Comprehensive education resources and guides for West Virginia educators, students, and parents. Find information on universities, colleges, K-12 schools, technical programs, scholarships, and financial aid opportunities.
West Virginia operates five primary four-year public universities serving students across the state with quality, affordable education opportunities. These institutions feature diverse academic programs and are recognized for strong community engagement.
West Virginia University Flagship
Location: Morgantown, WV
Enrollment: 26,000+ students
The state's largest and most comprehensive public research university. WVU offers 190+ degree programs across 15 colleges, including prestigious engineering, medicine, and law schools. Notable for strong STEM programs and the WVU Center for Excellence in STEM Education.
One of West Virginia's oldest institutions, Marshall offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs. Features the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and strong emphasis on research and community partnerships.
A historically black land-grant university with a rich tradition of service. Offers programs in agriculture, engineering, business, and liberal arts. Strong focus on workforce development and community engagement.
Known as "The Campus Beautiful," Concord offers over 100 degree programs with emphasis on undergraduate education and student success. Picturesque campus overlooking the Appalachian Mountains.
Committed to providing innovative programs with emphasis on affordability and student support. Multiple scholarships available. Strong focus on professional development and career readiness.
Focuses on practical, hands-on education across diverse fields. Small class sizes and personalized attention. Strong teacher education and business programs.
Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs)
West Virginia is home to two HBCUs with distinguished histories of serving diverse student populations and contributing to educational opportunity.
Bluefield State University HBCU
Location: Bluefield, WV
Founded: 1895
Originally established as Bluefield Colored Institute. Member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Offers engineering, business, and liberal arts programs with commitment to student success and workforce development.
One of the original HBCUs established after the Civil War. Land-grant institution with programs in agriculture, engineering, business, and more. Strong emphasis on research and community service.
West Virginia's private colleges offer personalized education with strong community ties and diverse academic programs. These institutions feature small class sizes and direct faculty engagement.
West Virginia Wesleyan College
Location: Buckhannon, WV
Founded: 1890
Enrollment: 1,055 students
Methodist-affiliated liberal arts college with over 50 undergraduate majors and 33 minors. Serves students from 35 U.S. states and 26 countries. Notable programs in business, education, health sciences, and STEM fields including cybersecurity.
West Virginia's oldest surviving post-secondary institution. Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) affiliated. Offers 40+ undergraduate and graduate programs with emphasis on personalized education and character development.
Additional Private Institutions: West Virginia is home to numerous other private colleges and universities including University of Charleston, WVU Institute of Technology, Salem University, Ohio Valley University, and others offering diverse academic programs and personalized learning environments.
Community & Technical Colleges
West Virginia's nine community and technical colleges provide affordable, quality education with hands-on training close to home. These institutions serve over 20,000 students annually through certificate, associate, and bachelor's degree programs with 7.8% enrollment growth in 2024.
West Virginia Northern Community College
Service Area: Northern WV
Programs in business administration, accounting, early childhood education, medical assisting, radiography, welding, and advanced manufacturing. Emphasis on career pathways and workforce development.
Pierpont Community & Technical College
Location: Fairmont, WV
Training in welding, nutrition and dietetics, emergency medical services, aviation maintenance technology, business management, medical laboratory technology, physical therapy, and paralegal studies.
Southern West Virginia Community & Technical College
Service Area: Southern WV
Programs in electrical engineering technology, registered nursing, criminal justice, respiratory care, and other high-demand fields. Focus on regional workforce needs.
Additional Community Colleges
West Virginia maintains six additional community and technical colleges serving all regions of the state through the West Virginia Community and Technical College System (WVCTCS).
Financial Benefit: Qualifying students may attend West Virginia community colleges completely tuition-free through the West Virginia Invests Grant, available for certificate and associate degree programs in high-demand fields. Certificates and diplomas require about one year; associate degrees take up to two years.
