Best Colleges in West Virginia for Associate, Bachelor’s & Master’s

West Virginia College Guide – What You Need to Know

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The State of West Virginia offers scenic settings, mountains and valleys, bustling cities, and small towns. The universities and colleges range from larger research institutions to small faith-based colleges with long traditions, small classes, and low student to faculty ratios. The cost of college education in West Virginia is lower than the national average for public and private education. West Virginia students can pursue a wide range of major courses of study including advanced technical fields.

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What are the most popular bachelor's degrees offered in West Virginia?

West Virginia’s economy is in a state of transition. The state is moving from an energy and natural resources-based economy to a more diversified model. Today, the state has growth sectors in healthcare, science, agriculture, and technology. The selection of college majors as measured by degrees conferred shows that healthcare professions lead the way. Business, education, natural sciences, and the humanities are close competitors. The expansion of healthcare in West Virginia created a substantial amount of jobs in the healthcare professions and related support occupations. The business side of healthcare requires graduates with strong business management skills and specializations.

The top five degrees in West Virginia are:

How Much Can You Make by Having a Degree in West Virginia

Federal and state government data, as well as private surveys, show a clear relationship between education and median salary. As the level of education increase, the median salaries increase. One study showed that a typical college graduate would earn about $1 million more over a lifetime of earnings than a high school graduate.

The rise in salaries in step with educational attainment goes beyond the bachelor’s degree level. Earnings at master’s degree level, doctorates, and professional degrees also show rising income with higher levels of education. The advantage of education helps employees get high salaries in a current occupation; college and graduate degrees also open opportunities for new occupations.

Education Level & National Average Median Compensation

NO FORMAL EDUCATION HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA ASSOCIATE DEGREE BACHELOR’S DEGREE MASTER’S DEGREE DOCTORAL DEGREE
$30,784* $38,792* $46,124* $64,896* $77,844* $96,772*
*National Average Earnings by Degree Level
arizona-National-Average-earning-by-educational-attainment

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Most Popular Degrees and Careers in West Virginia

Unemployment is on the decline in West Virginia, natural gas and related construction are on the rise. West Virginia enjoys a robust chemical and biochemical industry. The state has extensive production facilities of industry leaders like Dow Chemical. West Virginia produces fertilizers and has a significant presence in aerospace production.

West Virginia is a leader in auto production and related parts manufacturing. While growth is uneven in the state, many areas enjoy growth and steady population increases. The job market for graduates must include the vibrant natural gas and construction industries. International business may grow in demand as employers shift to exporting. While coal has held flat, it still has a future as a leading source of energy production in West Virginia.

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Top Business Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Buyers and Purchasing Agents 1,030 $65,570
Compliance Officers 1,070 $67,300 (N/A for 2021)
Human Resources Specialists 2,030 $60,430
Management Analysts 1,980 $77,780
Training and Development Specialists 1,270 $51,680
  • Buyers and Purchasing Agents:
    work the markets to obtain the goods, products, inventory, and services that an organization needs. These skilled professionals establish pricing standards and terms that meet or exceed the organization's requirements at the lowest possible price.
  • Compliance Officers:
    are specialists that manage the ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements for their organizations. They maintain programs to ensure that the organizations meet the obligations that apply to their activities and status.
  • Human Resources Specialists:
    provide recruitment and retention strategies to get the talent that the organization needs and to keep key personnel. HR specialists manage training, employee development, and other types of employee enrichment.
  • Management Analysts:
    assess organization performance by examining processes and functions to determine effectiveness and efficiency. Management analysts play critical roles in self-assessment and management improvement.
  • Training and Development Specialists:
    prepare organization employees to perform their duties by providing education and training. These specialists can deliver education or oversee the process of using training materials purchased from external sources.
  • Accountants:
    Accounting professionals have many responsibilities, but their primary role is to monitor the company's finances and report them regularly to the appropriate authorities. As well as preparing financial statements and making sure taxes are paid on time, they also have other responsibilities.

