About

University Type

Public

University Type

Average Living Expenses

$16,624

Average Living Expenses

West Virginia State University (WVSU) is a public historically black land-grant university in Institute, West Virginia. Founded in 1891 as the West Virginia Colored Institute, it is one of the original 19 land-grant colleges and universities established by the second Morrill Act of 1890.

West Virginia State University has a total undergraduate enrollment of about 2,500 students. The student body is diverse, with African Americans making up about 8% of the student body, followed by Caucasians (75%), Hispanics (4%), and Asians (2%).

The university offers over 50 undergraduate and graduate programs, including business, education, engineering, nursing, and social work degrees. West Virginia State University is also home to the West Virginia Center for African American Studies, the state's only centre.

The university's athletics teams, the Yellow Jackets, compete in the NCAA Division II Mountain East Conference. West Virginia State University has won 12 national championships, including 10 in men's and women's track and field.

The acceptance rate for West Virginia State University international students is 95%. 

West Virginia State University is not ranked in the top 1000 universities in the world according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023. It is ranked 103-135 in the US News & World Report's 2022 edition of Best Colleges in the Regional Universities South category.

West Virginia State University Cost of Attendance for  a Single International Student in the Undergraduate Programs

  • Out-of-State Tuition + Fees: $14,805 ($14,280+$525)/academic year or $7,403 ($7,140+$263) /term
  • Room & Meals (on campus): $13,066 academic year (double occupancy room with meal plans)
  • Health Insurance: $700 (estimated for 12 months)
  • Miscellaneous Expenses: $4,256 (estimated books, supplies, travel, and personal expenses)
  • Estimated (I-20): Total $32,827 (Your Affidavit of Support must show the minimum of this amount)

West Virginia State University Cost of Attendance for  a Single International Student in the Graduate Programs

  • Out-of-State Tuition + Fees: $20,507 ($19,982+$525)/academic year or $10,254 ($9,991+$263) /term
  • Room & Meals: $8,713 (estimated for off-campus living)
  • Health Insurance: $700 (estimated for 12 months)
  • Miscellaneous Expenses: $4,256 (estimated books, supplies and personal expenses)
  • Estimated (I-20): Total $34,176 (Your Affidavit of Support must show a minimum of this amount)

Additional 

  • One-time new student orientation fee: $100.

Top Reasons to Study in the West Virginia State University

  • Diversity: West Virginia State University is a diverse university, with students from all over the United States and the world. This diversity creates a vibrant and inclusive learning environment.
  • Supportive environment: West Virginia State University is known for its supportive environment. Faculty and staff are committed to helping students succeed.
  • Academic excellence: West Virginia State University offers various academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees. The Higher Learning Commission accredits the university.
  • Strong athletics: West Virginia State University's Yellow Jackets athletics team competes in the NCAA Division II Mountain East Conference. The university has won 12 national championships, including 10 in men's and women's track and field.
  • Beautiful campus: West Virginia State University's campus is in the small town of Institute, West Virginia. The campus is known for its beautiful architecture and its tree-lined walkways.

Check your eligibility at over 2000+ universities by connecting with our experts!

0%

Courses

Cost of Studying at West Virginia State University

Average tuition fee

Reasonable

Get Full Coverage at 0 Cost

Just fill in your preferences and reach the best loan offer with Loan Finder

5000+ Students

Availed education loan

3000+ Cr

Loan amount approved

100% Free

Assistance for loan

Living expenses

Average living expenses (Bachelors)

$16,624

Average living expenses (Masters)

$16,624

Admissions at The West Virginia State University

Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)

96%

Application Fee

$20 - $37

How to Apply at West Virginia State University

The application process for international students is the same as for domestic students. Additional requirements are there for fresh and transfer undergraduate and graduate students.

