Easy Admission Colleges in West Virginia
| # | School | Acceptance Rate | Enrollment | Net Price | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Appalachian Bible College
Mount Hope, West Virginia
|
100.0% | 168 | $17,401 | 75.6% |
| 2 |
Martinsburg College
Martinsburg, West Virginia
|
100.0% | 3,214 | $11,096 | 79.4% |
| 3 |
Fairmont State University
Fairmont, West Virginia
|
98.5% | 2,690 | $9,055 | 48.3% |
| 4 |
Bluefield State University
Bluefield, West Virginia
|
97.2% | 1,231 | $12,529 | 34.6% |
| 5 |
Marshall University
Huntington, West Virginia
|
96.9% | 7,149 | $8,327 | 48.7% |
| 6 |
West Virginia Wesleyan College
Buckhannon, West Virginia
|
96.4% | 909 | $18,148 | 49.5% |
| 7 |
West Virginia State University
Institute, West Virginia
|
96.2% | 1,328 | $10,191 | 33.5% |
| 8 |
Shepherd University
Shepherdstown, West Virginia
|
95.9% | 2,375 | $12,391 | 49.5% |
| 9 |
Concord University
Athens, West Virginia
|
91.4% | 1,394 | $9,983 | 42.3% |
| 10 |
West Virginia University
Morgantown, West Virginia
|
88.4% | 17,705 | $12,997 | 61.2% |
| 11 |
Davis & Elkins College
Elkins, West Virginia
|
75.3% | 681 | $19,428 | 36.6% |
| 12 |
West Liberty University
West Liberty, West Virginia
|
74.1% | 1,578 | $16,295 | 60.6% |
| 13 |
Wheeling University
Wheeling, West Virginia
|
72.7% | 567 | $19,040 | 32.0% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes West Virginia colleges so accessible to students?
Ten of West Virginia's 13 easily accessible colleges accept over 90% of applicants, with five schools maintaining acceptance rates above 95%. This reflects the state's commitment to educational access, supported by programs like the PROMISE Scholarship and relatively low competition compared to coastal states.
How do graduation rates vary among these accessible colleges?
Graduation rates range dramatically from 32% at Wheeling University to 79.4% at Martinsburg College. Smaller specialized schools like Appalachian Bible College achieve 75.6% graduation rates with just 168 students, while larger universities typically graduate 48-61% of their students.
Is the cost of attendance reasonable at these West Virginia schools?
Net costs range from $8,327 at Marshall University to $19,428 at Davis & Elkins College. Most public institutions cost under $13,000 annually, making them among the most affordable options on the East Coast when combined with West Virginia's low living costs.
What earning potential do graduates from these colleges have?
Alumni earnings span $37,467 to $57,949 annually, with Wheeling University graduates earning the highest at $57,949 despite the school's 32% graduation rate. Most graduates earn between $40,000-$50,000, reflecting West Virginia's healthcare, energy, and education job markets.
Where can students find the best combination of acceptance rate and outcomes?
West Virginia University offers the strongest balance with 88.38% acceptance, 61.2% graduation rate, and $55,939 graduate earnings. Marshall University provides excellent value at $8,327 cost with 96.88% acceptance, while West Liberty maintains 74.09% selectivity with solid outcomes.
Related
See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.