Overview
West Virginia State University was founded in 1891 as the West Virginia Colored Institute, established under the Second Morrill Act to provide higher education for African American students. It became a land-grant institution and evolved into a fully accredited, comprehensive university that became racially integrated in the 1950s, making it one of the first historically Black colleges in the nation to do so. Today it holds dual land-grant status and is recognized for its programs in biology, chemistry, agriculture, and STEM fields, along with a strong tradition of research through its land-grant extension mission.
At a Glance
| Type | Public |
| Location | Institute, West Virginia |
| Founded | 1891 |
| Total students | 3,200 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 16:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 88% |
| Graduation rate | 35% |
| Average starting salary | $42,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $8,300 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $19,500 |
| Room & board | $10,200 |
| Average financial aid | $9,500 |
| Students receiving aid | 90% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 870-1060 |
| ACT range | 16-21 |
| Average GPA | 3.10 |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Top Programs
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Agriculture
- Business Administration
- Education
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.