On the banks of the Kanawha River, a few miles west of Charleston, West Virginia State University fills most of the small community of Institute. It was founded in 1891 as a school for Black students, and it is still a historically Black, land-grant university, though its student body is now mixed. Business, biology, computer science and biotechnology are among its main programmes. Tuition and living costs are low.
Institute, West Virginia, United States
Official website: wvstateu.edu
1891
Public HBCU and land-grant university
On the Kanawha River near Charleston
$15,000 – $20,000
Nonresident tuition, undergraduate and graduate
$10,000 – $13,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on wvstateu.edu before you apply.
BS Business Administration
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
BS Computer Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
BS Biology
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 61
MS Biotechnology
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
A historically Black, land-grant university.
Agricultural and biotechnology research on campus.
Low tuition near the state capital.
Graduates join state agencies, hospitals and businesses in Charleston.
Biotechnology graduates move into labs, agriculture and further study.
Bachelor's graduates can apply for OPT, with extensions for STEM majors.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Limited programmes
The campus is small and walkable, with residence halls, a student union and river views. Most students commute, so evenings are quiet.
Institute is a small community with few shops. Charleston, with the gold-domed state capitol and more restaurants, is about 15 minutes away by car.
Form I-20 issued by West Virginia State University
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
WVSU admits on a rolling basis. International students should apply by early summer for fall and October for spring.
New students start in fall (August) or spring (January).
You'll need an F-1 visa. Once you accept your offer and send proof of funding, West Virginia State University issues the Form I-20. After that it's the SEVIS fee, the DS-160 form and an interview at a US embassy or consulate.
Business, computer science, biology and biotechnology are popular. Undergraduates need a secondary school record and IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 61. The MS Biotechnology needs a science bachelor's degree.
WVSU has limited scholarships open to international students. Ask admissions and the graduate school about awards and assistantships.
