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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

Your gateway to WVU excellence, rooted in history, with unique agricultural programs.

Potomac State College of West Virginia University offers a distinctive educational experience, blending a rich historical setting with a forward-thinking academic environment. Nestled in Keyser, West Virginia, this public college is an integral part of the renowned West Virginia University system, providing students with accessible pathways to higher education. Known for its strong associate degree programs and its unique Bachelor of Applied Science, Potomac State cultivates a supportive atmosphere perfect for students seeking a close-knit community feel while benefiting from the broader WVU network.

The college's deep roots trace back to 1901, when it was established as the Keyser Preparatory Branch of West Virginia University. Its campus holds historical significance, built on the site of Fort Fuller (also known as Fort Kelly), a critical Civil War fortress. This historical foundation adds a unique dimension to the student experience, connecting present-day learning with a past that shaped the region. In 2005, Potomac State officially became an integrated division of WVU, further strengthening its ties and ensuring students receive a high-quality education aligned with university standards.

Academically, Potomac State shines, particularly with its comprehensive agricultural program, which is the only one of its kind in the region, supported by over 800 acres of college-owned farms. Beyond agriculture, the college offers diverse Associate of Arts and Associate of Applied Science degrees, alongside a Bachelor of Applied Science and the Regents Bachelor's Degree. Prospective students can also pursue West Virginia University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, conveniently offered directly on the Keyser campus, preparing them for vital healthcare careers.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1901 as the Keyser Preparatory Branch of West Virginia University.
  • Operates the region's only agricultural program, supported by over 800 acres of college-owned farms.
  • Offers Associate of Arts, Associate of Applied Science, and Bachelor of Applied Science degrees.
  • Hosts West Virginia University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program on its Keyser campus, with the first cohort graduating in 2021.
  • Campus is situated on the historic site of Fort Fuller, a critical Civil War fortress.
  • Boasted an enrollment of 1,193 students in Fall 2020.
  • Integrated division of West Virginia University since July 1, 2005.

Timeline

1901
Created as the Keyser Preparatory Branch of West Virginia University by the WV Legislature.
1901
Colonel Thomas Beall Davis donates 16 acres of land for the new school site.
1902
College opens its doors to 80 students as the West Virginia Preparatory School.
1916
Davis Hall, named after Thomas B. Davis, is completed.
1917
A fire destroys most of the original multi-purpose building.
1919
New Administration Building completed; college purchases 129 acres for its agriculture program.
2005
Becomes an integrated division of West Virginia University.
2018
Begins offering West Virginia University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program on the Keyser campus.
2021
First cohort of BSN students graduates from the Keyser campus program.
🏛️
125 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Jerry Wallace
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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