W

West Virginia State University

PublicHBCUSuburb: Midsize

About West Virginia State University

Overview, location, and what makes it stand out

West Virginia State University is a public university in Institute, WV. It has a 96.2% acceptance rate with in-state tuition of $8,647 per year, serving approximately 1,362 students.

Founded

1891

Location

Institute, West Virginia

Students

1,457

Institution

Public

Known For

HBCU

Key Stats

A quick snapshot of what matters most

Acceptance Rate

96%

Open admission

Graduation Rate

39.2%

Below national average

In-State Tuition

$9,570

Out-of-state: $14,990

Avg Net Price

$11,139

After financial aid

SAT Average

955

Out of 1600

Median Earnings

$40,492

10 years after enrollment

Admissions

How competitive is getting in?

Selectivity

Highly CompetitiveOpen Admission
96%

Open Admission

Most students who apply are accepted

How to Apply

Test Policy

Test Optional

Application Fee

$20

Early

N/A

Deadline

Rolling

West Virginia State University accepts the majority of applicants at 96%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.

SAT Scores

955/ 1600

850740630520410300
350
Math: 350
410
R&W: 410
25th
490
Math: 490
550
R&W: 550
75th
Math
Reading & Writing

ACT Scores

20/ 36

393327221610
15
25th: 15
25th
20
Avg: 20
Avg
20
75th: 20
75th
25th Percentile
Average
75th Percentile

Academics

How strong is the academic experience?

Student Success

Low GraduationHigh Graduation
39.2%

Below Average

39.2% complete their degree within six years

Retention

56.7%

4-Year Grad

18%

6-Year Grad

30%

Teaching Quality

16:1

Student-Faculty Ratio

Full-Time

67.1%

$/Student

$4.4K

Class Size

Medium

The 18% graduation rate is below the national average of 44%. It's worth looking into what support systems the school offers to help you finish your degree.

Tuition & Costs

What will you actually pay?

Tuition & Fees

$9,570

In-State

/

$14,990

Out-of-State

Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals

Room & Board

$13,522

Books & Supplies

$1,206

Total Cost of Attendance

$19,772

After Financial Aid

$11,139

Average Net Price

Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships

Net Price (family income <$30K)

$9,457

Receive Grants

20.1%

Take Loans

17.9%

The full cost of attendance is about $19,772/yr for in-state students, including $13,522 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $11,139. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $14,990.

Financial Aid

Who gets aid and what happens after

Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at West Virginia State University fund their education.

While in School

20.1%

Get Grants

Free money

17.9%

Take Loans

Must repay

$30,715

Median Family Income

After Graduation

$23,338

Median Debt at Graduation

Total federal loan balance when students graduate

$247/mo

Monthly Payment

0%

Low

Default Rate

Only 17.9% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $23,338. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.

Student Body

Diversity, gender, and enrollment

From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends West Virginia State University.

Gender

55.4%

Female

/

45%

Male

Female to Male Ratio

Race & Ethnicity

61.7%
19.8%
4.6%
4%
3.4%
0.8%
White
Black
International
Multiracial
Hispanic
Asian

Enrollment

1,321

Undergraduate Students

Student Profile

136

Graduates

43.4%

First-Gen

22 yrs

Avg Age

8%

Age 25+

Women make up the majority at 55% of the student body. 43.4% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.

Campus Life

What it's like to be a student here

Campus Setting

RuralCity
Suburb: Midsize

Suburb: Midsize

Campus Quick Facts

1,321

Students

public

Institution

Small

Campus Size

Master's

Classification

HBCU

What This College Offers

Semester calendar

Study Abroad

Yes

AP Credit

Yes

Teacher Cert

Yes

ROTC

Yes

Evening College

No

Online Programs

Yes

Job Placement

Yes

Career Counseling

Yes

Sports & Athletics

How seriously this college takes sport

West Virginia State University fields 10 varsity teams with 445 student athletes, about 34% of the student body.

Division

NCAA

Division II with football

Conference

Mountain East

The league its teams compete in

Varsity Sports

10

Biggest: Football

Student Athletes

445

34% of the student body

Athletes by Gender

63% / 37%

281

Men

/

164

Women

6

Men's Teams

7

Women's Teams

Biggest Teams

MenWomen
129
Football
128
Track & XC
40
Baseball
37
Basketball
25
Soccer

Every Varsity Team

Football129Track & Cross Country128Baseball40Basketball37Soccer25Other Sports24Volleyball21Softball20Tennis13Golf8

After Graduation

What can you earn with this degree?

How much do graduates of West Virginia State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.

Earnings Trajectory

$40,492

Median Earnings · 10 Years After

$33K
6yr
$31K
8yr
$40K
10yr

Popular Programs

Top 6

Business Administration, Management and Operations

$44K

74 grads

1yr Earnings

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

$41K

34 grads

1yr Earnings

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods

$42K

25 grads

1yr Earnings

Criminal Justice and Corrections

$39K

25 grads

1yr Earnings

Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness

$47K

21 grads

4yr Earnings

Biology, General

13 grads

Graduates earn about $33K six years out, growing to $40K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about West Virginia State University

What is the acceptance rate at West Virginia State University?
West Virginia State University has an acceptance rate of 96%. West Virginia State University accepts the majority of applicants at 96%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
How much does West Virginia State University cost?
Tuition at West Virginia State University is $9,570 for in-state students and $14,990 for out-of-state students. The full cost of attendance is about $19,772/yr for in-state students, including $13,522 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $11,139. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $14,990.
What is the graduation rate at West Virginia State University?
West Virginia State University has a graduation rate of 39.2%. The 18% graduation rate is below the national average of 44%. It's worth looking into what support systems the school offers to help you finish your degree.
How much do West Virginia State University graduates earn?
The median earnings for West Virginia State University graduates is $40,492 ten years after enrollment. Graduates earn about $33K six years out, growing to $40K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.

Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.