About
West Virginia State University (WVSU) is a public historically black land-grant university in Institute, West Virginia. Founded in 1891 as the West Virginia Colored Institute, it is one of the original 19 land-grant colleges and universities established by the second Morrill Act of 1890.
West Virginia State University has a total undergraduate enrollment of about 2,500 students. The student body is diverse, with African Americans making up about 8% of the student body, followed by Caucasians (75%), Hispanics (4%), and Asians (2%).
The university offers over 50 undergraduate and graduate programs, including business, education, engineering, nursing, and social work degrees. West Virginia State University is also home to the West Virginia Center for African American Studies, the state's only centre.
The university's athletics teams, the Yellow Jackets, compete in the NCAA Division II Mountain East Conference. West Virginia State University has won 12 national championships, including 10 in men's and women's track and field.
The acceptance rate for West Virginia State University international students is 95%.
West Virginia State University is not ranked in the top 1000 universities in the world according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023. It is ranked 103-135 in the US News & World Report's 2022 edition of Best Colleges in the Regional Universities South category.
West Virginia State University Cost of Attendance for a Single International Student in the Undergraduate Programs
- Out-of-State Tuition + Fees: $14,805 ($14,280+$525)/academic year or $7,403 ($7,140+$263) /term
- Room & Meals (on campus): $13,066 academic year (double occupancy room with meal plans)
- Health Insurance: $700 (estimated for 12 months)
- Miscellaneous Expenses: $4,256 (estimated books, supplies, travel, and personal expenses)
- Estimated (I-20): Total $32,827 (Your Affidavit of Support must show the minimum of this amount)
West Virginia State University Cost of Attendance for a Single International Student in the Graduate Programs
- Out-of-State Tuition + Fees: $20,507 ($19,982+$525)/academic year or $10,254 ($9,991+$263) /term
- Room & Meals: $8,713 (estimated for off-campus living)
- Health Insurance: $700 (estimated for 12 months)
- Miscellaneous Expenses: $4,256 (estimated books, supplies and personal expenses)
- Estimated (I-20): Total $34,176 (Your Affidavit of Support must show a minimum of this amount)
Additional
- One-time new student orientation fee: $100.
Top Reasons to Study in the West Virginia State University
- Diversity: West Virginia State University is a diverse university, with students from all over the United States and the world. This diversity creates a vibrant and inclusive learning environment.
- Supportive environment: West Virginia State University is known for its supportive environment. Faculty and staff are committed to helping students succeed.
- Academic excellence: West Virginia State University offers various academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees. The Higher Learning Commission accredits the university.
- Strong athletics: West Virginia State University's Yellow Jackets athletics team competes in the NCAA Division II Mountain East Conference. The university has won 12 national championships, including 10 in men's and women's track and field.
- Beautiful campus: West Virginia State University's campus is in the small town of Institute, West Virginia. The campus is known for its beautiful architecture and its tree-lined walkways.
Admissions
Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)
96%
Application Fee
$20 - $37
How to Apply at West Virginia State University
The application process for international students is the same as for domestic students. Additional requirements are there for fresh and transfer undergraduate and graduate students.
Fresh Undergraduate/Graduate International Admissions
- Application: You can apply through the Online Application from their official website.
- The application fee is $20 for international students.
- Required Materials: In addition to the application, applicants must submit the following:
- Official transcripts from all schools/colleges/universities attended.
- Entrance exam scores: SAT/ACT (for undergraduates), GRE/GMAT (Required for graduate and PhD students)
- English proficiency test scores like Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, Duolingo, Cambridge Advanced Exam or PTE
- Personal statement/Essay writing
- Two letters of teacher recommendation
- Financial Aid Statement of Intent
Transfer Students Undergraduate/Graduate International Admissions
- Application: You can apply through the Online Application on their official website.
- The application fee is $20 for international students.
- Required Materials: In addition to the application, applicants must submit the following:
- Official transcripts from all schools/colleges/universities attended.
- Entrance exam scores: SAT/ACT (for undergraduates), GRE/GMAT (Required for graduate and PhD students)
- English proficiency test scores like Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, Duolingo, Cambridge Advanced Exam or PTE
- Personal statement/essay writing
- Transfer Report Form
- Letter of recommendation
- Financial documentation
Documents Required to Apply to West Virginia State University
Undergraduate Students
- Complete the Online Application from their official website
- Official transcripts from all previous your high school attended
- SAT/ACT scores
- Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, Duolingo, Cambridge Advanced Exam or PTE English Test scores.
- Personal statement/Essay writing
- Two letters of recommendation
- Financial Affidavit of Support along with bank statements
- FERPA Form
- Your immunisation record of MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
- Additional Documents:
- Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student (F-1) Status
- I-20 Form
- Passport
- Visa Sponsorship Letter
Graduate Students/PhD or Scholar Students
- Complete the Online Application from their official website
- Official transcripts from all previous high school or college attended
- GRE/GMAT scores
- Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, Duolingo, Cambridge Advanced Exam or PTE English Test scores.
- Personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- FERPA Form
- Financial Affidavit of Support along with bank statements
- Resume (Relevant work experience)
- Your immunisation record of MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
- Additional Documents:
- Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student (F-1) Status
- I-20 Form
- Passport
- Visa Sponsorship Letter
All documents must be in English or have an official English translation
Exams Accepted By West Virginia State University
Undergraduate Students
- Entrance Tests: SAT/ACT exam.
- English Proficiency Tests: Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, Duolingo, Cambridge Advanced Exam or PTE English Test scores.
Graduate Students/Ph.D. Students
- Entrance Tests: GRE/GMAT exam
- English Proficiency Tests: Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, Duolingo, Cambridge Advanced Exam or PTE English Test scores.
Campus Life
Transportation in the city
- Mountain Line Transit: This is the leading public transportation provider in the area. It offers bus service to various destinations in the city, including the university campus. Fares are $1.25 for a one-way trip.
- West Virginia State University Campus Shuttle: This shuttle provides free service to students, faculty, and staff around the university campus.
- Taxis: There are a few taxi companies that operate in the area. Taxi fares are typically around $2 per mile.
- Ride-sharing services: Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also available in the area. Ride-sharing fares vary depending on the distance travelled.
Services offered by the university
- Academic advising: The university offers academic advising to all students. Advisors can help students choose courses, develop a degree plan, and navigate the university's academic system.
- Financial aid: The university offers financial aid to students who need it. Financial aid can come from grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study.
- Student health services: The university offers student health services, including a clinic, pharmacy, and counselling services.
- Housing and dining: The university offers housing and dining options for students. Housing options include residence halls, apartments, and houses. Dining options include a dining hall, a cafe, and a convenience store.
- Student activities: The university offers a variety of student activities, including clubs, organisations, and sports.
- Career services: The university offers career services to students and alumni. Career services can help students with resume writing, job search skills, and interviewing techniques.
- Library: The university has a library that provides books, journals, and other resources to students, faculty, and staff.
- Technology services: The university offers technology services to students, faculty, and staff. These services include computer labs, printing services, and Wi-Fi access.
Student life at West Virginia State University
- Get involved in student activities: There are over 100 student organisations at West Virginia State University, so there is something for everyone. You can join a club or organisation based on your interests, such as academics, hobbies, or social activism.
- Attend sporting events: West Virginia State University's Yellow Jackets athletics team competes in the NCAA Division II Mountain East Conference. You can cheer on the Yellow Jackets at home games or travel to away games.
- Go to the movies: The University Union has a movie theatre that shows first-run movies. You can also watch movies in the student union or the library on campus.
- Go to the gym: West Virginia State University has a state-of-the-art fitness centre open to all students. You can also run or walk on the university's trails.
- Go to the library: The university library has an extensive collection of books, journals, and other resources. You can also use the library's computers and printers.
- Hang out at the student union: The student union is a great place to relax and socialise. There is a game room, a cafe, and a bookstore.
- Explore the Institute: The town of the Institute is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. There are plenty of things to do in the town, such as hiking, biking, and shopping.
On campus accomodation at West Virginia State University
- Residence halls: There are 10 halls on campus, each with a unique personality. Residence halls typically have single, double, and triple rooms. Some residence halls also have suites with private bathrooms.
- Apartments: West Virginia State University also offers apartments for students. Apartments typically have two or four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Apartments are located in the university's residential village.
- Houses: West Virginia State University also offers houses for students. Houses typically have four to six bedrooms and two bathrooms. Houses are located in the university's residential village.
Housing Cost
The cost of on-campus housing varies depending on the housing option you choose. The cost of a residence hall ranges from $2,900 to $4,800 per semester. The cost of an apartment ranges from $3,500 to $5,500 per semester. The cost of a house ranges from $4,000 to 6,000 per semester.
Faculty
University Faculty:Student Ratio
University Faculty Stats
- Total faculty: 350
- Full-time faculty: 250
- Part-time faculty: 100
- Faculty with PhDs: 60%
- Faculty with terminal degrees: 80%
- Average faculty salary: $65,000
- Faculty diversity: 50% of faculty are women, and 15% are people of color.
- Faculty awards: West Virginia State University faculty have won numerous awards, including the Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching.
- Faculty research: West Virginia State University faculty are engaged in various research, including STEM research, social justice research, and arts research.
- Faculty service: West Virginia State University faculty are active in their communities, serving on boards and committees and volunteering their time.
Career Opportunities
University Endowments Value
Internship opportunities at West Virginia State University
- Internships: West Virginia State University offers a variety of internships for students in a variety of fields. These internships are typically unpaid, but they can provide valuable experience and help students to network with professionals in their field.
- Part-time jobs: West Virginia State University also offers a variety of part-time jobs for students. These jobs are typically paid and can help students earn money to help pay for their education.
- Work-study: West Virginia State University also offers work-study programs for students who qualify. Work-study programs allow students to earn money while they are also attending school.
Placement of West Virginia State University
Job Placement
The job placement rate for West Virginia State University graduates is 90%.
Top Hiring Companies
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of West Virginia
- West Virginia Department of Education
- United Bank
- Morgantown Health System
- Wells Fargo
Salaries
According to PayScale, the average salary for West Virginia State University graduates is $66,000. The highest-paying majors for West Virginia State University graduates are engineering, business, and computer science.
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Last updated August 14, 2026