Potomac State College of West Virginia University logo

Potomac State College of West Virginia University

Keyser, WV

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Quick Facts

1901
Founded
Public college
Type
952
Total Students
$5K
Tuition (In-State)
$13K
Tuition (Out-State)
$7K
Avg Net Price
26%
Graduation Rate
6-year
60%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges
Classification
President: Jerry Wallace

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Potomac State College of West Virginia University

Potomac State: Your historic pathway to West Virginia University excellence.

Nestled in Keyser, West Virginia, Potomac State College stands as a proud and integral part of the West Virginia University system. Offering a unique blend of associate, applied science, and bachelor's degrees, it serves as a crucial launchpad for students seeking quality education within a supportive community. Known for its hands-on approach and direct connection to WVU, Potomac State provides a personalized learning experience that prepares students for success.

The college's rich history dates back to 1901 when it was established as the Keyser Preparatory Branch of West Virginia University. Its campus, situated on land formerly known as Fort Fuller, holds significant Civil War history, adding a unique dimension to its legacy. Despite a challenging fire in 1917, the college rebuilt and continued to grow, eventually becoming an integrated division of WVU in 2005, solidifying its role as a vital component of the university system.

Academically, Potomac State shines with its diverse offerings, including the popular Associate of Arts and Associate of Applied Science degrees, alongside a Bachelor of Applied Science and the Regents bachelor's degree. A significant highlight is the on-campus offering of West Virginia University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, providing a direct pathway to a highly sought-after professional degree. Furthermore, the college boasts the region's only agricultural program, supported by over 800 acres of college-owned farms, offering unparalleled practical experience.

The student experience at Potomac State is enriched by its comprehensive facilities, including residence halls, a conference center, a performing arts center, a recreation center, and robust athletic programs under the Catamounts banner in the National Junior College Athletic Association. With an enrollment of over 1,100 students, it fosters a close-knit environment where students receive individual attention while benefiting from the resources of a major university.

Key Highlights

  • An integrated division of the West Virginia University system, offering direct pathways to WVU degrees.
  • Founded in 1901, with a campus rich in American Civil War history (formerly Fort Fuller).
  • Offers a range of Associate degrees, Bachelor of Applied Science, and the Regents bachelor's degree.
  • Home to the region's only agricultural program, supported by over 800 acres of college-owned farms.
  • Offers West Virginia University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program on its Keyser campus.
  • Student body of 1,193 (Fall 2020) provides a focused and supportive learning environment.
  • Athletic teams compete as the Catamounts in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).

Timeline

1901
Created as the Keyser Preparatory Branch of West Virginia University by state legislature.
1902
Opened its doors to 80 students as the West Virginia Preparatory School.
1916
Davis Hall, named for land donor Colonel Thomas Beall Davis, completed.
1917
Fire destroyed most of the original multi-purpose building; operations moved to Davis Hall.
1919
New Administration Building completed; 129 acres purchased for the agriculture program.
2005
Became an integrated division of West Virginia University.
2018
Began offering West Virginia University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program on the Keyser campus.
2021
First cohort of WVU's BSN students graduated from the Keyser campus.
🏛️
125 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within Potomac State College of West Virginia University

🔬

WVU Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

A direct pathway to a BSN degree from West Virginia University, with the program offered on the Keyser campus since 2018, providing a vital professional healthcare education.

Leadership

Jerry Wallace
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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