2024 Best Colleges for Middle-Class Students in West Virginia

• Morgantown, WV•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  3,104 reviews

Freshman: There has always been a homely feeling to the atmosphere with WVU. I have been to the campus multiple times and everyone tends to show encouragement in the aspect of academics and good college life. I am majoring in Neuroscience this fall of 2023 and my advisor has truly helped me with I want to achieve in my life as soon as possible. There is a lot of flexibility according to my schedule and the classes are interesting as it includes with most professors that have great teaching ethics in their workplace. WVU has an easy way of communication between staff and students, I am hoping that you will enjoy such an amazing place for your college education!... Read 3,104 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $13,422

• SAT range 1030-1230

• Huntington, WV•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  1,595 reviews

Alum: Marshall was an excellent experience for a 4-year state college! Location isn't the greatest and food options need to be more affordable. The university is growing and the facilities are actively being updated as of August, 2023, you can find the universitys Master Plan online and get an understanding of what they are doing. The city of Huntington, W.Va and the university have a true cap and gown relationship. The city is walkable and a car was not necessary for me to navigate life in the city. I enjoyed in my studies, enjoyed college parties on 5th avenue, and had plenty of technical learning opportunities that have made me a valuable option for employers. I'd recommend Marshall to most students... Not saying the university is perfect as they make many decisions that leave you scratching your head. But if you're wanting that college experience with history, a little bit of collegiate partying, modestly sized class numbers, and a walkable environment. WE ARE MARSHALL! You can be too!... Read 1,595 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 98%

• Net price $8,730

• SAT range 930-1150

• 4 Year (Online)

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  2,849 reviews

Sophomore: My experience with these university classes has been a positive one. I have taken 6 online classes from American public universities, and I have found them to be well-organized, easy to follow, and convenient. The professors are responsive and helpful, the curriculum is challenging but not overwhelming, and the workload is manageable. There are some things to keep in mind when considering an online class: you will need to be organized and disciplined for it to be successful; you must make sure your internet access is reliable; and if you take an online class alongside other classes or a job, you must allow yourself enough time each week to complete all of your assignments. Overall, I highly recommend taking an online class if you can find one that fits your needs!... Read 2,849 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $11,916

• SAT range —

• Wheeling, WV•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  100 reviews

Alum: I enjoyed my time at WVNCC. I had trouble with one instructor in particular, which seemed to be the norm, unfortunately. Several of us struggled in his class and he was unwilling to help. Other than this one staff member, I learned a lot. Class time was spent constructively and help was available as I needed it. The office staff was also very helpful when it came to scheduling, financing, supplies and picking up or dropping classes. The proximity to home was also great. There are three locations so I had my choice to go to whichever one I chose. I would go back to this college if I had time to attend a traditional education, instead of doing it all non-traditional, online.... Read 100 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $4,398

• SAT range —

• Mount Gay, WV•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  106 reviews

Freshman: Honestly, I love my college because it offers me the perfect balance of academic challenge, social connection, and the comfort of being close to my family. I absolutely love the campus environment at my college. The lush greenery, beautiful buildings, and bustling student life make it an amazing place to be. There are always students out and about, whether they're studying on the grass or hanging out with friends at the campus coffee shop. The architecture of the buildings is breathtaking, with a mix of classic and modern styles that give the campus a unique and vibrant atmosphere. The campus is also located in a safe and welcoming community, which makes me feel secure and supported. Overall, the campus environment at my college is truly amazing and I feel so lucky to be a part of it.... Read 106 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,404

• SAT range —

• Fairmont, WV•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  680 reviews

Sophomore: Fairmont State University is very lovely and quant. Everyone is super lovely, especially the staff. When you first go to FSU during the beginning of school, there are so many people that are there to help you and guide you. You will certainly find how easy it is to fit in. The professors are super friendly and because FSU isn’t a massive college, you always will have a one-on-one connection with your professor. There are tons of activities and events happening all of the time too! At least one every day, actually!... Read 680 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 99%

