- Potomac State College of West Virginia University is a great place to "Start Smart" and begin your higher education career. As a two-year division of West Virginia University, Potomac State College offers the prestige of a major school with the friendliness of a small campus. You get the best of both places: A curriculum designed at a well-respected research university delivered in a smaller classroom setting.
School Highlights
Potomac State College of West Virginia University serves 1,174 students (75% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 7:1 is lower than the state community college average of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 95% of the student body (majority Asian), which is more than the state average of 89%.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Enrollment: 1,174 students
- In-state tuition: $3,480
- Out-state tuition: $9,456
- Student:teacher ratio: 7:1
- Minority enrollment: 95%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Overview
The teacher population of 169 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Potomac State College of West Virginia University
(WV) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associates Colleges
Not applicable, not in Carnegie universe (not accredited or nondegree-granting)
Institution Level
Four or more years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
169 staff
49 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Potomac State College of West Virginia University has declined by 9% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 7:1 has decreased from 8:1 over five years.
The Potomac State College of West Virginia University diversity score of 0.34 is less than the state average of 0.45. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
1,174 students
607 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
13:1
# Full-Time Students
883 students
211 students
# Part-Time Students
291 students
396 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
107 students
154 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
883 students
211 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
291 students
474 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
650 students
100 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
1%
% Asian
7%
6%
% Hispanic
n/a
n/a
% Black
3%
4%
% White
5%
11%
% Hawaiian
81%
73%
% Two or more races
2%
2%
% Non Resident races
n/a
n/a
% Unknown races
1%
3%
Diversity Score
0.34
0.45
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
23%
27%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
0.2427%
0.3233%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$50,200
$25,000
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $3,480 is less than the state average of $3,640. The in-state tuition has declined by 22% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $9,456 is more than the state average of $8,321. The out-state tuition has declined by 16% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$3,480
$3,640
Out-State Tuition Fees
$9,456
$8,321
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
93%
90%
Median Debt for Graduates
$22,786
$9,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$6,500
$4,580
Acceptance Rate
n/a
97%
SAT Reading
n/a
450
SAT Math
n/a
460
ACT Composite
n/a
19
ACT English
n/a
19
ACT Math
n/a
18
Sports
Total Sports Offered
7 sports
Sports
Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball
Source: 2023 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- Potomac State College, as a fully integrated two-year division of West Virginia University, provides a high quality, comprehensive education for our students. The college is located in Keyser, WV, in the heart of the state's gorgeous eastern panhandle -- great recreation country for hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, skiing, and white-water rafting. Live on campus in one of our active residence halls, or save money and commute. And, by all means, get involved. We offer plenty of student clubs and organizations as well as a winning athletic tradition in eight intercollegiate varsity sports. Potomac State College's 50 associate degrees transfer to WVU's main campus or most other four-year colleges. Potomac State College has nine two-year career and technical programs that prepare students for competitive jobs in areas such as hospitality and tourism, criminal justice and forest technology. The college offers a bachelor's degree through West Virginia University's Regents program for adults.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Potomac State College of West Virginia University cost?
Potomac State College of West Virginia University's tuition is approximately $3,480 for In-State students and $9,456 for Out-State students.
What sports does Potomac State College of West Virginia University offer?
Potomac State College of West Virginia University offers 7 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball and Volleyball.
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to Potomac State College of West Virginia University is Allegany College of Maryland (19.7 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Students
12401 Willowbrook Rd SE
Cumberland, MD 21502
(301) 784-5000
Cumberland, MD 21502
(301) 784-5000
19.7 miles
| 2,421 students
316 Eastern Drive
Moorefield, WV 26836
(304) 434-8000
Moorefield, WV 26836
(304) 434-8000
25.2 miles
| 361 students
173 Skirmisher Lane
Middletown, VA 22645
(800) 906-5322
Middletown, VA 22645
(800) 906-5322
47.3 miles
| 5,862 students
2201 University Drive
Lemont Furnace, PA 15456
(724) 430-4100
Lemont Furnace, PA 15456
(724) 430-4100
50.2 miles
| 640 students
Recent Articles
Bringing Veterans Together: A New Model for Support at Community Colleges
This article showcases innovative support programs for veterans at community colleges across the United States. It highlights initiatives such as centralized veteran centers, specialized services for women veterans, and partnerships between institutions to provide comprehensive assistance for veteran students transitioning to civilian life and higher education.
The Problem with Community College Placement Tests
This article examines the issues surrounding community college placement tests, highlighting their potential inaccuracy and negative impact on student success. It discusses alternative assessment methods, such as using high school grades, and explores ways to improve the placement process to better support students' academic progress.
7 Problems with Community Colleges And What Can be Done about Them
This article identifies seven key challenges facing community colleges, including low completion rates, underprepared students, and skills gaps. It also proposes solutions to address these issues, such as redefining institutional missions, improving collaboration between schools, and enhancing community support to improve the overall quality of education.
