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Best Schools in West Virginia

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2023 Best Schools in West Virginia

26 Schools Ranked
$41,760 Average Earnings
$21,866 Avg Student Debt

With all the programs available today, it can be tough to choose which one is the best for you. As online education oppotunities continue to grow, you're not restricted to just schools in your local area anymore. Even some of the 'big name' schools are offering online courses. On top of that, there are a considerable number of trade schools and bootcamp that offer fast-track entry to many fields.

The Best Schools in West Virginia ranking is one of many tools that Course Advisor has developed to help you make your educational decision. This report analyzed 26 schools in West Virginia to see which ones offered the best programs for students.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Schools in West Virginia

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

American Public University System

Charles Town, West Virginia
$51,395 Average Earnings
$25,070 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named American Public University System the best school in West Virginia for students working on their degree.

On average, students take out $25,070 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, American Military University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $51,395 during the early year of their career.

Full American Public University System Report

#2

University of Charleston

Charleston, West Virginia
$61,717 Average Earnings
$22,697 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 26 schools in West Virginia that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Charleston landed the # 2 spot on the list.

On average, students take out $22,697 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, UC graduates make an average of $61,717 annually.

Read More…

$46,626 Average Earnings
$24,530 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend West Virginia University Institute of Technology. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Best Schools in West Virginia list.

Degree recipients from West Virginia University Tech accumulate an average of $24,530 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $384. Once they receive their degree, West Virginia University Tech graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $46,626 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on West Virginia University Institute of Technology

#4

Wheeling University

Wheeling, West Virginia
$59,427 Average Earnings
$35,999 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 26 schools in West Virginia that were part of this year’s ranking, Wheeling University landed the # 4 spot on the list.

On average, students take out $35,999 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Wheeling University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $59,427 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Wheeling University

#5

West Virginia University

Morgantown, West Virginia
$46,248 Average Earnings
$22,491 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend West Virginia University. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Best Schools in West Virginia list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,491 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $409, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, WVU graduates make an average of $46,248 annually.

Read full report on West Virginia University

#6

Shepherd University

Shepherdstown, West Virginia
$36,129 Average Earnings
$24,383 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #6, Shepherd University did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working.

On average, students take out $24,383 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $293.After graduating from Shepherd University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $36,129 during the early years of their career.

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#7

Pierpont Community and Technical College

Fairmont, West Virginia
$47,123 Average Earnings
$19,249 Avg Student Debt

Pierpont Community and Technical College came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Schools in West Virginia ranking.

On average, students take out $19,249 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Pierpont Community and Technical College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $47,123 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Pierpont Community and Technical College

#8

Alderson Broaddus University

Philippi, West Virginia
$47,356 Average Earnings
$33,573 Avg Student Debt

Alderson Broaddus University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students. It came in at #8 on the list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $33,573 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Alderson Broaddus University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $47,356 during the early year of their career.

Full Alderson Broaddus University Report

#9

West Liberty University

West Liberty, West Virginia
$45,672 Average Earnings
$25,930 Avg Student Debt

West Liberty University came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Best Schools in West Virginia ranking.

On average, students take out $25,930 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $113 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, West Liberty University graduates make an average of $45,672 annually.

Read full report on West Liberty University

#10

West Virginia Junior College - Morgantown

Morgantown, West Virginia
$32,451 Average Earnings
$15,385 Avg Student Debt

West Virginia Junior College - Morgantown came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Schools in West Virginia ranking.

Degree recipients from WVJC Morgantown accumulate an average of $15,385 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from WVJC Morgantown, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $32,451 during the early years of their career.

Full West Virginia Junior College - Morgantown Report

#11

Mountwest Community and Technical College

Huntington, West Virginia
$32,727 Average Earnings
$14,122 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #11, Mountwest Community and Technical College did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,122 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, MCTC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $32,727 during the early year of their career.

Read More…

#12

Blue Ridge Community and Technical College

Martinsburg, West Virginia
$34,100 Average Earnings
$19,614 Avg Student Debt

Blue Ridge Community and Technical College came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Schools in West Virginia ranking.