K-12 School System
West Virginia's public school system serves students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12 with 55 school districts operating one per county, ensuring consistent educational standards and local governance.
System Statistics (2023-24)
263,486 students enrolled
683 total schools
55 school districts
114 high schools
1:14 student-teacher ratio
91% graduation rate (above national average)
School Governance
Locally elected school boards in each county
County superintendents manage operations
West Virginia Board of Education provides oversight
9 appointed board members + 3 ex-officio members
Per-pupil spending: $12,697 (2020 data)
Teacher focus on student success and development
School Choice Options
West Virginia offers families flexibility in education:
Education Savings Account (ESA) program
Homeschooling options
Intra-district public school choice via open enrollment
Inter-district public school choice
Note: Currently no charter schools or magnet schools in West Virginia
WV School Directory
Find comprehensive information about schools across all 55 counties:
Education data and performance reports available online
School contact information and programs
Standards & Accountability: The West Virginia Board of Education oversees K-12 content standards, curriculum frameworks, and assessment requirements. School performance data is publicly available through the WV Department of Education website.
Virtual & Online Education
West Virginia offers flexible learning options through multiple virtual school programs, allowing students to pursue education online while remaining connected to their local school families.
West Virginia Virtual Academy (WVVA)
Grade Levels: K-12
Cost: Tuition-free for WV public school students
Fully online public school option allowing students to participate in county-approved learning programs using West Virginia certified teachers. Available full-time or part-time depending on student needs.
Tuition-free K-12 online public school using cutting-edge technology to enable effective remote learning. Serves students across West Virginia with state-certified instructors and comprehensive curriculum.
Virtual school service serving Braxton, Clay, Fayette, Greenbrier, Lewis, McDowell, Mercer, Nicholas, Pocahontas, Roane, Summers, Webster, and Wyoming counties. Free to eligible students.
WVU Online - Higher Education
Institution: West Virginia University
Degrees and certificates available completely online. Programs offered in business, engineering, communications, social work, healthcare, and additional fields. Full credentials earned online.
Virtual School History: The West Virginia Virtual School was established in 2000 by the state legislature as a vehicle for course sharing throughout K-12 and higher education institutions statewide.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
West Virginia provides over $100 million annually in financial aid through merit-based, need-based, and specialized scholarship programs helping students afford post-secondary education.
Promise Scholarship Merit-Based
Annual Award: Up to $5,500
Eligibility:
WV high school graduate
3.0 or higher GPA (overall + core courses)
ACT composite 22+ (min 20 in all areas) OR
SAT 1020+ (verbal 490+, math 480+)
Application Deadline: March 1 (for high school seniors)
Merit-based financial aid for WV residents attending eligible institutions. Award covers the lesser of tuition cost or specified amount.
Allows qualifying students to attend West Virginia community and technical colleges completely tuition-free. One of the most affordable pathways to career training and credentials.
Designed for West Virginia students with demonstrated financial need pursuing post-secondary education. The state doubled maximum awards in 2024 to support access and affordability.
College Access Emergency Grants
Award Amount: Up to $2,000
Purpose: Emergency financial assistance
Additional funding providing eligible students with emergency financial support. Established in 2024 with $11.2 million allocation for students facing unexpected barriers.
Higher Education Aid for Part-Time Students (HEAPS)
Enrollment Requirement: 3-11 credit hours
Type: Need-based grant
Specifically designed to assist West Virginia students enrolled on a part-time basis. Removes barriers for working students balancing employment and education.
College for West Virginia (CFWV)
Type: Free online resource
Users: Schools, districts, students
Comprehensive free online resource for college and career advising. Schools and districts use this platform to expand access to post-secondary planning and guidance.
University Scholarships: Most West Virginia universities automatically consider students for institutional scholarships upon admission. Check with specific institutions for automatic merit awards and additional scholarship opportunities.
STEM Programs & Computer Science Education
West Virginia invests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education to prepare students for in-demand careers and support economic development across the state.
