Top 3 Computer Engineering Programs in West Virginia 2025
West Virginia University
144 computer engineering graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
West Virginia University at Parkersburg
4 computer engineering graduates annually, 92% graduation rate
Concord University
11 computer engineering graduates annually, 98% graduation rate
- 1.West Virginia offers 11+ accredited computer engineering programs across public and private universities
- 2.West Virginia University leads with strong% graduation rate
- 3.West Virginia software developers earn median $86,540 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Charleston, Morgantown, Huntington
- 5.Cost of living index: 88.6% of US average (below average)
Computer Engineering Education in West Virginia: Overview
West Virginia offers 11 accredited computer engineering programs, producing approximately 199 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Charleston, Morgantown, Huntington, with major employers including Leidos, Northrop Grumman, FBI CJIS.
With a median software developer salary of $86,540 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 88.6% compared to the US average, West Virginia offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers.
The top computer engineering programs in the state are led by West Virginia University, West Virginia University at Parkersburg, Concord University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
West Virginia Computer Engineering Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Virginia University | Morgantown, WV | Public | $9,648 | — | 65.3 |
| 2 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | Parkersburg, WV | Public | $5,148 | 92% | 50.8 |
| 3 | Concord University | Athens, WV | Public | $9,100 | 98% | 48 |
| 4 | American Public University System | Charles Town, WV | For-Profit | $8,400 | — | 43.1 |
| 5 | Bethany College | Bethany, WV | Private | $31,920 | 67% | 42.4 |
| 6 | West Virginia University Institute of Technology | Beckley, WV | Public | $8,064 | — | 39.9 |
| 7 | University of Charleston | Charleston, WV | Private | $21,110 | — | 35.5 |
| 8 | Marshall University | Huntington, WV | Public | $7,372 | — | 33.9 |
| 9 | West Virginia Wesleyan College | Buckhannon, WV | Private | $32,166 | — | 30.4 |
| 10 | Shepherd University | Shepherdstown, WV | Public | $6,288 | — | 30.2 |
| 11 | West Virginia State University | Institute, WV | Public | $8,924 | — | 30.2 |
Top 5 Computer Engineering Programs in West Virginia: Side-by-Side
| School | West Virginia | West Virginia University... | Concord | American Public Universit... | Bethany College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $9,648 | $5,148 | $9,100 | $8,400 | $31,920 |
| Graduation Rate | N/A% | 92% | 98% | N/A% | 67% |
| Annual Graduates | 144 | 4 | 11 | 9 | 4 |
| Acceptance Rate | 86% | N/A | 90% | N/A | 60% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | For-Profit | Private |
| Score | 65.3/100 | 50.8/100 | 48.0/100 | 43.1/100 | 42.4/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Engineering in West Virginia
West Virginia offers 10 bachelor's-level computer engineering programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are West Virginia University, Concord University, American Public University System. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $60,578 in the West Virginia market.
A bachelor's in computer engineering typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Engineering Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Computer Engineering Bachelor's Programs in West Virginia
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 West Virginia | $9,648 | N/A% | 144 | 65.3 |
| #2 Concord | $9,100 | 98% | 11 | 48.0 |
| #3 American Public Universit... | $8,400 | N/A% | 9 | 43.1 |
Top Computer Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in West Virginia
For graduate study, West Virginia offers 2 master's-level computer engineering programs. Leading institutions include West Virginia University, Marshall University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in West Virginia reaching $112,502 or more.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best computer engineering master's programs for more options beyond West Virginia.
Top 3 Computer Engineering Master's Programs in West Virginia
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 West Virginia | $9,648 | N/A% | 43 | 50.1 |
| #2 Marshall | $7,372 | N/A% | 4 | 32.2 |
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Colleges in West Virginia
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer engineering programs in West Virginia are at West Virginia University at Parkersburg ($5,148/year), Shepherd University ($6,288/year), Marshall University ($7,372/year). These programs offer strong ROI given West Virginia's competitive tech salaries.
At West Virginia University at Parkersburg, a 4-year degree costs approximately $20,592 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $60,578, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.8 years. See our Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs in West Virginia (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 West Virginia University... | $5,148 | $20,592 | 0.8 years | Public |
| #2 Shepherd | $6,288 | $25,152 | 1 years | Public |
| #3 Marshall | $7,372 | $29,488 | 1.2 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Engineering Schools in West Virginia
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer engineering programs in West Virginia, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,648 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 144 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 86%
- • Ranking Score: 65.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 144 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 65.3 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (144 graduates), state salary outcomes ($86,540), and selectivity (86% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
WVU's Computer Engineering program provides particularly strong emphasis on real-time and embedded systems with unique opportunities for national student competitions. The program features a digital forensics lab co-located with the West Virginia State Police crime lab and faculty including the 2015 West Virginia Professor of the Year.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Available Scholarships
Admission Prerequisites
- •College Algebra (MATH 126)
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 122 credits
- Capstone Project Required
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Rankings & Recognition
- Computer engineering ranked as the top paid engineering profession for new graduates in some surveys
West Virginia University at Parkersburg
Parkersburg, WV • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $5,148 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 4 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 50.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 4 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 50.8 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (4 graduates), state salary outcomes ($86,540), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Concord University
Athens, WV • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,100 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 98% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 11 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 90%
- • Ranking Score: 48.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 98% graduation rate
- 11 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 48.0 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (98%), program size (11 graduates), state salary outcomes ($86,540), and selectivity (90% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Concord's Computer Science curriculum is guided by recommendations from the Association of Computing Machinery and the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers, preparing students for careers as software developers, analysts, data scientists, and project managers with three specialized concentrations available.
Available Scholarships
Admission Prerequisites
- •4 English (including grammar, composition and literature)
- •3 Social Studies (including U.S. history)
- •4 Mathematics (three units must be Algebra I and higher)
- •3 Science (all courses to be college preparatory and each course to include a laboratory)
- •1 Art
- •2 Foreign Language (Two units of the same foreign language)
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.0 with ACT 18 or SAT 960, or 3.0 without test scores
Available Specializations / Concentrations
American Public University System
Charles Town, WV • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,400 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 9 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 43.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 9 computer engineering graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 43.1 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (9 graduates), state salary outcomes ($86,540), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Bethany College
Bethany, WV • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $31,920 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 67% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 4 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 60%
- • Ranking Score: 42.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 67% graduation rate
- 4 computer engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 42.4 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (67%), program size (4 graduates), state salary outcomes ($86,540), and selectivity (60% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in West Virginia with strong job growth.
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Systems Analyst opportunities in West Virginia with strong job growth.
IT Manager
SOC 15-1299IT Manager opportunities in West Virginia with strong job growth.
Technical Consultant
SOC 15-1299Technical Consultant opportunities in West Virginia with strong job growth.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Database Administrator opportunities in West Virginia with strong job growth.
Computer Engineering Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Charleston, Morgantown, Huntington
- You're seeking lower cost of living (88.6% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like Leidos or Northrop Grumman
- You prefer West Virginia's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs West Virginia's 11)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Computer Engineering in West Virginia FAQ
Based on 11 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Engineering degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
West Virginia-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - West Virginia salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.