• Net price $11,277

• SAT range 900-1090

• Beckley, WV•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  206 reviews

Freshman: It is a smaller campus than many other schools I have toured, but I enjoy its size. Walking to classes is not a hassle, especially during the winter. The student-to-staff/teacher ratio is smaller than others, making it easy to talk to teachers when you are struggling. All teachers have a unique way of teaching, whether it be through PowerPoints or just vocal; there is a nice variety of teachers here. If one is looking to meet others from different countries, there are many students and teachers worldwide. This school is mainly sports-related I would say that most students like me participate in sports. The RA's and staff plan numerous events on campus to keep all students engaged with everyone and their surroundings as well as doing well in class. Though many coaches want their students to participate hard in their associated sports, all support the student's grades first and make sure they are doing everything they can to get good grades.... Read 206 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 66%

• Net price $10,966

• SAT range 920-1130

• Shepherdstown, WV•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  727 reviews

Junior: Since I was a child and growing up in Shepherdstown, I hav always wanted to attend Shepherd University. The university is nested in the bucolic small town of Shepherdstown and is surrounded by mountains and pastures. It is the oldest town in West Virginia, rich in Revolutionary and Civil War history. Shepherd offers corresponding classes covering the Wars and Appalachian Studies. The faculty is very friendly welcoming and approachable. I have always received the personal educational help I have needed from the faculty. The student body is sharp, diverse and eclectic.I have made friends by attending classes, going to football games and participating in clubs. The relatively small student body fits my personality and I do not feel like I am “just a number.” The campus grounds are beautiful and well-maintained and the Rams relatively new football stadium is the iconic center of the university. I have treasured my time at Shepherd and the experiences it has impressed upon me.... Read 727 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 96%

• Net price $10,360

• SAT range 960-1180

• Fairmont, WV•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  137 reviews

Senior: Pierpont does not have any sports programs. My experience with Pierpont has been great! All the professors/teachers are amazing and very understanding. It's normally a two year school, but since I'm in two programs I'm here for an extra semester. Classes are easy to follow not to difficult, except when COVID hit in 2020. It was easy to jump back to semi-normal classes after those cases died down throughout the summer that year. As of now I'm in my last semester and having no problems with any professors/teachers. Classes are running smoothly and no issues.... Read 137 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,956

• SAT range —

• Athens, WV•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.42 out of 5  490 reviews

Alum: Concord University instantly felt like "home" to me... as home as a college can feel anyway! I was a first-generation college student, with no financial help from my family. When I first arrived at Concord, everyone I encountered immediately welcomed me with open arms. The people that worked at the bookstore were ever so helpful in helping me save as much as possible on textbooks, the lunch ladies learned me (and others quickly) and always greeted me with a smile... even the president would be walking down the sidewalk and stop to say hello and ask how your day is going. I've only been to a few college campuses, but I am going to assume that that doesn't happen often everywhere else. Concord was everything I could've asked for in a university, with the exception of food choices! I am a foodie and I do have to say, that one of the only downfalls that I found at CU was the lack of options for lunch - but what they did have to offer was always delicious!... Read 490 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 96%

• Net price $8,785

• SAT range 890-1130

• Keyser, WV•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  205 reviews

Sophomore: I liked how small the school and campus were. It has a very homey feel to it. With the school being as small as it is, professors are very connected and available for one-on-one time with their students. It was easy to get in contact with professors during and out of school hours. My advisor was very understanding of my schedule due to sports and helped me arrange my classes as best as she could. It was fairly easy to set up meetings with my advisor about urgent matters regarding my class schedule and other academic needs. Everyone on campus is very connected and helpful throughout the campus. I always felt very welcomed and included in things in and around campus. I liked the close proximity from the housing buildings to the classrooms. It is an easy 3 minute walk to any classroom on campus from your dorms. Campus can be completely navigated without a car. The campus provides a lot of amenities to their students. Such as gym, cardio rooms, study room, free tutors, game room and more!... Read 205 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,063

• SAT range —