Top 3 Computer Science Programs in West Virginia 2025
West Virginia University
72 computer science graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
West Virginia University at Parkersburg
4 computer science graduates annually, 92% graduation rate
Davis & Elkins College
2 computer science graduates annually, 99% graduation rate
- 1.West Virginia offers 14+ accredited computer science 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 Science Education in West Virginia: Overview
West Virginia offers 14 accredited computer science programs, producing approximately 147 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 science programs in the state are led by West Virginia University, West Virginia University at Parkersburg, Davis & Elkins College, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
West Virginia Computer Science 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 | Davis & Elkins College | Elkins, WV | Private | $30,360 | 99% | 50 |
| 4 | Concord University | Athens, WV | Public | $9,100 | 98% | 49.9 |
| 5 | Bethany College | Bethany, WV | Private | $31,920 | 67% | 43.5 |
| 6 | Shepherd University | Shepherdstown, WV | Public | $6,288 | — | 40 |
| 7 | Salem University | Salem, WV | For-Profit | $10,200 | — | 39.3 |
| 8 | West Virginia University Institute of Technology | Beckley, WV | Public | $8,064 | — | 38.2 |
| 9 | University of Charleston | Charleston, WV | Private | $21,110 | — | 36.3 |
| 10 | Marshall University | Huntington, WV | Public | $7,372 | — | 36.2 |
| 11 | Fairmont State University | Fairmont, WV | Public | $6,468 | — | 35.1 |
| 12 | Bluefield State University | Bluefield, WV | Public | $9,240 | — | 34 |
| 13 | West Virginia Wesleyan College | Buckhannon, WV | Private | $32,166 | — | 31.4 |
| 14 | West Virginia State University | Institute, WV | Public | $8,924 | — | 31.2 |
Top 5 Computer Science Programs in West Virginia: Side-by-Side
| School | West Virginia | West Virginia University... | Davis & Elkins College | Concord | Bethany College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $9,648 | $5,148 | $30,360 | $9,100 | $31,920 |
| Graduation Rate | N/A% | 92% | 99% | 98% | 67% |
| Annual Graduates | 72 | 4 | 2 | 11 | 4 |
| Acceptance Rate | 86% | N/A | 58% | 90% | 60% |
| Type | Public | Public | Private | Public | Private |
| Score | 59.7/100 | 51.9/100 | 50.0/100 | 49.9/100 | 43.5/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Science in West Virginia
West Virginia offers 12 bachelor's-level computer science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are West Virginia University, Davis & Elkins College, Concord University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $60,578 in the West Virginia market.
A bachelor's in computer science typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Science Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Computer Science Bachelor's Programs in West Virginia
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 West Virginia | $9,648 | N/A% | 72 | 59.7 |
| #2 Davis & Elkins College | $30,360 | 99% | 2 | 50.0 |
| #3 Concord | $9,100 | 98% | 11 | 49.9 |
Top Computer Science Schools for Master's Degrees in West Virginia
For graduate study, West Virginia offers 2 master's-level computer science 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 science master's programs for more options beyond West Virginia.
Top 3 Computer Science Master's Programs in West Virginia
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 West Virginia | $9,648 | N/A% | 17 | 41.6 |
| #2 Marshall | $7,372 | N/A% | 5 | 33.0 |
Most Affordable Computer Science Colleges in West Virginia
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer science programs in West Virginia are at West Virginia University at Parkersburg ($5,148/year), Shepherd University ($6,288/year), Fairmont State University ($6,468/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 Science Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Science 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 Fairmont State | $6,468 | $25,872 | 1 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Science Schools in West Virginia
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer science 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 Science Graduates: 72 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 86%
- • Ranking Score: 59.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 72 computer science 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
WVU's Computer Science program offers unique opportunities to work as part of the Department's IT staff, research in cutting-edge fields like machine learning and computer vision, and benefits from designation as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education. The capstone experience encourages entrepreneurial activities through partnerships with business incubators.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Available Scholarships
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 122 credits
- Capstone Project Required
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Rankings & Recognition
- Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education and Research through 2021 by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security
West Virginia University at Parkersburg
Parkersburg, WV • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $5,148 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 4 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 51.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 4 computer science 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.
Davis & Elkins College
Elkins, WV • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $30,360 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 2 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 58%
- • Ranking Score: 50.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 2 computer science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 50.0 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (2 graduates), state salary outcomes ($86,540), and selectivity (58% 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 Science Graduates: 11 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 90%
- • Ranking Score: 49.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 98% graduation rate
- 11 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 49.9 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 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, offering three specialized concentrations including Software Development, Cybersecurity, and Analysis, Simulation, and Modeling. The program prepares students for careers as software developers, data scientists, systems administrators, and other computing professionals with a thorough understanding of computer hardware, mathematical principles, and software solutions.
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
- Transfer Friendly
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Bethany College
Bethany, WV • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $31,920 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 67% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 4 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 60%
- • Ranking Score: 43.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 67% graduation rate
- 4 computer science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 43.5 / 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.
Full Stack Developer
SOC 15-1252Full Stack Developer opportunities in West Virginia with strong job growth.
Systems Architect
SOC 15-1252Systems Architect opportunities in West Virginia with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in West Virginia with strong job growth.
Technical Lead
SOC 15-1252Technical Lead opportunities in West Virginia with strong job growth.
Computer Science 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 14)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Computer Science in West Virginia FAQ
Based on 14 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Science 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.