Best West Virginia Schools for Business Careers

  • Davis & Elkins College
  • Fairmont State University
  • Marshall University
  • Ohio Valley University
  • West Virginia State University
  • University of West Virginia

Top education Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Business Teachers, Postsecondary 660 $71,580
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary 200 $76,140
Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary 40 $68,170
Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary 60 $62,830
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary 230 $58,630
  • Business Teachers:
    at the postsecondary levels prepare graduates for careers in business occupations. They provide a solid foundation in business organizations, sales, marketing, and management.
  • Engineering Teachers:
    at postsecondary institutions prepare graduates for careers in general or civil engineering. They help students form foundations for specialized engineering study and licensure as professional engineers.
  • Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers:
    provide postsecondary level education in the fields of forestry, sustainable commercialization of forest resources, and conservation.
  • Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers:
    at the Postsecondary level prepare graduates for social work fields, social science study, and further education for specialization at the graduate level. These teaching professionals also mentor graduate students and guide the development of future college faculty.
  • Psychology Teachers:
    in the undergraduate and graduate levels teach in the major and minor fields of psychology. They may teach premedical school students as well as students in other postsecondary fields of study.
  • Preschool Teachers

Best West Virginia Schools for Education

  • Davis & Elkins College
  • Fairmont State University
  • Marshall University
  • Alderson Broaddus University
  • Bluefield State University
  • University of West Virginia

Top Health Professions Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Pharmacists 2,100 $123,030
Physical Therapists 1,260 $92,320
Registered Nurses 19,830 $63,220
Nurse Anesthetists 690 $188,580
Pharmacy Technicians 3,270 $30,380
  • Pharmacists:
    are licensed and trained doctors of pharmacy. They have power to fill prescriptions of nearly every type of medication. They can administer vaccinations and provide patient and public education in drugs and drug safety.
  • Physical Therapists:
    provide examinations and treatments for patients seeking to regain strength, mobility, and range of motion. Physical therapists work with doctors, hospitals, and clinics to extend the benefits of medical care through physical recovery.
  • Registered Nurses:
    provide patient care and help manage treatment in skilled nursing facilities. Registered nurses play a pivotal role in inpatient care, and they supervise the work of practical and vocational nurses.
  • Nurse Anesthetists:
    provide expert patient care during surgery and other medical procedures that require anesthesia. These highly trained and skilled professionals play a key role in modern surgery.
  • Pharmacy Technicians:
    assist pharmacists by filling prescriptions and dispensing prescribed medicines under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Pharmacy technicians often provide information to patients on safe drug usage and avoiding drug interactions.
  • Healthcare administrators:
    are in high demand across the country. The healthcare administration field includes an array of job duties such as strategic planning, budgeting, regulatory compliance, and organizational development.

Best West Virginia Schools for Health Professions

  • Davis & Elkins College
  • Fairmont State University
  • Marshall University
  • Ohio Valley University
  • University of West Virginia

Top Humanities Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists 890 $54,780
Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors 1,490 $45,790
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors 1,400 $40,140
Child, Family, and School Social Workers 620 $41,140
Healthcare Social Workers 670 $50,650
  • Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists:
    provide diagnosis and treatment for emotional and behavioral disorders. In school settings, psychologists support educational objectives by helping to provide optimal learning environments for each child.
  • Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors:
    provide advice and analysis for student careers to help prepare them for long-term educational decisions.
  • Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors:
    provide diagnosis and treatment for substance disorders, drug abuse, and alcoholism.
  • Child, Family, and School Social Workers:
    are highly trained professionals that work in family relations and child protection. They perform critical services to prevent and reduce family violence and child neglect or abuse.
  • Healthcare Social Workers:
    perform critical support services to connect vulnerable populations with healthcare services and resources. These skilled professionals work with individuals, families, and community groups.

