West Virginia Colleges and Universities: A Comprehensive Guide
West Virginia, known as "The Mountain State," offers a diverse landscape and a range of educational opportunities. From research universities to liberal arts colleges and private Christian institutions, West Virginia's higher education system provides options for various academic interests. The state's colleges and universities are distributed throughout its regions, offering accessible education to residents and out-of-state students alike.
Overview of Higher Education in West Virginia
West Virginia's colleges and universities include a mix of small to midsize institutions. West Virginia University, located in Morgantown, stands as the state's largest traditional university. While it attracts students from across the country, approximately half of its student body consists of West Virginia residents. The state capital, Charleston, is home to several top colleges.
West Virginia has 44 colleges. Bethany College is the oldest college in West Virginia. Among these institutions are two land-grant universities and two historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The state's higher education landscape includes two research universities, five master's universities, fourteen baccalaureate colleges, and twenty-one associate's colleges, as classified by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
Academic Common Market
West Virginia residents have the opportunity to attend select colleges and universities in neighboring states-Virginia, Kentucky, Maryland, and Tennessee-through the Academic Common Market. This allows students to pursue approved degree programs while paying in-state tuition rates.
Key Industries and Attractions
West Virginia's economy is driven by industries such as aerospace, metal, and manufacturing. The state's attractions include the New River Gorge National River, Seneca Caverns, and Harpers Ferry.
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College Life in West Virginia
Attending college in West Virginia offers a blend of academics and Appalachian culture. Students can engage in local traditions, music, and festivals. The state's natural beauty, including the Appalachian Mountains, New River Gorge National Park, and Monongahela National Forest, provides opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, rafting, rock climbing, and skiing. The cost of living in West Virginia is generally affordable.
Colleges and Universities in West Virginia
Here's a detailed look at some of the colleges and universities in West Virginia:
Alderson Broaddus University: Formed in 1932 by the merger of Alderson Academy and Junior College and Broaddus University. Broaddus University was established in Winchester, Virginia, in 1871 and moved to Philippi in 1901. However, Alderson Broaddus University filed for bankruptcy and will liquidate its assets.
American Public University System: Offers online programs.
Appalachian Bible College: Located in Bradley, West Virginia.
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Bethany College: The oldest college in West Virginia.
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College: Located in Martinsburg, West Virginia.
Bluefield State College: A historically black college.
BridgeValley Community and Technical College: Formed from the merger of the former Kanawha Valley Community and Technical College and the former Bridgemont Community and Technical College.
Concord University: Located in Athens, West Virginia.
Davis & Elkins College: Situated in Elkins, West Virginia.
Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College: Located in Moorefield, West Virginia.
Fairmont State University: Located in Fairmont, West Virginia.
Future Generations Graduate School: Offers graduate programs.
Glenville State College: Located in Glenville, West Virginia.
Huntington Junior College: Located in Huntington, West Virginia.
Marshall University: Located in Huntington, West Virginia. It also has the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine.
Mountwest Community and Technical College: Located in Huntington, West Virginia.
New River Community and Technical College: Located in Beaver, West Virginia.
Ohio Valley University: Located in Vienna, West Virginia.
Pierpont Community and Technical College: Located in Fairmont, West Virginia.
Potomac State College of West Virginia University: Located in Keyser, West Virginia.
Salem University: Located in Salem, West Virginia. Formerly Salem International University.
Shepherd University: Located in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.
Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College: Located in Mount Gay-Shamrock, West Virginia.
University of Charleston: Located in Charleston, West Virginia.
West Liberty University: Located in West Liberty, West Virginia.
West Virginia Junior College: With multiple locations, including one in Morgantown.
West Virginia Northern Community College: Located in Wheeling, West Virginia.
West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine: Located in Lewisburg.
West Virginia State University: A historically black college located in Institute, West Virginia.
West Virginia University: The state's largest traditional university, located in Morgantown. It also has the West Virginia University School of Medicine.
West Virginia University at Parkersburg: Located in Parkersburg, West Virginia.
West Virginia University Institute of Technology: Located in Beckley, West Virginia.
West Virginia Wesleyan College: Located in Buckhannon, West Virginia.
Wheeling University: Located in Wheeling, West Virginia. Formerly Wheeling Jesuit University.
Defunct Institutions
Several colleges and universities in West Virginia have closed or merged over the years, reflecting changing educational landscapes and economic conditions. These institutions, while no longer operational, have contributed to the state's educational history.
- Alderson Academy and Junior College: Merged with Broaddus University in 1932 to form Alderson Broaddus University.
- Broaddus University: Merged with Alderson Academy and Junior College in 1932 to form Alderson Broaddus University.
- Greenbrier Military School: A former military school in Lewisburg.
- Mountain State University: Formerly located in Beckley.
- Storer College: A historically black college located in Harpers Ferry.
- Valley College's Princeton campus: Closed in 2019.
- West Virginia Business College: Closed in July 2017.
- College campus in Cross Lanes: Closed in July 2014.
Scholarships in West Virginia
Several scholarships are available for students attending colleges and universities in West Virginia:
- John S. Scholarship: For graduate students at West Virginia University College of Law with an interest in litigation or trial practice.
- Paul L. Selby, Jr. Scholarship: For graduate students at West Virginia University College of Law who demonstrate financial need.
- Scholarship for West Virginia residents: For female graduate students at West Virginia University College of Law who demonstrate academic achievement.
- Scholarship for graduate students at West Virginia University College of Law: Based on character, integrity, and promise.
- Scholarship for domiciliary residents of Virginia: For undergraduate students pursuing a degree program not offered at a Virginia state-sponsored college or university, through the Academic Common Market program.
- Scholarship for graduate students at West Virginia University College of Law.
- Scholarship for minority graduate students at West Virginia University College of Law.
- Scholarship for Morgan or Hampshire County, West Virginia, or Frederick County, Virginia residents: For graduate students at West Virginia University College of Law who demonstrate financial need, academic achievement, and moral character.
- Scholarship for Harrison County, West Virginia residents: For undergraduate students at Salem International University based on academic achievement.
- Scholarship for graduate students at West Virginia University College of Law: Based on financial need and promise.
- Henry S. Scholarship: For graduate students at West Virginia University College of Law who demonstrate academic achievement, potential for civic leadership, and participate in extracurricular activities. Preference is given to Ohio County, West Virginia residents.
- William H. Scholarship: For West Virginia residents who are graduate students at West Virginia University College of Law.
- W.E.B. Scholarship: For African-American full-time graduate students at West Virginia University College of Law who are U.S. citizens.
- R. Scholarship: For residents of Boone, Clay, Fayette, Kanawha, Lincoln, or Putnam counties in West Virginia pursuing full-time undergraduate or graduate studies at a West Virginia college/university, based on scholarship, character, and financial need.
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