Governor's STEM Institute
2025 Locations: WVU and Green Bank Observatory
Engaging summer programs for K-12 students in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology. Provides hands-on learning experiences and career exploration in STEM fields.
CodeWV Program
Organization: WVU Center for Excellence in STEM Education
Code.org Regional Partner for West Virginia. Brings computer science courses into schools through teacher workshops, resource provision, and educator community building. Focused on expanding CS access statewide.
Computer Science Education
Focus: K-12 female student participation
WV Department of Education offers programs providing elementary through high school girls with opportunities to learn computer coding and explore career pathways in technology sectors.
WVU Jackson's Mill STEAM Programs
Focus Areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math
Comprehensive youth education programs including Sphero Coding for grades 6-8, teaching introductory coding and computer science through hands-on robotics activities.
WVU Tech Computer Science
Program: ABET-accredited B.S. degree
Comprehensive training in computer programming, software design, networking, and database management. ABET accreditation ensures rigorous standards and employer recognition.
WV Wesleyan Cybersecurity Program
Program: B.S. in Cybersecurity
New program addressing market needs for cybersecurity professionals. Prepares students to solve critical cybersecurity challenges and pursue careers in growing information security sector.
WVU Center for Excellence in STEM Education: Coordinating comprehensive STEM initiatives across K-12 and higher education to build workforce pipeline and expand educational opportunities in science and technology fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
West Virginia has 44 colleges and universities, including public research universities, regional public universities, private liberal arts colleges, community and technical colleges, and online institutions. This includes 5 primary four-year public universities, 2 HBCUs, 9 community and technical colleges, and numerous private institutions. Whether you seek research opportunities, liberal arts education, technical training, or specialized programs, West Virginia offers diverse educational pathways.
The Promise Scholarship is a merit-based financial aid program providing up to $5,500 annually for West Virginia high school graduates attending eligible in-state institutions. To qualify, students must have a 3.0 or higher GPA in both core courses and overall academics, plus either an ACT composite score of 22 or higher (with minimum 20 in all subject areas) or SAT score of 1020 or higher (verbal 490+, math 480+). High school seniors can apply until March 1. The award covers the lesser of actual tuition costs or the specified amount.
Yes! The West Virginia Invests Grant allows qualifying students to attend any state community and technical college completely tuition-free for certificate and associate degree programs in high-demand fields. This represents one of the most affordable pathways to career credentials and skills. Certificate programs typically take about one year, while associate degrees require up to two years. Contact your local community college or visit WVCTCS.edu for eligibility details and program options.
West Virginia provides multiple virtual school options for K-12 students. The West Virginia Virtual Academy (WVVA), Virtual Prep Academy of West Virginia, and West Virginia Virtual Home Academy offer tuition-free online education using certified teachers. These programs serve students across different regions and can be full-time or part-time. Additionally, West Virginia University offers complete online degree programs and certificates in business, engineering, communications, social work, healthcare, and other fields for post-secondary students.
The official West Virginia School Directory (wveis.k12.wv.us/school-directory/) provides comprehensive information about all public schools across all 55 counties. Since 1933, West Virginia school districts have followed county boundaries, with one school district per county. You can also visit the West Virginia Department of Education website (wvde.us) for school performance data, contact information, academic programs, and district resources. Locally elected school boards govern each county's schools.
West Virginia's high school graduation rate is 91%, which exceeds the national average of 87%. The state has demonstrated strong educational performance with consistent gains in graduation rates, representing some of the highest rates in state history. Among students with disabilities, the graduation rate has increased to 78.8%, demonstrating significant progress in supporting diverse learners. These metrics show West Virginia's commitment to student success across all populations.
