WVSU Quick Facts

Academic Colleges

• College of Arts and Humanities
• College of Business and Social Sciences
• College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
• College of Professional Studies

Undergraduate Degrees

• Art
• Biology*
• Business Administration*
• Chemistry*
• Communications*
• Computer Science
• Criminal Justice
• Cybersecurity*
• Economics*
• Education (Elementary and Secondary)
• Engineering
• English
• Health Science
• History
• Interdisciplinary Studies
• Mathematics
• Music Performance
• Nursing
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Regents Bachelor of Arts
• Social Work
• Sports Studies

* Indicates Agriculture Studies options available

Graduate Degrees

• Biotechnology
• Criminal Justice Administration
• Computer Science
• Instructional Leadership
• Public Administration
• Sports Studies

Doctorate Degree

• Leadership Studies (Ed.D.)

From a storied, historic past, to a dynamic  present, West Virginia State University (WVSU) contiunes its legacy of preeminent distinction as a historically black college/ university (HBCU), 1890 land-grant research institution, that has evolved into a fully-accessible, diverse and inclusive masters degree granting institution.  Consistent with its tradition, West Virginia State enrolls a wide range of students and assists them in achieving their academic, civic, and career potential through quality academic programs in an environment nationally heralded as a “living laboratory of human relations“.  West Virginia State University is the largest institution of higher education in the Charleston metropolitan area and offers a wide range of academic and experiential opportunities.

Founded 1891: Originally founded as the West Virginia Colored Institute, West Virginia State University was designated by the United States Congress as one of the original 1890 land-grant schools under the Second Morrill Act.

Name Changes:

• 1915, West Virginia Collegiate Institute
• 1929, West Virginia State College
• 2004, West Virginia State University

University Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission 

2025 Annual Headcount Enrollment:  3,570

Student/Faculty Ratio: 16:1
 
Research Funding: $17M Annually

Programs Offered 2023-2024 Academic Year:

• 24 Baccalaureate Degree Programs
• 7 Master’s Degree Programs
• 1 Doctoral Degree Program
• 10 Fully Online Programs

Financial Aid: 83% financial aid participation rate

Undergraduate Student Profile (2025)

• Female 58%
• In-State 89%
• Adult (25+) 9%
• Minority 15%
• Part-time 61%
• Transfer 5%
• International 2%

Retention: and Graduation 

• Fall to fall FTF retention rate is 58% (2025 cohort)
• 4-year graduation rate is 26% (2019 cohort)
• 6-year graduation rate is 38% (2019 cohort)

Reference:WV HEPC Almanac 2025

Alumni: 69% of alumni, within six months of graduation, are employed full-time, attend graduate/professional school full-time, or serve in the military full-time.
Reference:  Career Services, May 2022 graduation cohort

Workforce Outcomes (2020 Graduates)

• 72% Working in West Virginia two years after graduation
• 67% Working in West Virginia four years after graduation
• Median wages bachelor’s degree $40,105 two years after graduation and $48,699 four years after graduation
• Median wages master’s degree $49,659 two years after graduation and $55,991 four years after graduation

Reference: WV HEPC Almanac 2025

Licensure Exam Pass Rates

Praxis Pass Rates (Education):
2025
Core Math: 37.50%
Elementary Science: 80%
Elementary Ed MS Math: 50%
Elementary Ed MS Reading: 80%
Elementary Ed MS Science: 50%
Elementary Ed MS Social Studies: 55.56%
Education Leadership Admin and Supervision: 100%

2024
Core Reading: 90%
Elementary Ed CKT Social Studies: 60%
Elementary Ed MS Math: 72.73%
Elementary Ed MS Reading: 77.78%
Elementary Ed MS Science: 62.50%
Elementary Ed MS Social Studies: 50%

NCLEX First Time Pass Rates (Nursing): 
2025 91.6%
2024 94% 

ASWB Exam First Time Pass Rates (Social Work): 
2025
Bachelors-40%
Masters-83%
Advanced Generalist-100%

Land-Grant: An 1890 Land-Grant Institution

• One of only 19 land-grant universities designated by the Second Morrill Act in 1890
• One of only two land-grant institutions in West Virginia
• Land-Grant Extension services aid more than +20,000 West Virginians in 38 counties throughout West Virginia

Athletics

• National Affiliation: NCAA Division II
• Conference Affiliation: Mountain East Athletic Conference
• Men’s Sports: baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, tennis, and track & field
• Women’s Sports: acrobatics & tumbling, basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field, and volleyball
• Spirit Groups: Cheerleading, Dance Team
• Athletic Colors: Old Gold and Black
• Mascot: Yellow Jacket named Stinger

Campus

• Located in Institute, W.Va., approximately 8 miles from Charleston
• Approximately 123-acre campus, 864,287 square-feet of floor space
• Centrally located within one of West Virginia’s largest population centers