Top 3 Data Science Programs in West Virginia 2025
West Virginia University
72 data science graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
West Virginia University at Parkersburg
4 data science graduates annually, 92% graduation rate
Concord University
11 data science graduates annually, 98% graduation rate
- 1.West Virginia offers 10+ accredited data 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)
Data Science Education in West Virginia: Overview
West Virginia offers 10 accredited data science programs, producing approximately 105 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 data science 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 Data 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 | Concord University | Athens, WV | Public | $9,100 | 98% | 49.9 |
| 4 | Bethany College | Bethany, WV | Private | $31,920 | 67% | 43.5 |
| 5 | American Public University System | Charles Town, WV | For-Profit | $8,400 | — | 40.4 |
| 6 | University of Charleston | Charleston, WV | Private | $21,110 | — | 36.3 |
| 7 | West Virginia Wesleyan College | Buckhannon, WV | Private | $32,166 | — | 31.4 |
| 8 | West Virginia State University | Institute, WV | Public | $8,924 | — | 31.2 |
| 9 | Marshall University | Huntington, WV | Public | $7,372 | — | 30.1 |
| 10 | Shepherd University | Shepherdstown, WV | Public | $6,288 | — | 28.7 |
Top 5 Data Science Programs in West Virginia: Side-by-Side
| School | West Virginia | West Virginia University... | Concord | Bethany College | American Public Universit... |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $9,648 | $5,148 | $9,100 | $31,920 | $8,400 |
| Graduation Rate | N/A% | 92% | 98% | 67% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 72 | 4 | 11 | 4 | 3 |
| Acceptance Rate | 86% | N/A | 90% | 60% | N/A |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Private | For-Profit |
| Score | 59.7/100 | 51.9/100 | 49.9/100 | 43.5/100 | 40.4/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Data Science in West Virginia
West Virginia offers 6 bachelor's-level data science 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 data science typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Data Science Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Data Science 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 Data Science Schools for Master's Degrees in West Virginia
For graduate study, West Virginia offers 3 master's-level data science programs. Leading institutions include West Virginia University, Marshall University, Shepherd 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 data science master's programs for more options beyond West Virginia.
Top 3 Data 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% | 2 | 30.1 |
| #3 Shepherd | $6,288 | N/A% | 1 | 28.7 |
Most Affordable Data Science Colleges in West Virginia
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable data science 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 Data Science Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Data 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 Marshall | $7,372 | $29,488 | 1.2 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Data Science Schools in West Virginia
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 data 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)
- • Data Science Graduates: 72 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 86%
- • Ranking Score: 59.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 72 data 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.
West Virginia University at Parkersburg
Parkersburg, WV • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $5,148 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 4 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 51.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 4 data 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.
Concord University
Athens, WV • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,100 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 98% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 11 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 90%
- • Ranking Score: 49.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 98% graduation rate
- 11 data science 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.
Bethany College
Bethany, WV • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $31,920 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 67% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 4 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 60%
- • Ranking Score: 43.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 67% graduation rate
- 4 data science 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.
American Public University System
Charles Town, WV • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,400 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 3 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 40.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 3 data science graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 40.4 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (3 graduates), state salary outcomes ($86,540), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Data Scientist opportunities in West Virginia with strong job growth.
Data Analyst
SOC 15-2051Data Analyst opportunities in West Virginia with strong job growth.
Business Intelligence Analyst
SOC 15-2051Business Intelligence Analyst opportunities in West Virginia with strong job growth.
Machine Learning Engineer
SOC 15-2051Machine Learning Engineer opportunities in West Virginia with strong job growth.
Quantitative Analyst
SOC 15-2051Quantitative Analyst opportunities in West Virginia with strong job growth.
Data 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 10)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Data Science in West Virginia FAQ
Based on 10 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Data 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.