13 Best Universities In West Virginia For International Students 2026

West Virginia is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in United States. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 13 universities and colleges in West Virginia, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 13 universities in West Virginia, West Virginia University and Marshall University are the top-performing schools in West Virginia. This list covers both public and private institutions in West Virginia.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in West Virginia. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in West Virginia.

How do I get admission to the best universities in West Virginia?

Applying to the universities in West Virginia involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in West Virginia to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in West Virginia?

Tuition fees at West Virginia’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 10,600 USD to 37,600 USD , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 5,352 USD to 42,400 USD. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in West Virginia!

As we cover the best universities in West Virginia for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in West Virginia for International Students

West Virginia University welcomes a fresh sight of rolling hills and mountains. With over 350 degree programs, it takes pride in producing nearly a hundred recipients of reputable scholarships. West Virginia University ranks highly on the international scale for innovative research.

The namesake of Marshall University was the United States’ fourth and longest-serving Chief Justice, John Marshall. It started as an academy before becoming a university in 1961. Various programs are available, including bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, associate degree, educational specialist, and professional courses. Nationally, Marshall is well-ranked and placed 288th in the US News Rankings.

West Virginia State University was founded in 1891 in the town of Institute in Kanawha County, West Virginia. It was first named West Virginia Colored Institute, then West Virginia Collegiate Institute on 1915, then West Virginia State College on 1929, and finally its current name on 2004. Its latest data states 4337 students enrolled, with over 100 programs offered at undergraduate and graduate levels. Aside from the accessible education, the field of athletics is not left out with NCAA Division II varsity teams in both men’s and women’s sports. Simply put, West Virginia State University is a well-rounded university that provides everything a student needs.

With 70 undergraduate and graduate programs and 23 NCAA III teams, Bridgewater College can bridge the academic and athletic gap some higher educational institutions usually have. The school was founded in 1880 and currently has around 1500 students enrolled. Over 60 clubs and organizations have been formed to cater to students’ varying interests along. Despite being a private school, education at Bridgewater College remains accessible because of generous financial aid offers.

Shepherd University is a state-funded college for liberal arts established in 1871. Its location in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, is known as one of the best college towns in the United States. The university currently offers over 100 academic programs. As they move with their history, they aim to build an international community of learners that will foster growth in society.

Concord University is a public university in Athens, West Virginia. It was founded in 1872 as a normal school by Union and Confederate veterans. The university is well-known for its scenic setting and beautiful campus that overlooks the surrounding mountains. Concord University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts, business, humanities, science, and social work.

Wheeling University is a private institution in the Southern area of the United States. It is ranked 80th in the region by US News. As a relatively small university, the student population barely exceeds 1,000. Thus, the student-to-faculty ratio is optimal at 11:1.

The variety of available programs is limited to 16 only, most of which are for bachelor’s students. Master’s courses are also offered, but most are conducted in an online or hybrid setup only. The university also has certificate courses and a doctoral program.

The University of Charleston offers a remarkable opportunity for those who want an outstanding education in a smaller, private location. Its mission is to provide lifetime support to its students and keep doing more and improving. Their leadership delivers a strong vision for making the university the best it can be for its students, faculty, staff, and the community.

Established in 1865, Fairmont State University started as a private school to educate teachers. However, the institute wanted higher education to be more accessible, so it began making changes and improvements to become a reputable state university. Today, it is considered one of the largest public institutions in West Virginia, offering numerous academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

West Virginia Wesleyan College is a private college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. It was founded in 1890 by the Methodist Episcopal Church. The college offers over 50 undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of fields. Wesleyan students are strongly encouraged to participate in community service projects, organizations, and athletic teams.

West Liberty University is a forward-looking, general university drenched in a rich heritage. It is considered West Virginia’s oldest higher education organization. Launched as West Liberty Academy in 1837, it was developed to respond to the demand for higher academic prospects. Since its establishment, the university has lived up to its mission of providing quality and life-changing education.

Founded in 1961, West Virginia University at Parkersburg (WVU Parkersburg) was primarily established as a branch of West Virginia University. Initially operated as a community college, the university has expanded and undergone several redevelopments, eventually becoming an independent college providing top-quality undergraduate education. Currently, WVU Parkersburg is the only public community institution authorized to award bachelor’s degrees in West Virginia.

Bethany College is a private liberal arts college in Bethany, West Virginia. It was founded in 1840 by Alexander Campbell, a minister in the Restoration Movement. Over 25 different fields of study are available at the college. Students can also use the interdisciplinary major program to create their own major or choose Dual Majors.