The 7 Largest College Campuses in West Virginia

Places of learning have evolved over the past few centuries. As human history evolved, schools became more widespread, and today, almost everyone goes to school. universities are institutions of Higher Learning and those have evolved to ensure that the college campuses have everything. Some college campuses will have green spaces, along with buildings. Some college campuses in the United States and the world are small and others are huge and sprawling. When it comes to the United States, the largest college campus is Berry College, which is in the Appalachian Mountains. But what about West Virginia? How many large college campuses does Illinois have? Let’s take a look at the seven largest college campuses in West Virginia. They are practically their own cities!

7. West Virginia University Institute of Technology

The University was not always known by its current name. It was founded under the name of Montgomery Preparatory School in 1895 and it was located in Montgomery, WV. Over the years, the schools started changing names until it finally became the West Virginia University Institute of Technology. The campus is a rural one with many green spaces for animals to roam around freely and for students to connect with one another. Even though the campus is now located in Beckley, the old campus does have buildings, one of which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Lastly, the university’s total acreage is 200 acres.

6. West Liberty University

Founded in 1837, West Liberty University comprises scattered buildings throughout the campus, as well as green spaces for animals to roam around and students to connect. The campus’s original name was West Liberty Academy, however, it changed its name to its current one in 2009. The total acreage of the university is 290 acres. West Liberty University has the distinction of being the oldest public university in the state of West Virginia. Lastly, the athletic teams at the university are known as the Hilltoppers.

5. Shepherd University

The oldest town in West Virginia has the distinction of hosting Shepherd University. The college was established in 1871 and has grown substantially over the past 150 years. There are several historically important buildings at the university, which include the Ruth Scarborough Library and the George Tyler Moore Center for the Study of the Civil War. The university also has green spaces for wildlife to roam around and students to connect. The total acreage of the university is 323 acres.

4. Glenville State University

Founded in 1872, it started as Glenville State Normal School, but as time passed by, the name had to be changed. College enrollment grew substantially in the 20th century. The John E. Arbuckle House, located on campus, is on the National Register of Historic Places. The university comprises many school buildings, as well as green spaces for animals to roam free and students to connect. The total acreage of Glenville State University is 325 acres.

3. Potomac State College of West Virginia University

Founded in 1901, Potomac State College comprises several buildings of classrooms and residence halls. There are also various event centers, athletic buildings, and fields. The college also has 800 acres of farms specifically for its agricultural program. The university’s total acreage is 915 acres. In the 800 acres of farm, there are pigs and cattle, as well as other farm animals. There is also corn and hay production on one of the arms.

2. Bethany College

The rural campus of Bethany College comprises several buildings and green spaces where animals can roam around freely and students can connect. The total acreage of the university is a whopping 1,300 acres. Founded in 1840, Bethany College is considered the first institution of higher learning in what is now the state of West Virginia. Several buildings on the campus are considered historic buildings and even on the National Register of Historic Places.

1. West Virginia University Morgantown

Formerly named the Agricultural College of West Virginia when it opened in 1867, its name was changed to its current name a year later. Over the years, the Morgantown campus grew substantially. It now comprises 245 buildings, 11 of which are on the National Register of Historic Places. The total acreage of West Virginia University Morgantown is a whopping 1,892 acres. The campus consists of many buildings but also green spaces where wildlife can roam around and students can relax and connect. There is also a 91-acre core arboretum that is free and open to the public.