Private Colleges and Universities in West Virginia

West Virginia, known for its rolling mountains and rich cultural history, is home to several private colleges and universities that offer students diverse educational opportunities. These institutions provide a variety of academic programs, extracurricular activities, and strong campus communities.

1. West Virginia Wesleyan College

History and Overview

  • Founded: 1890
  • Location: Buckhannon, West Virginia
  • Affiliation: United Methodist Church
  • Student Population: Approximately 1,200 students
  • Motto: “Scholarship, Service, Loyalty”

West Virginia Wesleyan College is one of the most prominent private liberal arts colleges in the state. Rooted in Methodist tradition, the college emphasizes the development of leadership, service, and academic excellence.

Academic Excellence

West Virginia Wesleyan offers more than 50 majors and minors across a variety of fields, including:

  • Business
  • Education
  • Nursing
  • Fine Arts
  • Sciences

The School of Nursing and School of Business are among the college’s most respected programs. Wesleyan also has a growing Environmental Studies program that takes advantage of West Virginia’s natural landscapes.

Campus Life

Students at West Virginia Wesleyan enjoy a robust campus life, with many opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities. Some highlights include:

  • Over 70 student organizations
  • Greek life
  • Campus ministry and community service programs

The college is known for its commitment to service, and many students participate in volunteer activities both locally and globally. Athletics are also a significant part of campus life, with Wesleyan competing in the Mountain East Conference.

Notable Features

  • Service-Oriented Education: West Virginia Wesleyan’s Methodist heritage is reflected in its commitment to community service, with many opportunities for students to engage in volunteer work.
  • The Arts: The college has a strong emphasis on the arts, particularly with its Theatre and Music programs, which are known for their high-quality performances and productions.
  • Natural Setting: The beautiful, rural setting of Buckhannon provides students with opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, and kayaking.

2. Bethany College

History and Overview

  • Founded: 1840
  • Location: Bethany, West Virginia
  • Affiliation: Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
  • Student Population: Approximately 600 students
  • Motto: “Start a Chain Reaction”

Bethany College is the oldest private college in West Virginia and one of the oldest in the country. It is a small, liberal arts institution dedicated to providing a personalized education in a close-knit community.

Academic Excellence

Bethany College offers a liberal arts education with a wide range of undergraduate programs in disciplines such as:

  • Biology
  • Psychology
  • Communications
  • Political Science
  • Education

The college is known for its strong programs in communications and education, with many graduates going on to pursue successful careers in these fields.

Campus Life

With a student-centered approach, Bethany offers numerous ways for students to be involved in campus life. Students can participate in:

  • Greek life
  • Student government
  • A variety of clubs and organizations
  • Intramural and varsity sports

Bethany College is also home to a long-standing tradition of academic societies, such as Phi Beta Kappa, which speaks to the institution’s commitment to intellectual achievement.

Notable Features

  • Historical Significance: As the oldest college in the state, Bethany has a rich history and is home to many historic landmarks, including Old Main, one of the oldest academic buildings in continuous use in the U.S.
  • Small Class Sizes: With a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, students at Bethany receive personalized attention from their professors.
  • Pre-Law and Pre-Med Programs: Bethany is known for its successful pre-professional programs, particularly in law and medicine, with graduates going on to top graduate schools and professional programs.

3. Wheeling University

History and Overview

  • Founded: 1954
  • Location: Wheeling, West Virginia
  • Affiliation: Roman Catholic (Jesuit)
  • Student Population: Approximately 1,000 students
  • Motto: “Luceat Lux Vestra” (Let Your Light Shine)

Wheeling University, formerly known as Wheeling Jesuit University, is a Catholic institution committed to academic rigor, service to others, and the formation of leaders grounded in Jesuit values.

Academic Excellence

Wheeling University offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on professional studies and health sciences. The university’s most popular programs include:

  • Nursing
  • Physical Therapy
  • Business Administration
  • Criminal Justice
  • Engineering Science

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is especially well-regarded, with a strong reputation for producing healthcare professionals who are ready to lead in their fields.

Campus Life

Wheeling University fosters a sense of community among students through its numerous service-oriented programs and leadership opportunities. Students can engage in:

  • Campus ministry and service learning
  • Student-run organizations
  • Greek life

Athletics also play a major role in campus life, with Wheeling University competing in NCAA Division II sports.

Notable Features

  • Jesuit Tradition: The university’s Jesuit values are reflected in its focus on ethics, service, and leadership. Students are encouraged to give back to their communities and become agents of positive change.
  • Strong Healthcare Programs: Wheeling University’s nursing and physical therapy programs are highly respected and produce graduates who are well-prepared for careers in healthcare.
  • Service Learning: The institution integrates service into its academic programs, offering numerous opportunities for students to engage with the local community.

4. University of Charleston

History and Overview

  • Founded: 1888
  • Location: Charleston, West Virginia
  • Affiliation: Independent
  • Student Population: Approximately 2,500 students
  • Motto: “A World of Opportunity”

The University of Charleston is a private university that blends a liberal arts education with professional preparation. It offers a modern campus in the state capital, along with diverse academic programs and a strong focus on leadership and entrepreneurship.