Degree recipients from Blue Ridge Community and Technical College accumulate an average of $19,614 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $34,100 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Blue Ridge Community and Technical College

#13

West Virginia Wesleyan College

Buckhannon, West Virginia
$45,257 Average Earnings
$23,263 Avg Student Debt

West Virginia Wesleyan College came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Schools in West Virginia ranking.

On average, students take out $23,263 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, West Virginia Wesleyan graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $45,257 during the early year of their career.

Full West Virginia Wesleyan College Report

#14

BridgeValley Community & Technical College

South Charleston, West Virginia
$45,780 Average Earnings
$15,016 Avg Student Debt

BridgeValley Community & Technical College came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Best Schools in West Virginia ranking.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,016 in student loans. During the early years of their career, BridgeValley Community & Technical College graduates make an average of $45,780 annually.

Read full report on BridgeValley Community & Technical College

#15

Fairmont State University

Fairmont, West Virginia
$37,492 Average Earnings
$26,033 Avg Student Debt

Fairmont State University came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Schools in West Virginia ranking.

On average, students take out $26,033 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Fairmont State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,492 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Fairmont State University

#16

Marshall University

Huntington, West Virginia
$46,274 Average Earnings
$25,692 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #16, Marshall University did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working.

On average, students take out $25,692 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $171 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Marshall University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $46,274 during the early year of their career.

Read More…

#17

Concord University

Athens, West Virginia
$29,459 Average Earnings
$20,873 Avg Student Debt

Concord University landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best programs.

On average, students take out $20,873 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Concord University graduates make an average of $29,459 annually.

Read full report on Concord University

#18

West Virginia Junior College - Charleston

Charleston, West Virginia
$25,750 Average Earnings
$9,310 Avg Student Debt

West Virginia Junior College - Charleston ranked #18 on this year’s Best Schools in West Virginia list.

On average, students take out $9,310 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, WVJC Charleston graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $25,750 during the early year of their career.

Full West Virginia Junior College - Charleston Report

#19

West Virginia University at Parkersburg

Parkersburg, West Virginia
$36,389 Average Earnings
$17,203 Avg Student Debt

West Virginia University at Parkersburg did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students. It came in at #19 on the list.

Degree recipients from West Virginia University at Parkersburg accumulate an average of $17,203 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, West Virginia University at Parkersburg graduates make an average of $36,389 annually.

Full West Virginia University at Parkersburg Report

#20

Salem University

Salem, West Virginia
$43,962 Average Earnings
$28,471 Avg Student Debt

Salem University ranked #20 on this year’s Best Schools in West Virginia list.

On average, students take out $28,471 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $165, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Salem graduates make an average of $43,962 annually.

Read full report on Salem University

#21

Bluefield State College

Bluefield, West Virginia
$35,587 Average Earnings
$27,628 Avg Student Debt

Bluefield State College came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Best Schools in West Virginia ranking.

On average, students take out $27,628 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Bluefield State College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,587 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Bluefield State College

#22

West Virginia State University

Institute, West Virginia
$28,157 Average Earnings
$27,156 Avg Student Debt

West Virginia State University came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Best Schools in West Virginia ranking.

On average, students take out $27,156 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, WVSU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $28,157 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on West Virginia State University

#23

West Virginia Northern Community College

Wheeling, West Virginia
$29,478 Average Earnings
$14,299 Avg Student Debt

West Virginia Northern Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students. It came in at #23 on the list.

On average, students take out $14,299 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, WVNCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $29,478 during the early year of their career.

Full West Virginia Northern Community College Report

$29,145 Average Earnings
$11,220 Avg Student Debt

New River Community and Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students. It came in at #24 on the list.

Degree recipients from New River Community and Technical College accumulate an average of $11,220 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, New River Community and Technical College graduates make an average of $29,145 annually.

Read More…

#25

Glenville State College

Glenville, West Virginia
$30,366 Average Earnings
$24,732 Avg Student Debt

Glenville State College came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Best Schools in West Virginia ranking.

On average, students take out $24,732 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Glenville State College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $30,366 during the early years of their career.

Read More…

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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