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Most Popular Schools in West Virginia

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2023 Most Popular Schools in West Virginia

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

There are lots of options to pick from today when trying to decide which program is right 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. Also, there are a number of trade schools and bootcamps with offerings that you might find attractive.

The Most Popular Schools in West Virginia ranking is one of many tools that Course Advisor has developed to help you make your educational decision. Our analysis looked at 69 schools in West Virginia to see which programs were the most popular for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

American Public University System

Charles Town, West Virginia
14,306 Total Awards
$51,395 Average Earnings
$25,070 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found American Public University System to be the most popular school for students in West Virginia. American Public University System is a large private for-profit school located in Charles Town, West Virginia that handed out 14,306 degrees in 2020-2021.

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. Around 35% of those degree recipients were women.

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#2

West Virginia University

Morgantown, West Virginia
6,623 Total Awards
$46,248 Average Earnings
$22,491 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 69 schools in West Virginia that were part of this year’s ranking, West Virginia University landed the # 2 spot on the list. West Virginia University is a large public school located in Morgantown, West Virginia that handed out 6,623 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from WVU accumulate an average of $22,491 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $409, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, WVU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $46,248 during the early year of their career. Around 53% of those degree recipients were women.

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#3

Marshall University

Huntington, West Virginia
2,787 Total Awards
$46,274 Average Earnings
$25,692 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 69 schools in West Virginia that were part of this year’s ranking, Marshall University landed the # 3 spot on the list. Located in Huntington, West Virginia, the fairly large public school handed out 2,787 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,692 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $171. 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. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Marshall University Report

#4

Martinsburg College

Martinsburg, West Virginia
1,086 Total Awards
$13,107 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Martinsburg College is a great place for students. Martinsburg College is a small private for-profit school situated in Martinsburg, West Virginia. It awarded 1,086 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Martinsburg College accumulate an average of $13,107 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 94% were women.

Read full report on Martinsburg College

#5

University of Charleston

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

Out of the 69 schools in West Virginia that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Charleston landed the # 5 spot on the list. University of Charleston is a small private not-for-profit school located in Charleston, West Virginia that handed out 985 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,697 in student loans.After graduating from UC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $61,717 during the early years of their career. Around 38% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of Charleston

#6

Fairmont State University

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

Fairmont State University landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Fairmont State is located in Fairmont, West Virginia and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 920 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,033 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Fairmont State graduates make an average of $37,492 annually. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Fairmont State University

#7

West Virginia University at Parkersburg

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

West Virginia University at Parkersburg did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #7 on the list. This small public school is located in Parkersburg, West Virginia, and it awarded 754 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $17,203 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, West Virginia University at Parkersburg graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,389 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 67% were women.

Read full report on West Virginia University at Parkersburg

#8

Blue Ridge Community and Technical College

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

With a ranking of #8, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Located in Martinsburg, West Virginia, the small public school awarded 740 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,614 in student loans.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. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

Read full report on Blue Ridge Community and Technical College

#9

Shepherd University

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

With a ranking of #9, Shepherd University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Shepherd University is a small public school situated in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. It awarded 630 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,383 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $293, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.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. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Shepherd University Report

#10

West Liberty University

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

West Liberty University came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in West Virginia ranking. West Liberty University is located in West Liberty, West Virginia and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 589 degrees to qualified students.

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. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

Full West Liberty University Report

#11

Pierpont Community and Technical College

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

Pierpont Community and Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #11 on the list. Pierpont Community and Technical College is a small public school located in Fairmont, West Virginia that handed out 552 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Pierpont Community and Technical College accumulate an average of $19,249 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Pierpont Community and Technical College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $47,123 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 50% were women.

Full Pierpont Community and Technical College Report

490 Total Awards
$44,163 Average Earnings

Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in West Virginia ranking. This small public school is located in Mount Gay, West Virginia, and it awarded 490 degrees in 2020-2021.

After graduating from Southern, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $44,163 during the early years of their career. Around 67% of those degree recipients were women.

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#13

Concord University

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

With a ranking of #13, Concord University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Located in Athens, West Virginia, the small public school awarded 466 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $20,873 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Concord University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $29,459 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 67% were women.

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#14

West Virginia State University

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

West Virginia State University landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. WVSU is a small public school situated in Institute, West Virginia. It awarded 420 degrees in 2020-2021.

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. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

Read full report on West Virginia State University

#15

West Virginia Northern Community College

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

West Virginia Northern Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #15 on the list. Wheeling, West Virginia is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 403 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $14,299 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from WVNCC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $29,478 during the early years of their career. Around 70% of those degree recipients were women.

Full West Virginia Northern Community College Report

#16

Mountwest Community and Technical College

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

Mountwest Community and Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #16 on the list. Huntington, West Virginia is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 401 students in 2020-2021.

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. Of those students who received their degree, 56% were women.

Full Mountwest Community and Technical College Report

#17

Valley College-Martinsburg

Martinsburg, West Virginia
360 Total Awards
$23,472 Average Earnings
$19,034 Avg Student Debt

Valley College-Martinsburg came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in West Virginia ranking. Valley College of Technology is located in Martinsburg, West Virginia and has a very small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 360 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,034 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $68, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Valley College of Technology graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $23,472 during the early year of their career. Around 92% of those degree recipients were women.

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#18

Salem University

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

Salem University came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in West Virginia ranking. Salem, West Virginia is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 349 students in 2020-2021.

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.After graduating from Salem, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,962 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 58% were women.

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#19

BridgeValley Community & Technical College

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

With a ranking of #19, BridgeValley Community & Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. BridgeValley Community & Technical College is a small public school located in South Charleston, West Virginia that handed out 344 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from BridgeValley Community & Technical College accumulate an average of $15,016 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from BridgeValley Community & Technical College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $45,780 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

Read More…

#20

West Virginia Junior College - Morgantown

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

West Virginia Junior College - Morgantown did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #20 on the list. WVJC Morgantown is a very small private for-profit school situated in Morgantown, West Virginia. It awarded 336 degrees in 2020-2021.

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. Of those students who received their degree, 87% were women.

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#21

Glenville State College

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

Glenville State College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #21 on the list. Glenville State College is a small public school located in Glenville, West Virginia that handed out 325 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $24,732 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Glenville State College graduates make an average of $30,366 annually. Around 49% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Glenville State College

298 Total Awards
$36,237 Average Earnings
$18,622 Avg Student Debt

Potomac State College of West Virginia University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #22 on the list. WVU Potomac State College is a public institution located in Keyser, West Virginia. The school has a small population, and it awarded 298 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,622 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $355 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, WVU Potomac State College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,237 during the early year of their career. Around 52% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Potomac State College of West Virginia University

#23

West Virginia Wesleyan College

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

With a ranking of #23, West Virginia Wesleyan College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Located in Buckhannon, West Virginia, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 282 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,263 in student loans. During the early years of their career, West Virginia Wesleyan graduates make an average of $45,257 annually. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.

Full West Virginia Wesleyan College Report

#24

Bluefield State College

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

Bluefield State College landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. This small public school is located in Bluefield, West Virginia, and it awarded 281 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Bluefield State College accumulate an average of $27,628 in student debt by the time they complete 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. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Bluefield State College

244 Total Awards
$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 most popular places for students. It came in at #25 on the list. Located in Beaver, West Virginia, the small public school awarded 244 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,220 in student loans.After graduating from New River Community and Technical College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $29,145 during the early years of their career. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on New River Community and Technical College

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • 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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