CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) — West Virginia’s six independent colleges and universities generate an estimated $391.9 million in annual economic activity across the state, according to a new economic impact report released by West Virginia Independent Colleges & Universities (WVICU).
The report finds that WVICU member institutions support approximately 3,013 jobs, generate $147.4 million in labor earnings and contribute an estimated $251 million in value added to West Virginia’s economy.
The analysis includes Appalachian Bible College, Bethany College, Davis & Elkins College, the University of Charleston, West Virginia Wesleyan College and Wheeling University.
“West Virginia’s independent colleges are much more than places where students earn degrees,” said Ben Beakes, executive director of WVICU. “They are employers, purchasers, builders, workforce developers and community anchors. Every dollar spent on campus has a ripple effect that reaches businesses, workers and families across West Virginia.”
The study estimates approximately $244.6 million in direct economic activity, along with $55.8 million in indirect supplier activity and $91.5 million in induced household spending generated by wages and earnings supported through the institutions.
The statewide impact is rooted in six distinct communities:
- Appalachian Bible College Beckley
- Bethany College in Bethany
- Davis & Elkins College in Elkins
- University of Charleston in Charleston
- West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon
- Wheeling University in Wheeling
Together, the institutions directly employ 1,427 people, account for approximately $72.1 million in annual payroll and reported more than $37.6 million in capital improvement spending.
Their economic contribution also extends beyond annual spending. The six institutions enrolled 6,458 students in fall 2025 and produced approximately 1,850 graduates during the 2024-25 academic year. Their combined alumni network includes more than 22,900 alumni living in West Virginia, representing an enduring workforce and community presence throughout the state.
“These institutions have deep roots in their communities, but their reach is statewide,” Beakes said. “They bring students and families to West Virginia, prepare graduates for careers, employ West Virginians, invest in facilities and purchase goods and services from businesses throughout the state. Their value should be viewed as both an educational impact and an economic one.”
The economic impact study used institution-provided operating and enrollment information together with the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis’ Regional Input-Output Modeling System, or RIMS II, for West Virginia. The analysis was designed to provide a conservative estimate of annual statewide economic activity and does not attempt to place a dollar value on longer-term benefits such as alumni earnings, workforce productivity, volunteer service or community quality of life.
The full WVICU 2025 Economic Impact Report is available at https://www.wvicu.org/impact2026.
About West Virginia Independent Colleges & Universities
West Virginia Independent Colleges & Universities represents six nonprofit independent higher education institutions across the state. WVICU works collectively to advance the interests of West Virginia’s independent colleges and universities and the students and communities they serve.
