University of Charleston vs West Virginia University Institute of Technology
West Virginia University Institute of Technology is moderately selective with a 61.0% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than University of Charleston (64.5%). Both schools produce similar 10-year median earnings around $55,939. For families earning $48k–$75k, West Virginia University Institute of Technology is more affordable at $9,532 net price vs $21,133. Students at University of Charleston graduate with less debt ($19,500 vs $22,500).
Admissions & Outcomes
West Virginia University Institute of Technology has a higher yield rate (50.2%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.
Charleston, WV
Beckley, WV
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), West Virginia University Institute of Technology is more affordable at $6,947 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $23,451 vs $14,408.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. University of Charleston enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (29%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
University of Charleston
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$57,564
- 2 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions$46,321
- 3 Business Administration, Management and Operations$44,928
- 4 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods$32,569
- 5 Health and Physical Education/Fitness$26,353
West Virginia University Institute of Technology
- 1 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$67,995
- 2 Mechanical Engineering$65,457
- 3 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering$65,238
- 4 Chemical Engineering$62,012
- 5 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$61,454
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
University of Charleston
- 1 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 2 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 3 Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- 4 Security Science and Technology
- 5 Biology, General
West Virginia University Institute of Technology
- 1 Biology, General
- 2 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- 3 Psychology, General
- 4 Computer Systems Analysis
- 5 Civil Engineering
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
University of Charleston
- International students7%
- Tuition (international)$30,900
- Est. total cost/year$42,700
- School typePublic
West Virginia University Institute of Technology
- International students7%
- Tuition (international)$18,912
- Est. total cost/year$30,226
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
Get a Personalized College Comparison
We're building custom comparison reports with ROI analysis. Be the first to get yours.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into University of Charleston or West Virginia University Institute of Technology?
West Virginia University Institute of Technology is more selective with a 61.0% acceptance rate, compared to 64.5%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: University of Charleston or West Virginia University Institute of Technology?
West Virginia University Institute of Technology graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $55,939 compared to $55,774. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: University of Charleston or West Virginia University Institute of Technology?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), West Virginia University Institute of Technology has a lower net price at $9,532 per year vs $21,133. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at University of Charleston vs West Virginia University Institute of Technology?
University of Charleston has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 46.3%, compared to 36.1%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: University of Charleston or West Virginia University Institute of Technology?
West Virginia University Institute of Technology has a larger international student population at 7% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at University of Charleston and West Virginia University Institute of Technology?
At University of Charleston, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates earn a median of $57,564 within two years. At West Virginia University Institute of Technology, the top-earning major is Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at $67,995. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.