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Small Colleges in West Virginia

34 schools in West Virginia. See our methodology.

West Virginia Junior College-Charleston delivers the state's highest graduation rate among small colleges at 76.6%, though graduates earn $27,472 annually. This pattern reflects broader trends across West Virginia's 34 small colleges, where completion rates range from 25% to 76.6% and earnings span $27,472 to $55,939. The state's PROMISE Scholarship helps offset costs that range from $3,215 at West Virginia University at Parkersburg to $22,012 at private institutions. Many programs align with the state's energy and healthcare sectors, where coal companies and medical centers provide steady employment. Potomac State College graduates earn $55,939 despite a 26% graduation rate, suggesting strong industry connections in the eastern panhandle. Community colleges like Blue Ridge in Martinsburg serve students near Washington DC job markets, while technical programs at institutions like WVU Institute of Technology prepare workers for the state's manufacturing base. Acceptance rates from 64.6% to 100% mean most students gain admission, but success varies significantly by institution type and location within the state's rural geography.
34
Schools
$12,526
Avg. Net Price
$38,537
Avg. Earnings
43.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Small Colleges in West Virginia

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 317 $11,856 76.6%
2 1,578 $16,295 60.6% 74.1%
3 952 $7,403 26.0%
4 1,565 $4,443 41.0%
5 584 $15,987 59.0%
6 377 $16,943 50.0%
7 1,009 $9,957 36.1% 64.6%
8 175 $13,240 60.7%
9 906 $9,096 39.1%
10 196 $8,398 40.6%
11 1,177 $16,358 35.5%
12 1,692 $3,613 30.6%
13 168 $17,401 75.6% 100.0%
14 2,375 $12,391 49.5% 95.9%
15 1,734 $4,992 27.1%
16 785 $3,215 29.6%
17 2,083 $22,012 46.3% 67.7%
18 2,690 $9,055 48.3% 98.5%
19 777 $3,494 29.9%
20 1,146 $8,064 25.0%
21 695 $14,469 27.3%
22 1,394 $9,983 42.3% 91.4%
23 642 $15,306 46.3% 64.9%
24 567 $19,040 32.0% 72.7%
25 1,098 $8,043 16.8%
26 1,328 $10,191 33.5% 96.2%
27 909 $18,148 49.5% 96.4%
28 181 $24,526 62.5%
29 1,231 $12,529 34.6% 97.2%
30 681 $19,428 36.6% 75.3%
31 651 $25,666 58.3%
32 209 $10,729 12.5%
33 3,214 $11,096 79.4% 100.0%
34 95

Frequently Asked Questions

What graduation rates can students expect at West Virginia's small colleges?

Graduation rates vary dramatically from 25% at some institutions to 76.6% at West Virginia Junior College-Charleston. Community colleges typically see rates between 26% and 41%, while specialized programs like Appalachian Bible College achieve 75.6%. Students should research completion rates for their specific program of interest.

How much do graduates from small West Virginia colleges earn?

Alumni earnings range from $27,472 to $55,939 annually depending on program and location. Potomac State College graduates earn the highest at $55,939, while junior college graduates average around $27,472 to $31,912. Healthcare and energy-related programs typically produce higher-earning graduates.

Is financial aid available to make small colleges affordable?

Net costs after aid range from $3,215 at WVU Parkersburg to $22,012 at private institutions. The state's PROMISE Scholarship covers tuition for qualifying students, and community colleges offer particularly low costs. Most students pay between $4,443 and $16,358 annually after aid.

Does class size affect the college experience at these institutions?

Enrollment ranges from 168 students at Appalachian Bible College to 2,375 at Shepherd University. Most institutions serve between 175 and 1,734 students, creating small class environments. Schools with under 500 students offer highly personalized attention but fewer program options.

Where do graduates find employment after small college programs?

West Virginia's economy centers on healthcare, energy, and education sectors. Graduates often work for companies like Charleston Area Medical Center, coal operations, or state agencies. Eastern schools near Maryland benefit from Washington DC area opportunities, expanding career prospects significantly.

What acceptance rates should applicants expect at small West Virginia colleges?

Acceptance rates range from 64.6% at competitive programs to 100% at open-admission institutions. Most community colleges accept all applicants, while universities like West Liberty accept 74.09%. Specialized programs may have additional requirements beyond general admission standards.

Related

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.