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61.5%Acceptance
Private nonprofitLess-than-2-yearData: 2023-24

About Alderson Broaddus University

Alderson Broaddus University draws three-quarters of its students from outside West Virginia, creating a diverse community in the small Appalachian town of Philippi. The university has built a strong reputation for its nursing and physician assistant programs, along with competitive athletics in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference. Founded in 1871, this Methodist-affiliated institution emphasizes hands-on learning and close student-faculty relationships typical of small liberal arts colleges.

Students receive an average institutional grant of $24,656, which helps offset the private school costs. The relatively accessible admissions process accepts 61% of applicants, with middle-50% SAT scores ranging from 900 to 1060. This makes AB University an option for students seeking a private college experience without the ultra-competitive admissions found at top institutions.

The university's small size fosters tight-knit campus community where students often know their professors personally. AB's location in rural West Virginia provides a quiet, focused environment for studies while offering outdoor recreation opportunities in the surrounding mountains. The school particularly appeals to students interested in health sciences who want individualized attention during their undergraduate preparation.

Campus Life

Philippi sits in the rolling hills of central West Virginia, about 90 minutes south of Pittsburgh. The town has fewer than 3,000 residents, making campus the center of activity in this rural community. You'll need heavy winter coats for snowy months and layers for unpredictable spring weather.

The small student body creates an intimate campus where professors know your name. With 61% of applicants accepted, AB attracts students who value personal attention over big-school amenities. Most students live on the compact campus, which sits along the Tygart Valley River. Weekend activities often revolve around outdoor recreation like hiking and fishing in the surrounding Appalachian foothills.

The university traces its Methodist roots to 1871, when two small colleges merged. Students often drive to Bridgeport or Morgantown for shopping and dining options beyond what tiny Philippi offers. Campus traditions include homecoming festivities and small-town community events. The close-knit atmosphere means your classmates become lifelong friends, but some students find the isolation challenging after a semester or two.
Founded
1871

Climate & Weather

January Avg
20°–41°F
July Avg
61°–83°F
Annual Precipitation
49.6"
Annual Snowfall
43.8"

Location

Alderson Broaddus University sits in Philippi, West Virginia, roughly 100 miles south of Pittsburgh. The small Appalachian town of about 3,000 residents offers a classic rural college experience surrounded by rolling hills and forests. Only 24.89% of students come from in-state, suggesting the mountain setting attracts students seeking an escape from urban life. Philippi's historic covered bridge and Civil War battlefield give the area character beyond typical college amenities. The Tygart Valley River runs through town, providing outdoor recreation opportunities that complement campus life. Students get personal attention in this intimate setting where the university forms the heart of the community. Students considering colleges in West Virginia may also compare Alderson Broaddus University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Philippi, West Virginia 26416-2035
Alderson Broaddus University campus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Alderson Broaddus University?

Alderson Broaddus University accepts 61.49% of applicants. The school maintains moderately selective admissions while serving as a small liberal arts institution in rural West Virginia.

How much does Alderson Broaddus University cost after financial aid?

Students receive an average institutional grant of $24,656 to help offset tuition costs. The university works to make private education accessible through substantial financial aid packages.

What are the typical test scores at Alderson Broaddus University?

The average SAT score is 980, with the middle 50% ranging from 900 to 1060. Students typically score around 19 on the ACT, reflecting the university's focus on providing opportunities for a broad range of academic backgrounds.

Where do most students at Alderson Broaddus University come from?

Only 24.89% of students are from West Virginia, meaning the university draws heavily from out-of-state. The school has built a national reputation that attracts students from across the country to its small-town campus.

What is Alderson Broaddus University known for academically?

Founded in 1871, the university operates as a private liberal arts institution emphasizing personalized education. The school combines traditional liberal arts with professional programs in a close-knit academic environment.

Is Alderson Broaddus University a traditional four-year college?

Despite being classified as less-than-2-year level in recent data, Alderson Broaddus University is actually a private liberal arts university. The school has undergone recent changes but continues to offer undergraduate degree programs in Philippi, West Virginia.