West Virginia State University is a public 4-year college in Institute, West Virginia with 1,321 undergraduates. It admits 96% of applicants, costs an average of $13,624 a year after grants and graduates 36% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
West Virginia State University acceptance rate and admissions
West Virginia State University admitted 96% of applicants for fall 2024. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Considered but not required (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
The colored band is the middle 50% of enrolled students in fall 2024 (reading and writing 410 to 550, math 350 to 490). The tick marks the typical 4-year college. Check how your scores fit.
West Virginia State University tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees, in-state (2025-26) | $9,570 |
|---|---|
| Tuition and fees, out-of-state (2025-26) | $14,990 |
| On-campus housing and food (2025-26) | $14,014 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $21,391 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $13,624 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $13,624 a year after grants and scholarships, $7,767 less than the full cost of attendance. This figure covers in-state students.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students paying in-state tuition, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run West Virginia State University's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
West Virginia State University graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 36% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
- Former students earned a median of $43,742 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $20,610 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 47% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
West Virginia State University majors and what graduates earn
West Virginia State University awarded bachelor's degrees in 24 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from business administration ($50,169).
All 24 majors at West Virginia State University
| Major | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business administration | 50 | $45,672 | $50,169 | $23,891 |
| Criminal justice | 34 | $40,445 | $50,063 | $18,682 |
| Liberal arts and general studies | 37 | $43,199 | $47,026 | $15,038 |
| Kinesiology and exercise science | 18 | n/a | $46,622 | $20,250 |
| Teacher education by grade level | 29 | $42,472 | $43,924 | $17,252 |
| Psychology | 11 | $36,109 | $42,434 | n/a |
| Social work | 16 | $38,809 | $41,571 | n/a |
| English | 9 | n/a | $40,303 | n/a |
| Communication | 9 | $21,851 | $37,866 | n/a |
| Fine and studio arts | 4 | n/a | $22,764 | n/a |
| Nursing | 17 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Biology | 11 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Political science | 5 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other | 5 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Chemistry | 4 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Engineering, general | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| History | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Computer science | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| International/Globalization Studies | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Music | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Mathematics | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Economics | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Sociology | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at West Virginia State University
7 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
Show 7 graduate programs
| Program | Degree | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education leadership | Master's | 19 | $52,556 | n/a |
| Kinesiology and exercise science | Master's | 11 | n/a | n/a |
| Biotechnology | Master's | 5 | n/a | n/a |
| Criminal justice | Master's | 5 | n/a | n/a |
| Public administration | Master's | 4 | n/a | n/a |
| Computer science | Master's | 3 | n/a | n/a |
| Communication | Master's | 2 | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 1,321 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 55% women, 45% men
- 13 students for every faculty member
- Setting: midsize suburb
- Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
Frequently asked questions
What is the acceptance rate at West Virginia State University?
West Virginia State University admitted 96% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does West Virginia State University cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $9,570 for in-state students and $14,990 for out-of-state students. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $13,624 a year in 2024-25.
What SAT score do you need for West Virginia State University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students scored 410 to 550 in reading and writing and 350 to 490 in math, and 15 to 20 on the ACT. Scores inside these ranges are typical for admitted students.
Is West Virginia State University test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, West Virginia State University reported that test scores were: considered but not required. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at West Virginia State University?
36% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do West Virginia State University graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $43,742 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in West Virginia · West Virginia State University on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.