Best West Virginia Schools for Humanities Fields of Study

  • Davis & Elkins College
  • Fairmont State University
  • Marshall University
  • Ohio Valley University
  • West Virginia State University
  • University of West Virginia

Top Natural Sciences Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Microbiologists 50 $52,400
Conservation Scientists 190 $50,400
Chemists 490 $54,900
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers 150 $68,900
  • Microbiologists:
    study living things at the smallest scale. These include the building blocks of living things as well as micro-organisms. Microbiologists work support medical research, medicines, industrial processes, and many commercial enterprises.
  • Conservation Scientists:
    perform research and studies that help shape policies and efforts to reduce environmental damage and loss of valuable natural resources.
  • Chemists:
    study chemical makeup and properties of all forms of matter. Their work supports medical research and applications along with countless commercial and industrial activities.
  • Geoscientists:
    study the features of the surface of the Earth and also study the dynamics of heat and structures beneath the land and water surface areas.

Best West Virginia Schools for Natural Sciences

  • Davis & Elkins College
  • Fairmont State University
  • Marshall University
  • Ohio Valley University
  • West Virginia State University
  • University of West Virginia

Additional Careers in West Virginia

Want to See All the West Virginia Occupational Wage Averages

The top occupations with the highest growth rate forecast in West Virginia

Occupation Projected Growth
Management 6%
Business and Financial Operations 6%
Computer and Mathematical 6%
Architecture and Engineering 2%
Life, Physical, and Social Sciences 1%
Education, Training, and Library 6%
Healthcare 5%
Personal Care and Service 5%
Office and Administrative Support 12%
Food Preparation and Serving 8%

Best Associate Degrees in West Virginia

Best Associate Degrees in West Virginia
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The state of West Virginia has a wide variety of options available for those interested in earning a two-year degree. You can choose from top colleges and universities offering programs in most career fields. While curriculums vary, most associate degrees provide students with a broad introduction to a specific industry, as well as a foundation in general education topics. Graduates will be prepared to apply for most entry-level positions in their chosen field but may also consider transferring credits to another higher education institution.

Potomac State College of West Virginia University
College Type
4-year, primarily associate's, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,193		 Graduation Rate
24%		 Net Price
$8,277 		Grads Salary
$45,800
Pierpont Community and Technical College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
1,613		 Graduation Rate
29%		 Net Price
$6,659 		Grads Salary
$33,000
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
3,912		 Graduation Rate
35%		 Net Price
$5,896 		Grads Salary
$29,000
West Virginia University at Parkersburg
College Type
4-year, primarily associate's, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
2,624		 Graduation Rate
35%		 Net Price
$8,226 		Grads Salary
$28,000
West Virginia Northern Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
1,253		 Graduation Rate
24%		 Net Price
$4,155 		Grads Salary
$25,800
West Virginia Junior College-Morgantown
College Type
2-year, Private for-profit		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
622		 Graduation Rate
59%		 Net Price
$16,344 		Grads Salary
$21,300
BridgeValley Community & Technical College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
1,662		 Graduation Rate
21%		 Net Price
$6,361 		Grads Salary
$27,800
Mountwest Community and Technical College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
1,292		 Graduation Rate
27%		 Net Price
$8,178 		Grads Salary
$24,500
Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
1,474		 Graduation Rate
21%		 Net Price
$5,308 		Grads Salary
$23,800
New River Community and Technical College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
1,053		 Graduation Rate
13%		 Net Price
$3,155 		Grads Salary
$23,700
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Best Bachelor's Degrees in West Virginia

Best Bachelor's Degrees in West Virginia
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A four-year degree from a college in West Virginia can provide you with the high-quality education, knowledge, and experience you need to build a successful career in almost any field. Whether you have a specific major in mind or are undecided, earning a bachelor’s degree can prepare you for success in a huge variety of specialized positions. Graduates can also use their degree to qualify for further education in related fields. Additionally, many professional certifications and credentials require candidates to have an undergraduate degree.

