Understanding Education in West Virginia

I might have to move to West Virginia for family reasons, and I'm a bit worried about the quality of higher ed there. Can anyone provide insights or experiences attending universities and colleges in West Virginia?

It's completely understandable that you want to get a clear picture of the higher education scene in West Virginia before moving. West Virginia indeed has a variety of educational institutions, each with their own strengths and unique offerings.

One of the most well-known universities is West Virginia University (WVU) which has its primary campus in Morgantown. Known as a research-intensive university, WVU has a wide range of programs and a particularly strong program in engineering. It is also categorized as an 'R1' in the Carnegie Classification, which means it engages in a high level of research activity.

Marshall University, located in Huntington, is another public institution with a solid reputation, especially its programs in Health and Biomedical Sciences.

If you're more partial towards smaller institutions, there are options like Fairmont State University and Shepherd University, among others, which offer a range of programs in a more intimate setting, with smaller class sizes, and community-focused environments.

For those interested in technical or vocational training, there are numerous community and technical colleges spread across the state providing specialized programs.

Don't forget to consider factors such as location, size, student-to-faculty ratio, and campus culture. Try and review what alumni and current students have to say about their experiences as this can give you firsthand information on the academic and social environment of the school.

Lastly, remember that every institution has its strengths and weaknesses. Prioritize what matters most to you in a college experience and make the decision based on that.