Academic Excellence

The University of Charleston provides a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across disciplines, including:

  • Business and Entrepreneurship
  • Health Sciences
  • Political Science
  • Pharmacy
  • Cybersecurity

The School of Business and Leadership and School of Pharmacy are among the university’s flagship programs, known for their innovation and real-world application of skills.

Campus Life

With its prime location along the Kanawha River in the state capital, Charleston provides students with a vibrant campus life and numerous opportunities to engage with the surrounding community. Some aspects of student life include:

  • Student clubs and organizations
  • Intramural sports
  • Greek life

The university also offers extensive professional development programs, preparing students for careers in business, healthcare, government, and beyond.

Notable Features

  • Professional Focus: The University of Charleston has a strong emphasis on career preparation, particularly in fields such as business, healthcare, and cybersecurity.
  • Leadership Development: The university integrates leadership training into many of its programs, providing students with the skills they need to succeed as leaders in their chosen fields.
  • Modern Campus: The university’s location in the heart of the state capital offers students access to internships, networking opportunities, and cultural experiences in a thriving urban environment.

5. Alderson Broaddus University

History and Overview

  • Founded: 1871
  • Location: Philippi, West Virginia
  • Affiliation: Baptist
  • Student Population: Approximately 800 students
  • Motto: “Learning to Succeed, Learning to Serve”

Alderson Broaddus University is a small private university with a strong Christian foundation. It is well-known for its healthcare and science programs, as well as its emphasis on personal growth and service.

Academic Excellence

Alderson Broaddus offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on healthcare and the sciences. Popular programs include:

  • Physician Assistant Studies
  • Nursing
  • Biology
  • Exercise Science
  • Music

The Physician Assistant (PA) program at Alderson Broaddus is one of the oldest and most respected in the country.

Campus Life

Students at Alderson Broaddus University are encouraged to live out the university’s mission of service and leadership. Campus life includes:

  • Student-led service projects
  • Spiritual development programs
  • Athletic participation (The university is a member of the Mountain East Conference)

Alderson Broaddus has a strong music tradition, with its marching and concert bands being a key part of campus culture.

Notable Features

  • PA Program Excellence: Alderson Broaddus University’s Physician Assistant program is one of the top programs in the nation, producing highly skilled healthcare professionals.
  • Faith-Based Education: The university’s Christian foundation plays an important role in campus life, with a focus on spiritual growth and service to others.
  • Music Tradition: Alderson Broaddus is known for its musical programs, particularly its marching band, which has a long-standing reputation for excellence.

6. Appalachian Bible College

History and Overview

  • Founded: 1950
  • Location: Mount Hope, West Virginia
  • Affiliation: Independent Christian
  • Student Population: Approximately 300 students
  • Motto: “Because Life is for Service”

Appalachian Bible College (ABC) is a small Christian institution focused on providing a biblical education that equips students for ministry and service. The college emphasizes personal spiritual growth and academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment.

Academic Excellence

Appalachian Bible College offers undergraduate programs focused on ministry and biblical studies, including:

  • Biblical Studies
  • Pastoral Ministry
  • Elementary Education
  • Youth and Family Ministry
  • Music Ministry

ABC is known for preparing students for Christian ministry and leadership, with a curriculum that integrates academic learning with spiritual development.

Campus Life

Campus life at ABC revolves around the Christian faith, with students encouraged to participate in:

  • Chapel services
  • Mission trips
  • Community outreach

The college also offers a variety of student organizations and athletics, fostering a strong sense of community and fellowship.

Notable Features

  • Ministry Preparation: ABC is dedicated to preparing students for service in the church and Christian ministries, with a curriculum that focuses on practical and spiritual development.
  • Mission-Focused: The college places a strong emphasis on missions, encouraging students to participate in local, national, and international mission trips.
  • Faith-Centered Community: ABC fosters a tight-knit, faith-based community where students can grow spiritually and academically.

7. Davis & Elkins College

History and Overview

  • Founded: 1904
  • Location: Elkins, West Virginia
  • Affiliation: Presbyterian Church (USA)
  • Student Population: Approximately 800 students
  • Motto: “Learning, Faith, Service”

Davis & Elkins College is a small liberal arts college located in the scenic Appalachian Mountains. The college is known for its commitment to personalized education and its connection to the Presbyterian tradition.

Academic Excellence

Davis & Elkins offers a variety of undergraduate programs, with strengths in:

  • Business
  • Education
  • Nursing
  • Art
  • Environmental Science

The college has a strong Teacher Education Program, preparing students for successful careers in education.

Campus Life

Davis & Elkins offers students a vibrant campus life with many opportunities to get involved in:

  • Service projects and community engagement
  • Greek life
  • Student government and leadership roles

The college’s location in the mountains provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, skiing, and rock climbing.

Notable Features

  • Personalized Attention: With small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio, students receive individualized attention and mentorship from faculty.
  • Outdoor Recreation: The college’s location offers students access to outdoor adventures, making it an ideal choice for students who enjoy the outdoors.
  • Service and Faith: Davis & Elkins emphasizes the importance of service and faith, encouraging students to grow as ethical leaders who contribute to their communities.