West Virginia State University (WVSU) is a four-year, public school located in Institute, WV. It is a historically black college/university. West Virginia State University was newly reclassified as an Research College/University (Master's College and University (smaller programs)) in 2025 due to changes in its research activities and doctoral program offerings.
The WVSU's tuition & fees is $9,570 for West Virginia residents and $14,990 for out-of-state students for the academic year 2024-2025. 33% of the enrolled undergraduates have received grants or scholarships, with an average aid amount of $10,186.
The school has a total enrollment of 3,246 and the students to faculty ratio is 13 to 1 (7.69%).
WVSU's acceptance rate is 95.96% and the yield (enrollment rate) is 5.51%. The median SAT score is 930 and the ACT score is 18.
WVSU ranked 218th in Liberal Arts Colleges and 12nd in West Virginia Colleges rankings. West Virginia State University is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
For undergraduate programs, the 2025 tuition & fees of West Virginia State University is $9,570 for in-state students and $14,990 for out-of-state students. For graduate programs, its 2025 tuition & fees is $9,590 for in-state students and $20,990 for out-of-state students.
The estimated 2026 tuition & fees for prospective students is $9,642 for West Virginia residents and $14,764 for out-of-state students based on the current year tuition changes from last year. The estimated 2026 graduate school tuition & fees is $9,180 for West Virginia residents and $20,447 for out-of-state students.
| In-State | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $9,570 | $14,990 |
| Graduate | $9,590 | $20,990 |
| In-State | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $9,642 | $14,764 |
| Graduate | $9,180 | $20,447 |
The estimation for 2025-2026 tuition costs is based on the cost change rates of last year.
| Acceptance Rate » | 95.96% Acceptance Rate / 5.51% Yield |
|---|---|
| Test Scores » | 930 SAT / 18 ACT |
| Graduation Rate » | 39% |
| Transfer-out Rate | 15% |
| Retention Rate | 57%(full-time), 50% (part-time) |
| Student to Faculty Ratio | 7.69% (13 to 1) |
| Student Population » | 3,246 (3,110 undergraduate) |
| Average Financial Aid » | $10,186 |
Data source: IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), College Scorecard
West Virginia State University offers online classes (distance learning opportunities) for both undergraduate and graduate programs. It has ROTC programs and offers teacher certification programs designed to prepare students to meet the requirements for certification as teachers.
| Learning Opportunities | |
|---|---|
| ROTC | Army |
| Weekend/Evening College | No |
| Teacher Certification | Yes |
| Study Abroad | Yes |
| On-Campus Services | |
| Academic/career counseling service | Yes |
| Employment services for students | Yes |
| Placement services for completers | Yes |
| On-campus day care for students' children | No |
| Address | Rte 25, Institute, WV 25112-1000 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 304-766-3000 |
| WEB | School's Website |
| Admission | Admission Information |
| Online Application | Apply Online |
| Financial Aid | Deadlines and Applications |
| Net Price Calculator | Net Price Calculator |
| Veterans Tuition | Veterans Benefit Information |
| Athletic | Athletic Team Information |
| Disability Service | Disability Services |
| School Type | four-year, public |
| Carnegie Category | Master's College and University (smaller programs) |
| Highest Degree Offered | Doctor's degree |
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