West Virginia State University: 96.2% Acceptance Rate

96.2%Acceptance

$9,049Tuition

1,328Students

34%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$40,492Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24HBCU

About West Virginia State University

West Virginia State University serves 1,328 students in Institute, a suburb near Charleston. This historically black university has been educating students since 1891, though today its student body is 55.72% white and 13.18% black. The school accepts 96.18% of applicants, making it accessible to students with average test scores (the middle 50% score between 840-1065 on the SAT). Students get personal attention with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, but the school struggles with retention as only 63.24% of students return for their second year. The financial picture looks reasonable at first glance. In-state students pay $9,049 in tuition, and the average net price after aid drops to $10,191. Graduates earn a median of $40,492 ten years after graduation, but they leave with $23,338 in debt and monthly loan payments of $247. The 33.50% six-year graduation rate means many students don't finish their degrees. West Virginia State competes in NCAA Division II athletics with 13 varsity sports and 372 total athletes. The Yellow Jackets play in the Mountain East Conference, and the school awards over $3 million in athletic scholarships annually.

Academics & Faculty

West Virginia State University operates as a historically black public university with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio that gives students close access to professors. The school accepts 96% of applicants and serves many first-generation college students who need extra academic support. However, only 34% of students graduate in four years and 34% finish within six years, reflecting the challenges many students face balancing college with work or family responsibilities. The university offers traditional liberal arts programs alongside career-focused majors in business, education, and communications. As an HBCU, West Virginia State emphasizes mentorship and community support, though students must stay motivated to reach graduation despite the available small class sizes.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 64.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 34.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 33.5%
Retention Rate: 63.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $40,492
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Small)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$33,993
Social Work.	Bachelor	$29,685
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$29,141
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Bachelor	$28,816
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other.	Bachelor	$28,598
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Bachelor	$27,504
Communication and Media Studies.	Bachelor	$26,739
English Language and Literature, General.	Bachelor	$20,140
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.	Bachelor	$18,771
History.	Bachelor	$18,401

View all 32 programs →

Campus Life

West Virginia State University sits in Institute, about 8 miles west of Charleston, the state capital. With only 376 housing spots for 1,328 students, just 28% of students live on campus, creating a commuter-heavy atmosphere where many drive home on weekends. The small enrollment means you'll recognize faces across campus quickly, and the 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know your name.

Winters here require a good coat, with temperatures often dipping below freezing and occasional snow blanketing the Ohio River Valley campus. As a historically black university founded in 1891, the school maintains strong traditions around homecoming and community service. The Yellow Jackets compete in 13 NCAA Division II sports, with football games drawing decent crowds in fall. Since 80% of students come from West Virginia, the social scene tends to revolve around tight-knit groups who've known each other since high school. Charleston offers restaurants, shopping, and internship opportunities just a short drive away, but campus life moves at a slower, more personal pace than you'd find at larger universities.

Setting: Suburb-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 376 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1891

Campus Safety (2023)

9 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Dating Violence	2	2	0
Aggravated Assault	1	1	0
Burglary	1	1	0
Stalking	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 22°–42°F
July Avg: 63°–85°F
Annual Precipitation: 48.2"
Annual Snowfall: 31.5"

Student Demographics

West Virginia State University draws students who want a close-knit college experience without breaking the bank. With 80% of students coming from West Virginia, this historically black university has built strong ties throughout the state and serves as an affordable pathway to higher education for local families. The student body of 1,328 creates a small-town feel where professors know students by name, thanks to the 12:1 student-faculty ratio. Women slightly outnumber men at 56%, reflecting the school's programs in education, health sciences, and business that traditionally attract female students.

Men: 43.8%
Women: 56.3%
White: 55.7%
Black: 13.2%
Hispanic: 3.0%
Asian: 0.5%
In-State Students: 79.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 17.6%

Location

West Virginia State University sits in Institute, West Virginia, about 8 miles west of Charleston, the state capital with 46,000 people. The campus lies in the Kanawha River Valley, surrounded by the rolling hills and forests that define West Virginia's landscape. Institute itself is a small community that grew up around the university, giving students easy access to Charleston's restaurants, internships, and entertainment while maintaining a quiet college atmosphere. The area offers outdoor activities like hiking and fishing, typical of Appalachian communities. With 1,328 students and 79.79% from in-state, the university serves as an anchor for the local region. Students considering colleges in West Virginia may also compare West Virginia State University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Institute, West Virginia 25112-1000

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $40,492
Median Earnings (5 years): $43,015
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 36.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $247/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $23,338

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at West Virginia State University?

West Virginia State University accepts 96.18% of applicants with an average SAT score of 953. This historically black university provides accessible higher education opportunities in the small town of Institute, making it a welcoming option for students seeking a supportive environment.

How much does West Virginia State University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $10,191 after aid, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $8,962. The university keeps costs manageable with in-state tuition at $9,049, though graduates carry a median debt of $23,338.

What is the student-faculty ratio at West Virginia State University?

The student-faculty ratio is 12:1 among the 1,328 enrolled students. This small size allows for personalized attention in a close-knit academic community, though the retention rate of 63.24% suggests some students struggle with the transition to college.

What are the graduation outcomes at West Virginia State University?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 33.50%, with graduates earning a median salary of $40,492 ten years after graduation. The university maintains strong career connections with a 93.6% employment rate for graduates.

Where is West Virginia State University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Institute, West Virginia, housing 376 students in residence halls. As a Yellow Jackets athletics program, the university fields 13 varsity sports with 372 total athletes competing in NCAA Division II.

Is West Virginia State University a historically black college?

Yes, West Virginia State University is an HBCU founded in 1891. Today the student body is 55.72% white and 13.18% Black, reflecting the university's evolution while maintaining its historical mission of educational access.

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About This Data

Statistics on this page come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard and IPEDS (2023–24 data year), with climate normals from NOAA and campus safety figures from Clery Act reports. CampusGuide does not estimate or adjust reported figures. Read our full methodology.