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West Virginia, also known as The Mountain State, is the twenty-ninth most densely populated state in the country while being the ninth smallest by land area. It can be found adjacent to Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia, and Pennsylvania in the Appalachian region of the country. The state has over 80 accredited higher education institutions of all sizes. Private colleges in West Virginia can be found from Elkins to Salem and from Bethany to Wheeling. Top ranked private colleges in West Virginia starts will West Virginia Wesleyan College, Salem International University, and Bethany College.
2025 Best Private Colleges in West Virginia
West Virginia Wesleyan College is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and helps students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Buckhannon, WV, which is a predominantly rural area. The school's United Methodist affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's mission. Approximately a thousand students enroll at West Virginia Wesleyan College annually.
Students may choose from a few areas of study, including:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Recreation And Fitness Studies
- Psychology
- Health And Clinical Professions
Students applying for admission are required to submit an application, transcripts, records, standardized test scores and any requested application essays, which will then be reviewed by admissions staff. An ACT or SAT exam is required prior to applying, with scores within the range of 1240 to 1590 for the SAT exam and between 20 to 26 on the ACT is typical among students accepted to this school. West Virginia Wesleyan College admits around 80% of applicants annually. Of those students accepted, about 30% of students registered for enrollment. More information from the admissions office can be found here.
The cost of undergraduate tuition is nearly $27,000 annually. Tuition prices may change for a variety of reasons, and therefore students should visit the school's price of attendance calculator to understand their cost of attendance. Student housing is available on-campus for students. The annual cost of housing is approximately $4,200. Some students at this school may be eligible for financial aid, which is generally offered in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.
The West Virginia Wesleyan College Bobcats participate in several athletic programs, overseen by the NCAA. Sports available:
- Baseball (NCAA Division II)
- Basketball (NCAA Division II)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division II)
- Football (NCAA Division II)
Students may visit the school's http://www.wvwc.edu to view additional information.
Enrollment
1,294
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
Wheeling Jesuit University is a nonprofit private institution located in Wheeling, WV and provides a large number of program options for students. The Roman Catholic affiliation of this school is an important part of the history, education and vision that defines the school. Approximately a thousand students enroll at Wheeling Jesuit University yearly.
A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Psychology
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Security And Protective Services
To be considered for admissions, you may be asked to complete an application, write a personal statement, and submit any transcripts or test scores, which are then evaluated by admissions staff. Most students admitted to Wheeling Jesuit University earn an SAT score in a range of 950 - 1120, or an ACT score between 20 - 25. 72% of those who apply are accepted to Wheeling Jesuit University, of which 28% choose to enroll. More information regarding admissions can be found here.
Undergraduate tuition is approximately $28,000 for the year, though it may change based on different types of circumstances. Students may check the school's price of attendance calculator to get a more personalized estimate of costs. The price of on-campus housing is about $4,500 per year. Some students at this school may qualify for financial aid, which is generally offered in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.
The mascot for Wheeling Jesuit University is the "Cardinals", and they participate in intercollegiate sports through oversight by the NCAA. Sports available may include but not limited to:
- Baseball (NCAA Division II)
- Basketball (NCAA Division II)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division II)
Enrollment
1,171
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
Bethany College is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and helps students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Bethany, West Virginia, which is a predominantly rural area. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) affiliation of this school is an important part of the history, education and vision that defines the school. The school enrolls 910 students annually, allowing for a more personalized education.
A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Psychology
- Communications And Journalism
- Education
- Public Administration And Social Services
To be considered for admissions, you may be asked to complete an application, provide letters of recommendations, and submit high school records and test scores, which are then reviewed by the admissions office. Either the ACT or SAT exam can be taken to apply to this school. Scores within the range of 17 - 24 on the ACT or 1150 - 1540 on the SAT are needed to greatly increase your chances for admission. This school accepts roughly 60% of applicants yearly. Of those admitted, nearly 25% enrolled. More information from the admissions office can be found here.
Undergraduate tuition is approximately $26,000 per year, though it may change based on any number of circumstances. Students may check the school's net price calculator to see the personalize cost of attendance. Housing may be available for those that would like to live on-campus for around a cost of $5,500 each year. This school may help with costs by offering financial aid for students who qualify as loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.
The mascot for Bethany College is the "Bison", and they participate in intercollegiate sports through the oversight and organization of the NCAA. Athletic programs that are available include:
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Football (NCAA Division III)
- Golf (NCAA Division III)
Students can visit the Bethany College website to get a complete list of areas of study, admissions information, and more.
