evolved into a comprehensive public university serving a diverse student population. The 100-acre campus features traditional collegiate architecture with both historic and modern academic buildings, while offering on-campus housing through several residence halls. The university maintains a focus on biotechnology, engineering, education, and business programs, with notable strengths in its science departments and teacher preparation curriculum. As a member of NCAA Division II, WVSU's Yellow Jackets compete in the Mountain East Conference, with particular emphasis on baseball and women's softball programs.

West Virginia State University is a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) primarily serving the African-American community. Explore all HBCUs

Ratings

WVSU is rated within the lower 18% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 2 out of 10.

  • Overall Rating
    2 out of 10
  • Academics
    1 out of 10
  • Resources
    3 out of 10
  • Outcomes
    3 out of 10
  • Value
    1 out of 10

Admissions

Admission Standards

Extremely Easy
West Virginia State University admission standards
  • SAT (enrolled mid-50) 760/1040
  • ACT (enrolled mid-50) 15/20
  • GPA 3.24

Acceptance Rate

96%
West Virginia State University applications overview
  • Applications Due -
  • Enrollment Rate 5.5%
  • Application Fee $20

Applicant Competition Very Low

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Annual Cost to Attend

West Virginia Resident Tuition

$9,570

Out of State Resident Tuition

$14,990

Breakdown

In State Costs for West Virginia State University
  • Tuition $9,570
  • Books and Supplies $1,206
  • Other Fees $640
  • Room and Board $13,522
  • Budget for Other Expenses $3,761
  • Total One Year Cost $28,699

Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$32,700 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

25% within 6 years

Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at West Virginia State University are Liberal Arts and Humanities, Business, and Education. 23% of students major in Liberal Arts and Humanities, 17% in Business, and 10% in Education.

  • Liberal Arts and Humanities 23%
  • Business 17%
  • Education 10%
  • Communication 9%
  • Psychology 7%

More Colleges to Consider

Students considering West Virginia State University are frequently interested in these similar colleges.

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=237899.

GPA calculator: West Virginia State University GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026