West Virginia University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
26,269		 Graduation Rate
62%		 Net Price
$13,087 		Grads Salary
$70,700
American Public University System
College Type
4-year, Private for-profit		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
50,047		 Graduation Rate
48%		 Net Price
$11,503 		Grads Salary
$70,000
Marshall University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
11,958		 Graduation Rate
50%		 Net Price
$8,387 		Grads Salary
$61,900
Alderson Broaddus University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
863		 Graduation Rate
32%		 Net Price
$20,080 		Grads Salary
$95,000
West Virginia Wesleyan College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,066		 Graduation Rate
55%		 Net Price
$19,843 		Grads Salary
$72,000
West Liberty University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,496		 Graduation Rate
53%		 Net Price
$13,812 		Grads Salary
$62,800
West Virginia University Institute of Technology
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,645		 Graduation Rate
28%		 Net Price
$10,151 		Grads Salary
$80,100
Shepherd University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,159		 Graduation Rate
46%		 Net Price
$10,685 		Grads Salary
$62,600
Bethany College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
576		 Graduation Rate
43%		 Net Price
$14,666 		Grads Salary
$67,600
Davis & Elkins College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
776		 Graduation Rate
48%		 Net Price
$18,819 		Grads Salary
$68,800
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Best Master's Degrees in West Virginia

Best Master's Degrees in West Virginia
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Not all fields require an advanced degree, but many employers often give preference to candidates who have either master’s or doctorate degrees. These programs demonstrate a clear dedication to and understanding of major content, as well as an inclination toward meaningful research. Students gain highly developed skills in analysis and critical thinking, which make them incredibly marketable in most fields. Graduates are not only likely to be more competitive professionally, but they often earn higher salaries, promote faster, and enjoy more job security.

West Virginia University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
26,269		 Graduation Rate
62%		 Net Price
$13,087 		Grads Salary
$70,700
American Public University System
College Type
4-year, Private for-profit		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
50,047		 Graduation Rate
48%		 Net Price
$11,503 		Grads Salary
$70,000
Marshall University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
11,958		 Graduation Rate
50%		 Net Price
$8,387 		Grads Salary
$61,900
Alderson Broaddus University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
863		 Graduation Rate
32%		 Net Price
$20,080 		Grads Salary
$95,000
West Virginia Wesleyan College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,066		 Graduation Rate
55%		 Net Price
$19,843 		Grads Salary
$72,000
West Liberty University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,496		 Graduation Rate
53%		 Net Price
$13,812 		Grads Salary
$62,800
Shepherd University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,159		 Graduation Rate
46%		 Net Price
$10,685 		Grads Salary
$62,600
Bethany College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
576		 Graduation Rate
43%		 Net Price
$14,666 		Grads Salary
$67,600
Concord University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,886		 Graduation Rate
38%		 Net Price
$8,677 		Grads Salary
$62,100
University of Charleston
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,718		 Graduation Rate
46%		 Net Price
$20,598 		Grads Salary
$68,200
Full Ranking Report
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Cost of West Virginia College Education & Salaries

The State of West Virginia supports a higher education system of public colleges and universities. The Flagship is the University of West Virginia, and it includes West Virginia State University, and West Virginia State University Institute of Technology. Because of public support from tax payers, public schools, colleges, and universities offer a two-tier tuition system that favors West Virginia residents. The out-of-state tuition rates are much higher than in-state, and this difference reflects the support provided by West Virginia residents to higher education in the state.

When West Virginia students seek a major that may not be available at a West Virginia public college or university, they may be able to use the Education Common Market. The state of West Virginia cooperates with some neighboring states to extend in-state tuition rates. West Virginia students as residents of West Virginia can attend select colleges and universities in nearby states. Through the Academic Common Market, the options include Virginia, Kentucky, Maryland, and Tennessee. West Virginia families can pay in-state tuition at public schools in the education common market. Students can get in-state discounts if they enroll in an approved degree program.