Enrollment
581
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
Davis & Elkins College is a nonprofit private school that has a fair number of degree programs available for students to choose from. The school is located in Elkins, WV, in a predominantly rural area. The school maintains a Presbyterian Church affiliation, which is evident in the role it plays in program curriculums and daily life at the school. The low student to teacher ratio and access to faculty is due primarily to the small student body, over 800 students, maintained by Davis & Elkins College. Areas of study available at Davis and Elkins College include:
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Education
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Recreation And Fitness Studies
- Psychology
- Baseball (NCAA Division II)
- Basketball (NCAA Division II)
- Golf (NCAA Division II)
Enrollment
793
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
University of Charleston is a nonprofit private school that has many majors available for students to choose from. The school is located in Charleston, West Virginia, in a predominantly urban area. About 1,500 students enroll at University of Charleston annually. Areas of study offered at University of Charleston include:
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Visual And Performing Arts
- Baseball (NCAA Division II)
- Basketball (NCAA Division II)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division II)
- Football (NCAA Division II)
- Golf (NCAA Division II)
Enrollment
2,623
Student to Faculty Ratio
15:1
Ohio Valley University is a nonprofit private institution that has a large selection of programs available for students to choose from. The school is located in Vienna, West Virginia, in a predominantly urban area. The school's Churches of Christ affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's vision. The school enrolls 500 students annually, allowing for a more personalized education. Areas of study available at Ohio Valley University include:
- Liberal Arts And Sciences
- Education
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Psychology
- Theology And Religious Vocations
- Baseball (NCAA Division II)
- Basketball (NCAA Division II)
- Golf (NCAA Division II)
- Lacrosse (NCAA Division II)
- Soccer (NCAA Division II)
Enrollment
509
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
Salem International University, a private institution, offers a variety of program options, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Salem, WV, it offers a rural setting for students to study in. Salem International University, with only around 800 students enrolled, provides a low student to teacher ratio and personalized education as part of its commitment to students.
Students may choose from several areas of study, including but not limited to:
- Business Administration
- Educational Leadership and Administration
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Criminal Justice
- Nursing
The school operates under an open enrollment policy, admitting any applicants that meet the basic requirements for admission. Submission of transcripts, test scores, and personal statements may be required for certain programs. More information regarding admissions can be found at salemu.edu.
Tuition is approximately $17,000 per year, though it may vary based on different types of circumstances. Students should visit the school's price of attendance calculator to find what your personalized cost of attendance would be. The price of on-campus housing is about $2,600 per year. Financial aid may be offered to students that meet the necessary requirements.
Athletic programs are available at Salem International University through the NCAA, allowing students to compete in intercollegiate sports. Athletic programs offered may include:
- Baseball (NCAA Division II)
- Basketball (NCAA Division II)
- Soccer (NCAA Division II)
- Softball (NCAA Division II)
To see a full list of academic programs offered, enrollment information, admissions information, and more, please visit the school's website at http://www.salemu.edu.
Enrollment
990
Student to Faculty Ratio
22:1
How are Private Colleges in West Virginia Different from Other Colleges?

Private universities distinguish themselves from public colleges in a variety of ways. First, private colleges do not accept state funding. Rather, they operate through the prudent use of grants, internal operations, corporate donations, tuition, endowment funds, and alumni donations. Second, the size of private colleges tends to be significantly smaller than their public university counterparts. Enrollment will vary from school to school but the aggregate size will often be on the smaller side. Last, a private school will generally provide an academic catalogue that is more focused yet abbreviated than a state university.
Top Ranked Degrees at Private Colleges in West Virginia

Students matriculating at a private university will have the ability to choose among a number of degree pathways, from emerging research to popular programs. Emerging degrees that may be of interest includerobotics,data modeling,industrial technology, andneuroscience. Popular majors may pique your interests that may start with areas of study likechild development,history,finance,accounting,engineering,biology,marketing,teaching, orpublic relations. Regardless of your end-point, begin your journey by collecting salient information from top rated schools found with MatchCollege. Our search modules will allow you to quickly findtraditionaldegrees andonlinedegrees in seconds that fit your unique criteria.
List of Large 4-Year Private Universities in West Virginia
- Fairmont State University (Fairmont State) in Elkins, WV
- Shepherd University in Salem, WV
- West Virginia University at Parkersburg in Vienna, WV
Small to Medium Sized 4-Year Universities
The 4-year schools listed below have a small to medium sized student body and may offer a wide range of associate and bachelor's degrees. Get more information about each school by clicking the links below.
- Bluefield State College in Bethany, WV
Notes: Tuition & fee amounts are for both West Virginia in-state residents and out of state students, unless noted otherwise. The tuition information displayed is an estimate, which we calculated based on historical data and should be solely used for informational purposes only. Please contact the respective school for information about the current school year.
Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.