Fresh Undergraduate/Graduate International Admissions

  • Application: You can apply through the Online Application from their official website.
  • The application fee is $20 for international students.
  • Required Materials: In addition to the application, applicants must submit the following:
    • Official transcripts from all schools/colleges/universities attended.
    • Entrance exam scores: SAT/ACT (for undergraduates), GRE/GMAT (Required for graduate and PhD students)
    • English proficiency test scores like Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, Duolingo, Cambridge Advanced Exam or PTE
    • Personal statement/Essay writing
    • Two letters of teacher recommendation
    • Financial Aid Statement of Intent

Transfer Students Undergraduate/Graduate International Admissions

  • Application: You can apply through the Online Application on their official website.
  • The application fee is $20 for international students.
  • Required Materials: In addition to the application, applicants must submit the following:
    • Official transcripts from all schools/colleges/universities attended.
    • Entrance exam scores: SAT/ACT (for undergraduates), GRE/GMAT (Required for graduate and PhD students)
    • English proficiency test scores like Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, Duolingo, Cambridge Advanced Exam or PTE
    • Personal statement/essay writing
    • Transfer Report Form
    • Letter of recommendation
    • Financial documentation

Documents Required to Apply to West Virginia State University

Undergraduate Students

  • Complete the Online Application from their official website
  • Official transcripts from all previous your high school attended
  • SAT/ACT scores
  • Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, Duolingo, Cambridge Advanced Exam or PTE English Test scores.
  • Personal statement/Essay writing
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Financial Affidavit of Support along with bank statements
  • FERPA Form
  • Your immunisation record of MMR  (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
  • Additional Documents:
    • Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student (F-1) Status
    • I-20 Form 
    • Passport
    • Visa Sponsorship Letter

Graduate Students/PhD or Scholar Students

  • Complete the Online Application from their official website
  • Official transcripts from all previous high school or college attended
  • GRE/GMAT scores 
  • Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, Duolingo, Cambridge Advanced Exam or PTE English Test scores.
  • Personal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • FERPA Form
  • Financial Affidavit of Support along with bank statements
  • Resume (Relevant work experience)
  • Your immunisation record of MMR  (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
  • Additional Documents:
    • Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student (F-1) Status
    • I-20 Form
    • Passport
    • Visa Sponsorship Letter

All documents must be in English or have an official English translation

Exams Accepted By West Virginia State University

Undergraduate Students

  • Entrance Tests: SAT/ACT exam.
  • English Proficiency Tests: Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, Duolingo, Cambridge Advanced Exam or PTE English Test scores.

Graduate Students/Ph.D. Students

  • Entrance Tests: GRE/GMAT exam
  • English Proficiency Tests: Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, Duolingo, Cambridge Advanced Exam or PTE English Test scores.

⏱️ Find Your Perfect College Match in 30 Seconds

Just pick your degree - we’ll handle the rest. Instant shortlist, no guesswork.

community-students-image Trusted by 120K+ users

Which degree do you want to study?

I want to do
Bachelors

I want to do
Masters/MBA

info-icon

Select one of the options to get started

Rankings for The West Virginia State University

More rankings for this university

View More Rankings

Students West Virginia State University

8

Yocketers applied

View Details

4

Yocketers admitted

View Details

129

Yocketers interested

View Details

Premium Yocketer profiles

Samyu K

Samyu K

Shortlisted

Computer Science

Summer 2025

Bhavana Deyyam

Bhavana Deyyam

Shortlisted

Computer Science

Fall 2025

Yashwanth Yeshu

Yashwanth Yeshu

Shortlisted

Computer Science

Fall 2025

Osarugue Imade

Osarugue Imade

Shortlisted

Biotechnology

Fall 2024

View All Profiles

Alumni at West Virginia State University

  • Katherine Johnson: A mathematician who was a crucial figure in the early years of the United States space program. She calculated the trajectories for many early space flights, including the Apollo 11 mission that landed humans on the moon.
  • Earl Lloyd: The first African American to play in the NBA. He played for the Washington Capitols and the Detroit Pistons.
  • Lou Myers: A jazz musician who was a member of the Count Basie Orchestra. He played with other jazz greats like Duke Ellington and Dizzy Gillespie.
  • Leon Sullivan: A civil rights leader who founded Opportunities Industrialization Centers of America (OIC), a non-profit organisation that provides job training and other services to disadvantaged individuals.
  • Richard Ojeda: A politician who served in the West Virginia House of Delegates from 2015 to 2019. He is a member of the Democratic Party.