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College Cost Analysis - West Virginia vs National

Average West Virginia Tuition & Fees at 4 Year Public Schools

In-State Tuition - $8,016

National Average – $9,580

Out-of-State – $21,996

National Average – $27,437

Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid

West Virginia residents are close to the national average in successfully getting grants for tuition and expenses. The value of grants is twofold in that they reduce out of pocket expenses and do not require repayment. While West Virginia lags behind the national average in the median amount of funds per student, the gap in levels of funds may be due to the lower average costs of education in West Virginia.

Financial Aid West Virginia Nationally
Received Federal Grants 38% 37.7%
Average $ per Recipient $9,914 $10,927

* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a postsecondary institution.
* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private non-profit schools only.

Best Scholarships for West Virginia

The costs of higher education are the most difficult barrier for most applicants. Few families can easily pay the average of nearly $50,000 per year in the average tuition and expenses for a college education. Scholarships and grants can fill unmet needs for financial resources to pay for tuition and fees. Unlike loans, grants and scholarships do not require repayment. An additional category for student consideration are loans that students can repay through service and employment. In areas of shortage such as teaching and nursing, some scholarships take the form of student loans with forgiveness upon service as a teacher or nurse. While there are not scholarships in the traditional sense, they can work as well for students with a personal and professional commitment to public service.

WVHEGP_logo

WVHEGP

West Virginia Higher Education Grant Program

https://secure.cfwv.com/Financial_Aid_Planning/Scholarships/Scholarships_and_Grants/West_Virginia_Higher_Education_Grant.aspx
Amounts: $2,700
Deadline: April 15
The West Virginia Higher Education Grant Program is a need-based financial assistance program. The grant helps qualified undergraduate students who demonstrate needs for financial assistance. Applicants must attend or plan to attend an approved educational institution located in West Virginia or Pennsylvania. The grants are renewable; students may renew their grants each year up to an additional three years beyond the initial award. Eligible applicants must be US citizens, reside in West Virginia, and have demonstrated financial need. Applicants must have a minimum 2.0 GPA and be studying or plan to enroll as a full-time undergraduate student at an approved educational institution in West Virginia or Pennsylvania.

PS_logo

PS

Promise Scholarship

https://secure.cfwv.com/Financial_Aid_Planning/Scholarships/Scholarships_and_Grants/West_Virginia_PROMISE.aspx
Amounts: Full tuition scholarship to a WV Public school or an equal amount to a WV private college.
Deadline: March 1
Promise (Providing Real Opportunities for Maximizing In-State Student Excellence) is a merit-based scholarship program. The program provides West Virginia students with a full tuition scholarship to a state school, college, or university. If selecting a private school, then the fund will pay an equivalent amount to the private institution. The PROMISE scholarship does not rely on need or parental contributions. PROMISE scholarships are awarded on the basis of outstanding academic achievement.

TRFS_logo

TRFS

The Roothbert Fund Scholarships

https://www.roothbertfund.org/scholarships
Amounts: $2,000-$3,000 (20 Awards, Renewable)
Deadline: February 1
The scholarship fund supports high achieving students with demonstrated need. The fund awards to students without regard to race, gender, or national origin. Eligible applicants must reside in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia, West Virginia, or North Carolina. Students may attend accredited colleges or universities anywhere in the US. While every major course of study is eligible for awards, the criteria favor education majors and careers.

AMS&AWMA_logo

AMS&AWMA;

Allegheny Mountain Section Air & Waste Management Assn. Scholarships

http://www.ams-awma.org/amsscholarship
Amounts: Varies
Deadline: Varies
This scholarship program supports students that seek to pursue an education and career in environmental science. The eligible colleges and schools in West Virginia include Bethany College, Salem University, Bluefield State University, Fairmont State College, Shepard College, West Virginia State College, West Virginia University, West Virginia Institute of Technology, West Virginia Wesleyan College, Davis & Elkins College, and the State College System of WV.

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