Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Institute, West Virginia |
| Online | wvstateu.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Midsize Suburban |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus 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.
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Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
WVSU is rated within the lower 22% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 3 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for West Virginia State University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#1003 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#421 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#10 in Best Colleges in West Virginia
#9 in Best Public Colleges in West Virginia
#19 in Best Value Colleges in West Virginia
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 830/1073 |
| ACT | 16/22 |
| GPA | 3.24 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $20 |
Annual Cost to Attend
West Virginia Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,309 |
| Other Fees | $525 |
| Room and Board | $12,936 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,323 |
| Total One Year Cost | $25,617 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,309 |
| Other Fees | $525 |
| Room and Board | $12,936 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,323 |
| Total One Year Cost | $31,041 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Humanities | 23% |
| Business | 17% |
| Education | 10% |
| Communication | 9% |
| Psychology | 7% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering WVSU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=237899 IPEDS survey data for West Virginia State University.
Current students may use the West Virginia State University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025