West Virginia University
About West Virginia University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
WVU is a public flagship research university in Morgantown, West Virginia. It is the state's largest university and offers strong programs in engineering, forensic science, business, and the health sciences. WVU competes in the Big 12 Conference.
Founded
1867
Location
Morgantown, West Virginia
Students
22,822
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
89%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
64.7%
Near national average
In-State Tuition
$10,104
Out-of-state: $28,608
Avg Net Price
$15,634
After financial aid
SAT Average
1122
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$55,939
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$50
Early
N/A
Deadline
Aug 1
West Virginia University accepts the majority of applicants at 89%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1122/ 1600
ACT Scores
24/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
64.7% complete their degree within six years
Retention
83.4%
4-Year Grad
44%
6-Year Grad
63%
Teaching Quality
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
74.1%
$/Student
$13.6K
Class Size
Medium
The 44% graduation rate is below average, but 83.4% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$10,104
In-State
$28,608
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$14,582
Books & Supplies
$950
Total Cost of Attendance
$26,415
After Financial Aid
$15,634
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$9,450
Receive Grants
21.6%
Take Loans
44.7%
The full cost of attendance is about $26,415/yr for in-state students, including $14,582 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $15,634. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $28,608.
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 University fund their education.
While in School
21.6%
Get Grants
Free money
44.7%
Take Loans
Must repay
$60,096
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$22,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$239/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $22,500 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
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 University.
Gender
51.2%
Female
49%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
17,385
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
5,437
Graduates
30.4%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
4.1%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (51% women, 49% men). 30.4% 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
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
17,385
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
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 University fields 12 varsity teams with 558 student athletes, about 3% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Big Twelve
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
12
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
558
3% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
53% / 47%
298
Men
260
Women
7
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of West Virginia Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$55,939
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$30K
200 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$71K
186 grads
1yr Earnings
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
$24K
162 grads
1yr Earnings
Mechanical Engineering
$72K
161 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$29K
155 grads
1yr Earnings
Marketing
$42K
154 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $45K six years out, growing to $56K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about West Virginia University
What is the acceptance rate at West Virginia University?▾
How much does West Virginia University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at West Virginia University?▾
How much do West Virginia University graduates earn?▾
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.