This article looks West Virginia Christian colleges and their many academic and club offerings. Students can attend chapel service, immerse themselves in global experiences, or join in any prayer group to grow their relationship with God.
School Comparison
There are a number of Christian denominations represented at various colleges and universities in West Virginia. You can limit your school search to just one denomination if you'd like to further reduce the available selection of colleges. The following table looks at denominations and tuition at five institutions around West Virginia.
| School Name | Institution Type | Denomination | Location | Undergraduate Tuition (2017-2018)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheeling Jesuit University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Roman Catholic | Wheeling, WV | $28,110 |
| West Virginia Wesleyan College | 4-year, private not-for-profit | United Methodist | Buckhannon, WV | $30,752 |
| Alderson Broaddus University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | American Baptist | Philippi, WV | $26,610 |
| Bethany College | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) | Bethany, WV | $28,454 |
| Davis & Elkins College | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Presbyterian Church (USA) | Elkins, WV | $28,992 |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Overview of Christian Churches in West Virginia
Below we'll look at the academic programs available at the undergraduate and graduate levels at some of the state's Christian universities. Along with athletics, students can take a peek at some of the spiritual activities on these campuses.
Wheeling Jesuit University
In 2015, any first-time, full-time undergraduate student that applied for financial aid received it at Wheeling Jesuit University (WJU). The school has seven departments that can be studied under: business; education; health sciences; language, communication, and fine arts; history, political science, and law; science and math; and philosophy and theology. Within these programs, several majors and minors can be studied. Students attend the Freshmen Overnight and Kairos Weekend retreats to have time to reflect in the Spirit and take time away from studies. Along with these retreats, WJU has weekly chapel services, small prayer groups, and one-on-one spiritual counseling. As a Jesuit university, students who are not of the Catholic faith can join the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) program to learn about the Catholic traditions and receive guidance if they wish to join the faith.
West Virginia Wesleyan College
At West Virginia Wesleyan College, students can live on campus in one of the nine residence halls. The Wesleyan Bobcat is the sports mascot for 19 sports teams, including swimming, golf, track and field, volleyball, basketball, football, and lacrosse. Though there are several Greek organizations and school clubs to choose from, students are encouraged to consider beginning their own interest-based club. Faith-based clubs and community outreach programs allow students to practice their religious values. The college has over 50 programs from which to choose.
Alderson Broaddus University
Alderson Broaddus University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. A smaller college, ABU has roughly 1,052 students enrolled as of 2016. Along with bachelor's and master's degrees, Alderson Broaddus offers online and degree completion programs. The latter programs offer a unique opportunity for nursing or petroleum management students to earn their bachelor's degree having already completed their associate's degree. Seven buildings make up the residence halls, and all traditional students are expected to live on campus. Along with pursuing the ministry and leadership major available at the university, students can express their faith through one of the campus clubs. Chapel is on campus every Thursday morning and attendence is voluntary; however, students are strongly encouraged to get involved.
Bethany College
Since 1926, Bethany College has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The Bethany Plan is a unique idea that the college has come up with for traditional first-time students. Freshmen take an orientation course to prepare them for the rest of their school year. As sophomores and juniors, students are required to gain global experience, either through internships or international programs. Finally, as a senior, students complete a final project and exams that prepare them for their career or furthering their education. Along with chapel service and Catholic masses, Bethany provides outreach opportunities for students to spread the love of Jesus.
Davis & Elkins College
At Davis & Elkins College, sports can be competitive and fun. Students can choose from a wide selection of sports, including tumbling/acrobatics, lacrosse, tennis, cross country, swimming, soccer, and more. Pre-professional programs in dentistry, law, medicine, ministry, pharmacy, physical therapy, and veterinary science are only some of the programs offered by Davis & Elkins. Along with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for those sports stars, church service is held every Sunday for the school community. Students can also take religious courses and sit in for the Phipps Lectureship, a lecture series that brings in guest speakers to discuss religious and philosophical topics.
