West virginia vs Wyoming — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
West virginia is the more selective of the two (89% vs 96.9% acceptance). West virginia ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #701-800). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($56K vs $57K). Wyoming has lower sticker-price tuition ($24,178 vs $28,608 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose West virginia for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Wyoming for: higher graduate earnings, lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
West virginia is more selective (89% vs 96.9% acceptance); Wyoming has a higher median SAT (1147 vs 1122).
Wyoming graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($57K vs $56K); West virginia has a higher 6-year graduation rate (64.7% vs 58.8%).
Wyoming has lower sticker-price tuition ($24,178 vs $28,608); West virginia offers a larger average aid package ($16,730 vs $12,129).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | West virginia | Wyoming |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #701-800 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 89% | 96.9% |
| Yield rate | 26.5% | 23.8% |
| Median SAT | 1122 | 1147 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.70 | 3.50 |
| Number of applications | 20,150 | 6,217 |
| International students | 5% | 4% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $56K | $57K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $53K | $54K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $84K | $81K |
| Graduation rate | 64.7% | 58.8% |
| Retention rate | 83.4% | 79% |
| Median debt | $22,500 | $18,000 |
| Tuition · year | $28,608 | $24,178 |
| Avg. aid package | $16,730 | $12,129 |
| % of need met | 63% | 57.6% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $36,010 | $24,921 |
| Application fee | $65 | $40 |
| Enrollment | 23,643 | 10,813 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into West virginia or Wyoming?
It's harder to get into West virginia. West virginia accepts 89% of applicants, while Wyoming accepts 96.9%.
Do West virginia or Wyoming graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $56K at West virginia and $57K at Wyoming.
How much is tuition at West virginia vs Wyoming?
Sticker-price tuition is $28,608 per year at West virginia and $24,178 per year at Wyoming.
What SAT score do you need for West virginia or Wyoming?
The median admitted SAT score is 1122 at West virginia and 1147 at Wyoming; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — West virginia or Wyoming?
West virginia ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for West virginia vs #701-800 for Wyoming.
Which university offers more financial aid — West virginia or Wyoming?
The average aid package is $16,730 at West virginia and $12,129 at Wyoming.
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