Wyoming vs West virginia — 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 (#701-800 vs #501-600). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($57K vs $56K). 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 Wyoming for: higher graduate earnings, lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
Choose West virginia for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate.
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 | Wyoming | West virginia |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #701-800 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 96.9% | 89% |
| Yield rate | 23.8% | 26.5% |
| Median SAT | 1147 | 1122 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.50 | 3.70 |
| Number of applications | 6,217 | 20,150 |
| International students | 4% | 5% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $57K | $56K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $54K | $53K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $81K | $84K |
| Graduation rate | 58.8% | 64.7% |
| Retention rate | 79% | 83.4% |
| Median debt | $18,000 | $22,500 |
| Tuition · year | $24,178 | $28,608 |
| Avg. aid package | $12,129 | $16,730 |
| % of need met | 57.6% | 63% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,921 | $36,010 |
| Application fee | $40 | $65 |
| Enrollment | 10,813 | 23,643 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Wyoming or West virginia?
It's harder to get into West virginia. Wyoming accepts 96.9% of applicants, while West virginia accepts 89%.
Do Wyoming or West virginia graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $57K at Wyoming and $56K at West virginia.
How much is tuition at Wyoming vs West virginia?
Sticker-price tuition is $24,178 per year at Wyoming and $28,608 per year at West virginia.
What SAT score do you need for Wyoming or West virginia?
The median admitted SAT score is 1147 at Wyoming and 1122 at West virginia; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Wyoming or West virginia?
West virginia ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #701-800 for Wyoming vs #501-600 for West virginia.
Which university offers more financial aid — Wyoming or West virginia?
The average aid package is $12,129 at Wyoming and $16,730 at West virginia.
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