Top 3 Computer Programming Programs in West Virginia 2025
West Virginia University
72 computer programming graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
West Virginia University at Parkersburg
4 computer programming graduates annually, 92% graduation rate
Concord University
11 computer programming graduates annually, 98% graduation rate
- 1.West Virginia offers 9+ accredited computer programming 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 Programming Education in West Virginia: Overview
West Virginia offers 9 accredited computer programming programs, producing approximately 112 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 programming 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 Programming Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Virginia University | Morgantown, WV | Public | $9,648 | — | 59.7 |
| 2 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | Parkersburg, WV | Public | $5,148 | 92% | 51.9 |
| 3 | Concord University | Athens, WV | Public | $9,100 | 98% | 49.9 |
| 4 | Bethany College | Bethany, WV | Private | $31,920 | 67% | 43.5 |
| 5 | University of Charleston | Charleston, WV | Private | $21,110 | — | 36.3 |
| 6 | West Virginia Wesleyan College | Buckhannon, WV | Private | $32,166 | — | 31.4 |
| 7 | West Virginia State University | Institute, WV | Public | $8,924 | — | 31.2 |
| 8 | Blue Ridge Community and Technical College | Martinsburg, WV | Public | $434 | — | 30.5 |
| 9 | BridgeValley Community & Technical College | South Charleston, WV | Public | $4,682 | — | 30.1 |
Top 5 Computer Programming Programs in West Virginia: Side-by-Side
| School | West Virginia | West Virginia University... | Concord | Bethany College | U of Charleston |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $9,648 | $5,148 | $9,100 | $31,920 | $21,110 |
| Graduation Rate | N/A% | 92% | 98% | 67% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 72 | 4 | 11 | 4 | 2 |
| Acceptance Rate | 86% | N/A | 90% | 60% | 65% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Private | Private |
| Score | 59.7/100 | 51.9/100 | 49.9/100 | 43.5/100 | 36.3/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Programming in West Virginia
West Virginia offers 6 bachelor's-level computer programming programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are West Virginia University, Concord University, Bethany College. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $60,578 in the West Virginia market.
A bachelor's in computer programming typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Programming Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Computer Programming Bachelor's Programs in West Virginia
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 West Virginia | $9,648 | N/A% | 72 | 59.7 |
| #2 Concord | $9,100 | 98% | 11 | 49.9 |
| #3 Bethany College | $31,920 | 67% | 4 | 43.5 |
Top Computer Programming Schools for Master's Degrees in West Virginia
For graduate study, West Virginia offers 1 master's-level computer programming programs. Leading institutions include West Virginia 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 programming master's programs for more options beyond West Virginia.
Top 3 Computer Programming Master's Programs in West Virginia
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 West Virginia | $9,648 | N/A% | 17 | 41.6 |
Most Affordable Computer Programming Colleges in West Virginia
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer programming programs in West Virginia are at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College ($434/year), BridgeValley Community & Technical College ($4,682/year), West Virginia University at Parkersburg ($5,148/year). These programs offer strong ROI given West Virginia's competitive tech salaries.
At Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $1,736 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $60,578, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.1 years. See our Most Affordable Computer Programming Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Programming Programs in West Virginia (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Blue Ridge Community and... | $434 | $1,736 | 0.1 years | Public |
| #2 BridgeValley Community &... | $4,682 | $18,728 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #3 West Virginia University... | $5,148 | $20,592 | 0.8 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Programming Schools in West Virginia
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer programming 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 Programming Graduates: 72 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 86%
- • Ranking Score: 59.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 72 computer programming graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 59.7 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (72 graduates), state salary outcomes ($86,540), and selectivity (86% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Computer Science program at WVU is accredited by ABET and prepares students for diverse careers in rapidly growing fields including cybersecurity, machine learning, data analytics, and virtual reality. The program combines theoretical study of algorithms with practical software design skills.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.75
Program Details
- Credits: 122 credits
Available Specializations / Concentrations
West Virginia University at Parkersburg
Parkersburg, WV • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $5,148 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Programming Graduates: 4 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 51.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 4 computer programming graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 51.9 / 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 Programming Graduates: 11 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 90%
- • Ranking Score: 49.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 98% graduation rate
- 11 computer programming graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 49.9 / 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 University's Mathematics and Computer Science Department offers multiple specialization options including Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Cybersecurity, and Data Analytics majors with corresponding minors available.
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Bethany College
Bethany, WV • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $31,920 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 67% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Programming Graduates: 4 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 60%
- • Ranking Score: 43.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 67% graduation rate
- 4 computer programming graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 43.5 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 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.
University of Charleston
Charleston, WV • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $21,110 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Programming Graduates: 2 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 65%
- • Ranking Score: 36.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 2 computer programming graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 36.3 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (2 graduates), state salary outcomes ($86,540), and selectivity (65% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Applied Computer Science degree offers five specialized majors including AI and cybersecurity, delivered through a hybrid program combining on-campus and online courses from a national consortium of accredited institutions. Students gain hands-on experience and practical training through internships with technology companies and government agencies.
Admission Prerequisites
- •MATH 123 before enrolling in MATH 201
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.5 for freshman applicants
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Capstone Project Required
Available Specializations / Concentrations
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 Programming 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 9)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Computer Programming in West Virginia FAQ
Based on 9 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Programming 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.