Beyond the stunning Appalachian Mountains, small-town charm, and rich cultural history, West Virginia is home to some top-notch (and surprisingly affordable) computer science colleges. The best computer science schools in The Mountain State include WVU Tech in Beckley, West Virginia University in Morgantown, and Marshall University in Huntington, WV.
This page will highlight our favorite computer science schools and degree programs in West Virginia. We'll also cover jobs and salaries for tech graduates in-state, including the highest-paying cities and computer science careers for West Virginians.
What makes our rankings valuable?
Most college rankings online rely heavily on the National Center for Education Statistics, measuring institutional rates for graduation, retention, acceptance, etc. The NCES has good data, and we use it too; however, we go beyond the stats to analyze the current and future relevance of the skills and credentials gained. We also delve deep into value and flexibility to consider accelerated, online, dual-degree, and certificate options.
| Compare the Best Computer Science Schools in West Virginia | ||
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | WVU Tech | Beckley, WV 25801 |
| 2 | West Virginia University | Morgantown, WV 26506 |
| 3 | Marshall University | Huntington, WV 25755 |
Top 3 CS Schools in West Virginia
We selected the best schools for computer science in West Virginia based on numerous factors, including curriculum relevance, institutional reputation, breadth of CS degrees, program features, affordability, and flexibility.
Here are West Virginia's best computer science schools in 2025:
1. WVU Institiute of Technology
A shining part of the WVU system, WVU Tech offers a more rural setting than its parent university, lower costs, and smaller class sizes. The college features a deep catalog of computer science and information technology degrees in marketable disciplines like software design, information security, database management, and computer networking.
- Featured CS and IT Majors:
- Computer Programming and Software Design
- Network and Database Management
- Computer and Network Security
- View all CS programs at WVU Tech
- Campus Locations:
- 512 South Kanawha Street | Beckley, WV 25801
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
2. West Virginia University
WVU's computer science degrees equip students with skills and credentials to pursue lucrative roles in data analytics, software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Their ABET-accredited CS programs feature robust opportunities for hands-on experience through partnerships like the WVU Hayhurst LaunchLab, West Virginian State Police Crime Lab, and the ZinnStarter business plan competition.
- CS Majors and Focus Areas:
- Cybersecurity
- Software Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence
- View all CS programs at WVU
- Campus Locations:
- 62 Morrill Way - Suite 200 | Evansdale Crossing | Morgantown, WV 26506-6009
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
3. Marshall University
Marshall University offers top-tier undergraduate and graduate degree programs in computer science and engineering. Beyond its low tuition for West Virginians and industry-relevant computing courses in topics like cybersecurity, data science, and computer engineering, Marshall features a range of accelerated CS degrees for motivated students.
- Top Computer Science Degrees:
- B.S. in Computer and Information Security
- B.S. in Computer and Information Technology
- B.S. in Computer Science
- M.S. in Computer Science
- View all computing programs at Marshall
- Campus Locations:
- 1 John Marshall Drive | Huntington, WV 25755
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Top Paying Computing Jobs in West Virginia
Here's what you can earn if you decide to work in-state after getting a computer science education in West Virginia.
| IT Career Path | Average Salary in WV |
|---|---|
| Computer Scientist | $180,940 |
| Computer Network Architect | $104,250 |
| Database Architect | $103,550 |
| Electrical Engineer | $102,210 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $97,420 |
| Information Security Analyst | $96,360 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Regional West Virginia Salaries for CS Pros
These West Virginia cities and metro areas that pay the highest wages to computer science and technology professionals.
| West Virginia Location | Average Tech Salary |
|---|---|
| Morgantown, WV | $91,890 |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV | $88,840 |
| Northern WV Nonmetro Area | $82,550 |
| Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | $77,590 |
| Charleston, WV | $76,790 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Frequently Asked Questions
Technology and education insiders answer FAQs from prospective computer science students in West Virginia.
What's the best public college in West Virginia for computer science?
Per our analysis, WVU Tech in Beckley has the best public computer science program in West Virginia for 2025. Ranking factors that drove them to the top include affordability, professional focus of CS offerings, small class sizes, and breadth of career services.
What's the most affordable computer science school in West Virginia?
With an average tuition cost of $3,768 per semester as of the 2025 school year - before financial aid is applied - WVU Tech offers the cheapest computer science program in West Virginia.
