West Virginia University (WVU)
Overview
West Virginia University is West Virginia's flagship land-grant research university located in Morgantown. Founded in 1867, WVU serves as the state's primary comprehensive university, offering extensive undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs.
As a research-intensive institution, WVU is classified as an R1 university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The university maintains significant research programs across engineering, health sciences, agriculture, and energy sectors.
Location: Morgantown, West Virginia
Founded: 1867
Type: Public Research University
Student Population: Approximately 28,000 students
Official Website: wvu.edu
Academic Programs & Degrees
West Virginia University offers comprehensive degree programs across multiple colleges and schools:
Degree Levels
Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral (PhD), and Professional degrees (Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Law)
Major Academic Areas
- Engineering and Mineral Resources
- Health Sciences (Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health)
- Business and Economics
- Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design
- Education and Human Services
- Physical Activity and Sport Sciences
- Creative Arts, Media, and Communication
- Law
- Liberal Arts and Sciences
Notable Programs
WVU is particularly recognized for petroleum and natural gas engineering, forensic sciences, energy research, healthcare programs, and its medical school.
Tuition & Costs
Annual Tuition (Estimated)
In-State: $9,000 - $10,000
Out-of-State: $25,000 - $28,000
Tuition varies by program and student level. Professional programs typically have higher tuition rates.
Additional Costs
Students should budget for:
- Room and Board: $10,000 - $12,000 per year
- Books and Supplies: $1,000 - $1,500 per year
- Personal Expenses and Transportation
- Health Insurance (required for international students)
Costs are approximate estimates. For current, detailed tuition information, visit the WVU Student Accounts website. See also Cost of Studying in West Virginia.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Approximately 85-90% (varies by program and applicant pool)
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Academic transcripts
- SAT or ACT scores (test-optional for some applicants)
- English proficiency test scores (TOEFL/IELTS for international students)
Graduate Admission
Graduate admission requirements vary by program. Most programs require a bachelor's degree, transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and standardized test scores (GRE/GMAT where applicable).
International Students
International students must demonstrate English language proficiency and provide financial documentation. WVU's Office of Global Affairs assists international students with admissions, visas, and integration.
For detailed admissions information, visit WVU Admissions. See also General Admissions & Visa Guide.
Campus & Student Life
WVU's main campus is located in Morgantown, a college town in north-central West Virginia. The university maintains multiple campuses including the Downtown Campus, Evansdale Campus, and Health Sciences Campus.
Student life includes extensive recreational facilities, Division I athletics (Big 12 Conference), over 400 student organizations, Greek life, and numerous cultural and academic events. The university's Mountaineer mascot and strong school spirit are central to campus identity.
Morgantown offers outdoor recreation opportunities, including access to nearby state parks, the Monongahela River, and Appalachian trails. The city provides a mix of college-town atmosphere with access to regional amenities.
Learn more about student life in Morgantown and Student Life in West Virginia.
Information on this page is compiled from publicly available university sources and is provided for general reference. Students should verify all details, including tuition, admission requirements, and program availability, directly with West Virginia University before making enrollment decisions.
Last reviewed: January 2026