West Virginia University

Founded in 1867, West Virginia University (WVU) is a public land-grant institution located in Morgantown, West Virginia, USA which boasts a rich history, research-driven approach, and steady commitment to academic excellence. WVU offers a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs spanning various subject areas.

The university's main Morgantown campus is located within view of the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, providing a picturesque setting for students to pursue their academic and personal goals. There are several smaller campuses in the state of West Virginia, and the university has a total population of over 26,000 students.

The university offers more than 300 bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and professional degree programs across 12 colleges and schools, which notably include the only law and dental schools in the state. WVU has a superb academic record and is one of only 146 R1 research institutions in the nation. Current research projects include work in energy, physics and astronomy, as well as neuroscience, forensic science, rural health, and addressing the opioid epidemic. The university has a highly decorated faculty and alumni, with 25 Truman Scholars, 47 Goldwater Scholars, 112 Gilman Scholars, 81 Fulbright Scholars, and 25 Rhodes Scholars among their number.

WVU is also known for its vibrant campus culture, which fosters creativity, collaboration, and lifelong connections, enriching the student experience both inside and outside the classroom.

WVU offers a transformative learning experience that inspires intellectual curiosity and fosters a diversity of critical thinking skills, helping its graduates stand out in the job market.

The university's teaching faculty is a key feature of this success. It represents a group of highly qualified and widely experienced scholars, researchers, and industry professionals who are passionate about the ability of their students to meet their academic and personal goals.

Students benefit from learning in small class sizes, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, allowing plenty of opportunities for one-to-one tutorials and personalized feedback. Additionally, the university works hard to introduce experiential learning into each of its programs, providing students with options for internships, study abroad programs, research projects, and much more. This empowers students to apply their skills and knowledge in practical settings and gain confidence in their abilities in preparation for taking their first steps toward building their careers.

WVU delivers a diverse array of more than 300 programs, offering students a comprehensive range of options to pursue their academic interests and career goals. This selection of programs is delivered by the university's 12 schools and colleges, which span multiple subject areas from the liberal arts and sciences to professional disciplines and technical fields.

Schools and colleges at WVU include:

• Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources
• College of Applied Human Sciences
• College of Creative Arts and Media
• College of Law
• Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
• John Chambers College of Business and Economics
• School of Dentistry
• School of Medicine
• School of Nursing
• School of Pharmacy
• School of Public Health

Each department at WVU is staffed by a team of highly accomplished faculty members who have extensive experience in their respective fields, each dedicated to preparing their students for the demands of a dynamic modern career.

WVU offers more than 300 programs at different levels of study, spanning a diversity of subject areas. Entry requirements differ on a course-by-course basis and, in general, undergraduate applicants are considered based on a combination of academic performance, standardized test scores (such as the SAT or ACT), extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal essays.

Freshman applicants require a 2.0 GPA and either an SAT score of 990 or an ACT score of 19. For non-residents the requirements are a GPA of 2.5.

International students may be required to demonstrate a minimum standard of English language proficiency through assessment systems such as the TOEFL or IELTS tests. Additionally, some programs may require the attendance of an interview or submission of a small portfolio of work.

WVU's Morgantown main campus is a comprehensive learning environment, home to superb facilities and resources designed to support student learning. From cutting-edge laboratories and research centers to modern classrooms and recreational spaces, WVU provides students with the tools they need to succeed both academically and personally.

Facilities include seven state-of-the-art libraries, with the university's main Downtown Campus library housing hundreds of thousands of books, journals, and digital resources, a coffee shop, and multimedia services. Seven additional specialist libraries provide the ideal place to research and study subjects such as law, health sciences, and technology.

The university's science and engineering laboratories are equipped with advanced equipment and technologies, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for professional research work. There are also creative studio spaces, as well as top-class athletic facilities including gyms, swimming pools, indoor courts and sports fields.

Student housing options include 10 residence halls, offering a wide variety of room options within a convenient distance of campus.

WVU is committed to ensuring fair access to higher education for students representing all backgrounds. As part of this commitment, it offers a range of scholarships and financial aid schemes to help offset the cost of tuition and living expenses.

Merit-based scholarships are available to incoming freshmen and transfer students and are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership potential, and other criteria. These scholarships may cover partial or full tuition costs and are renewable for up to four years if students maintain satisfactory academic progress.

In addition to this, WVU offers means-tested financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. The university's financial services department is available to assist students in navigating the application process, as well as seeking scholarship opportunities, and developing a comprehensive financial plan for their education.

In 2022-2023, the university disbursed more than USD 148 million in scholarships and gift aid to ensure their student have the resources needed to study with confidence.

WVU provides a wide range of support services to its students, and has recently been taking extra steps to mitigate the cost-of-living crisis. The university has expanded its essential pantry services to address food insecurity among students.

A 2023 National College Health Assessment Survey reported that nearly half of all WVU students reported some level of food insecurity, representing more than a 4 percent increase from the 2021 results.

The university has responded by enhancing its student food pantry service, The Rack, which provides free non-perishable and perishable food items as well hygiene products to WVU students, as well as two additional "Snack Rack" locations that have been active since January 2024. These support stations cater to all students at the university, whether they are needed for a short-term or more regular basis.

Funding for The Rack has come through a mixture of donations and grants. As well as food and drink items, students have access to educational material about food insecurity, such as meal prep and proper food storage instructions.