Colleges in West Virginia

The Mountain State earned its name for good reason, and the Appalachian ranges that lend to the West Virginia's diverse topography provide a unique backdrop for higher learning amidst a wide range of outdoor activities like fishing, whitewater rafting, hiking, and even caving.

There are 34 colleges in West Virginia, 25 public and 9 private, offering a wide range of programs and majors. West Virginia has both small schools (defined as less than 2000 students) and "very large" ones (10,000 or more students) and everything in between, including community colleges, in urban and rural environments.

West Virginia University is a large public research institution located in Morgantown. Notable schools include the Perley Isaac Reed School of Journalism and the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering & Mineral Resources. The Forensics and Investigative Science program at West Virginia University was originally created through a partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and WVU is the Bureau's lead academic partner in biometrics research--something to definitely consider if you're a religious watcher of TV crime dramas.

The campus of Marshall University, located in Huntington, was described by student Bria from Beckley as, "…small enough to engage with your professors, yet large enough to meet all standards of diversity. Its quaint charm also matches its southern hospitality." Marshall is composed of eight undergraduate schools, including the Elizabeth McDowell Lewis College of Business, the College of Information Technology and Engineering, and the Page Pitt School of Journalism and Mass Communications. The campus also boasts the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center-a state of the art facility that maintains the university's dedication to fine arts for the benefit of the surrounding Appalachian Region.

Other West Virginia colleges include Bluefield State College in Bluefield, Concord University in Athens, Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Liberty University in West Liberty, University of Charleston in Charleston, and many more.

Cappex has tons of resources for students considering a college in West Virginia, including plenty of ways to help you find and apply for scholarships. Begin by browsing the complete list of colleges and universities below.