Premium Counselling

The Architects behind countless Study Abroad Success Stories!

We have a team of 60+ experienced Ivy League counsellors ready to help you!

Reviews for West Virginia State University

Campus life

Number of campuses the university has
1

Campus locations
West Virginia

View on Google Earth

Transportation in the city

  • Mountain Line Transit: This is the leading public transportation provider in the area. It offers bus service to various destinations in the city, including the university campus. Fares are $1.25 for a one-way trip.
  • West Virginia State University Campus Shuttle: This shuttle provides free service to students, faculty, and staff around the university campus.
  • Taxis: There are a few taxi companies that operate in the area. Taxi fares are typically around $2 per mile.
  • Ride-sharing services: Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also available in the area. Ride-sharing fares vary depending on the distance travelled.

Services offered by the university

  • Academic advising: The university offers academic advising to all students. Advisors can help students choose courses, develop a degree plan, and navigate the university's academic system.
  • Financial aid: The university offers financial aid to students who need it. Financial aid can come from grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study.
  • Student health services: The university offers student health services, including a clinic, pharmacy, and counselling services.
  • Housing and dining: The university offers housing and dining options for students. Housing options include residence halls, apartments, and houses. Dining options include a dining hall, a cafe, and a convenience store.
  • Student activities: The university offers a variety of student activities, including clubs, organisations, and sports.
  • Career services: The university offers career services to students and alumni. Career services can help students with resume writing, job search skills, and interviewing techniques.
  • Library: The university has a library that provides books, journals, and other resources to students, faculty, and staff.
  • Technology services: The university offers technology services to students, faculty, and staff. These services include computer labs, printing services, and Wi-Fi access.

Student life at West Virginia State University

  • Get involved in student activities: There are over 100 student organisations at West Virginia State University, so there is something for everyone. You can join a club or organisation based on your interests, such as academics, hobbies, or social activism.
  • Attend sporting events: West Virginia State University's Yellow Jackets athletics team competes in the NCAA Division II Mountain East Conference. You can cheer on the Yellow Jackets at home games or travel to away games.
  • Go to the movies: The University Union has a movie theatre that shows first-run movies. You can also watch movies in the student union or the library on campus.
  • Go to the gym: West Virginia State University has a state-of-the-art fitness centre open to all students. You can also run or walk on the university's trails.
  • Go to the library: The university library has an extensive collection of books, journals, and other resources. You can also use the library's computers and printers. 
  • Hang out at the student union: The student union is a great place to relax and socialise. There is a game room, a cafe, and a bookstore.
  • Explore the Institute: The town of the Institute is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. There are plenty of things to do in the town, such as hiking, biking, and shopping.

On campus accomodation at West Virginia State University

  • Residence halls: There are 10 halls on campus, each with a unique personality. Residence halls typically have single, double, and triple rooms. Some residence halls also have suites with private bathrooms.
  • Apartments: West Virginia State University also offers apartments for students. Apartments typically have two or four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Apartments are located in the university's residential village.
  • Houses: West Virginia State University also offers houses for students. Houses typically have four to six bedrooms and two bathrooms. Houses are located in the university's residential village.

Housing Cost

The cost of on-campus housing varies depending on the housing option you choose. The cost of a residence hall ranges from $2,900 to $4,800 per semester. The cost of an apartment ranges from $3,500 to $5,500 per semester. The cost of a house ranges from $4,000 to 6,000 per semester.

Read More

Faculty Information

Jobs and Opportunities

FAQ

1. What is the acceptance rate at West Virginia State University?
West Virginia State University's acceptance rate is 88.5%.

2. Is it possible for the student to double major or declare a minor at West Virginia State University?
Students can double major or minor in degrees provided by West Virginia State University.

3. Does West Virginia State University require a certain GPA?
The West Virginia State University GPA Requirement is 3.45 minimum and above.

4. What is the tuition at West Virginia State University?
The total West Virginia State University tuition fee is around 14,125 USD (1108522 INR)

5. Is West Virginia State University accredited?
West Virginia State University's accreditation is by Higher Learning Commission (HLC).