West Virginia offers comprehensive STEM education through multiple initiatives: the Governor's STEM Institute featuring summer programs at WVU and Green Bank Observatory, CodeWV (Code.org Regional Partner) bringing computer science into schools, WVU Center for Excellence in STEM Education coordinating K-12 initiatives, WVU Jackson's Mill STEAM programs including robotics and coding for middle school students, and university programs like WVU Tech's ABET-accredited Computer Science degree and WV Wesleyan's cybersecurity program. These programs prepare students for high-demand technology careers.
West Virginia provides over $100 million annually in financial aid through multiple programs: the West Virginia Higher Education Grant (need-based, up to $6,800 for 2024-25), Higher Education Aid for Part-time Students (HEAPS) for students taking 3-11 credit hours, College Access Emergency Grants (up to $2,000 for emergencies), and the West Virginia Invests Grant (full tuition for community college programs). Additionally, most universities automatically consider admitted students for institutional scholarships. College for West Virginia (CFWV) provides free advising resources to help navigate financial aid options.
Yes, West Virginia is home to two historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). West Virginia State University (founded 1891) in Institute is a land-grant HBCU offering programs in agriculture, engineering, business, and liberal arts. Bluefield State University (founded 1895) in Bluefield, a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, offers engineering, business, and liberal arts programs. Both institutions have evolved to serve diverse student populations while maintaining their HBCU heritage and commitment to educational excellence and community service.
Vocational and trade schools offer the fastest credential pathways. Certificate programs through West Virginia community and technical colleges typically take one year and provide training in high-demand fields like welding, HVAC, electrical technology, medical assisting, cosmetology, and more. Career and Technical Education centers like Ben Franklin Career Center and Carver Career and Technical Education Center offer certifications for adults and high school students. The West Virginia Invests Grant covers tuition for these programs, making them completely free. Programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on training for immediate employment readiness.
West Virginia Educational Attainment & Statistics
Understanding West Virginia's educational landscape requires examining both K-12 and post-secondary attainment levels. The state has made significant strides in improving educational outcomes and access to higher learning opportunities.
Population Educational Attainment (Age 25+)
19.6% - Bachelor's degree or higher
502,110 - High school diploma or GED only
232,760 - Some college, no degree
91% - High school completion rate
Note: Bachelor's degree rate below national average; state working to increase higher education participation
Higher Education Enrollment
144,939 - Total higher education students
53% - Full-time enrollment
20,000+ - Community college students annually
7.8% - 2024 community college enrollment growth
$12,697 - Per-pupil K-12 spending (2020)
Educational Access Initiative: West Virginia has invested significantly in making higher education more affordable and accessible. The state's commitment includes expanded financial aid, tuition-free community college programs, and targeted support for underrepresented student populations to increase bachelor's degree attainment.
Career & Technical Education (CTE) Programs
West Virginia Career & Technical Education prepares students for high-demand careers through practical, hands-on training programs available at high schools, career centers, and community colleges across the state.
Career & Technical Education Centers
Ben Franklin Career Center
Welding certifications
Commercial driving licenses
HVAC training
Practical nursing programs
Automotive technology
Medical assisting
Carver Career & Technical Education Center
Location: Charleston, WV
Programs:
Cosmetology certification
Culinary arts training
Automotive technology
Serves high school students and adults
Council on Occupational Education accreditation
High-Demand CTE Fields
West Virginia focuses CTE training on industries with strong job growth and competitive wages:
Advanced Manufacturing & Welding
Electrical & HVAC Technology
Healthcare (Nursing, Medical Assisting)
Information Technology & Cybersecurity
Construction Trades
Transportation & Logistics
Natural Resources Management
Advantages of CTE Programs
Fast Completion: Certificates in 1 year, associate degrees in 2 years
Affordability: Significantly lower cost than 4-year programs
Job Ready: Hands-on training leads to immediate employment
Tuition-Free Option: WV Invests Grant covers costs
Flexibility: Programs offered at various locations statewide
Department of Education Support: The West Virginia Department of Education's Career Tech WV office oversees all CTE programs and works with employers to ensure training aligns with workforce needs.