Number of Students: Fall 2021 – 2,300 students
Established: 1837
Student/Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Average Class Size: 25
Number of Academic Programs:
- More than 70 different majors
- More than 30 undergraduate and graduate academic programs are recognized nationally or have national accreditation
Accreditation:
The Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago IL 60604
Phone: 1-800-621-7440
Location: West Liberty, WV
Number of Buildings: 50
Total Acreage: 290 Acres
School Colors: Black and Gold
School Nickname: The Hilltoppers
School Mascot: Topper the Bear
Mission Statement
West Liberty University, established in 1837, was the first institution of higher education in West Virginia. Today, we are a dynamic, inclusive, student-centered community that cultivates scholarly exploration, experiential learning, creative expression, and global citizenship.
WLU is a public university committed to providing students with a comprehensive education from undergraduate to advanced degrees while serving as the region’s leading advocate for the arts, education, research, and economic opportunity.
TOP 10 FAST FACTS ABOUT
West Liberty University
- The first institution of higher education in West Virginia
- US News and World Report ranks West Liberty University #59 in Regional Universities South; #30 in Top Performance on Social Mobility; #27 in Top Public Schools
- 2,335 students enrolled in the 2021-2022 academic school year
- Ranked #8 among diverse colleges and universities in the state
- 11:1 Student-to-faculty-ratio. 71 International students from 35 countries, including Angola, Armenia, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Canada, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Laos, Malawi, Mexico, Mongolia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand Nicaragua, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, Tunisia, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, and Venezuela; 162 out of state students, and 971 students reside on campus
- 82 academic majors, leading to Baccalaureate or Master’s degrees
- Proud members of the NCAA Division II Mountain East Conference with over 508 student-athletes involved in 20 intercollegiate sports on campus
- Graduated more than 30,540 degrees: 27,473 Bachelor’s degrees, 2,275 Associate degrees, and 792 Master’s degrees
- West Liberty University’s Alumni represent more than 20,000 diverse alumni.
- Over 50+ student activities, organizations, and clubs
- Public Undergraduate and Graduate Institution
- Celebrating our 184rd year (oldest public institution in West Virginia)
- Roughly 50% of our students live in campus owned housing (82% of freshmen live on campus)
- Four Academic Colleges: Business, Education & Human Performance, Liberal and Creative Arts, and Sciences
- Athletics: Offer 18 NCAA Division II Sports
- Graduate and undergraduate course offerings at Highlands Center
- More than 60 Student Clubs/Organizations
- 91% of West Liberty students receive some type of financial aid
- Metro Rate for neighboring states
- Over $6 million awarded annually in scholarships
- WLU students come from: 48 of 55 counties in West Virginia, 29 states, and 30 countries from around the world