The Appalachian Mountains are some of the most gorgeous mountains you'll ever see. The rolling hills and the endless outdoor activities like mountain biking or white water rafting provide a glimpse of how amazing West Virginia is as a state. It's one of the reasons so many families are moving to this gorgeous state. In 2022, West Virginia was the 13th most popular state to relocate to.
Another appeal of West Virginia is the school system. While West Virginia doesn't rank the best in education, it does have individual schools that rank near the top in the nation. While the Mountain State has some of the best private schools, they also have some of the most expensive. In this guide, we look at the most expensive schools in West Virginia and determine what makes them stand out.
The Most Expensive Schools In West Virginia
Although West Virginia ranks 47th in the nation regarding education, it still has some best schools. For instance, Bethany College and the University of Charleston are considered some of the most expensive and best schools in West Virginia. Looking at these two specific schools and the top two high schools offers a glimpse into the most expensive in West Virginia today and if they are the right choice for your family..
The Linsley School
The Linsley School is one of the most expensive middle school and high schools in West Virginia. Located in Wheeling, West Virginia, the school's tuition is broken down into three tiers:
- Middle School Day Student is $20,725.
- Upper School Day Student is $23,050.
- Middle School Boarding Student is $48,500.
Found in 1814, The Linsely School now has around 400 students with a student-to-teacher ratio of 6:1. One of the things that makes this school stand out is its rich history of being more than 200 years old. It has a history of developing character and academic excellence and transforming students into global leaders.
These rankings show how prestigious The Linsley School is:
- No. 254 for Best Boarding High Schools in America
- No. 968 for Best College Prep Private High Schools in America
- No. 1 for Most Diverse Private High Schools in West Virginia
Charleston Catholic High School
Founded in 1923, Charleston Catholic High School is one of the most expensive high schools in West Virginia, with a tuition of $10,000 for students in high school. The school has a student-to-teacher ratio of 12:1. One of the things that this school is known for is being a Catholic, private, and coeducational school. The school is also known for its rigorous college preparatory program.
Located in Charleston, West Virginia, Charleston Catholic High School has achieved high marks for its academic achievements.
- No. 1 Best Catholic High Schools in West Virginia
- No. 2 Best Private High Schools in West Virginia
- No. 2 Best College Prep Private High Schools in West Virginia
Bethany College
Transitioning to expensive colleges in West Virginia, we can see that Bethany College is one of the oldest and most expensive colleges in West Virginia. Founded in 1840, it has a tuition of $31,000. Students at this college can study over 40 different liberal arts programs. As of 2020, this small private college had about 540 students, making it a tight-knit community of students. The student-to-teacher ratio is also small at about 11:1.
When it comes to rankings, this is where Bethany College stands.
- Top 200 National Liberal Arts Colleges
- No. 624 for Most Diverse Colleges
The University of Charleston
Another college that is just as expensive is The University of Charleston, with a tuition of $31,000. Founded in 1888 as a private university, it has grown to over 2,000 students. There are five different schools associated with the University of Charleston.
- The School of Arts and Sciences.
- The Bert Bradford School of Health Sciences.
- The School of Business.
- The School of Leadership.
- The UC School of Pharmacy.
These are some famous alumni that graduated from this school.
- Jim Harrick, American Basketball Coach
- Warren McGraw, Former President of the West Virginia Senate
- Bill Bolling, Former Lieutenant Governor of Virginia
What West Virginia Offers Families When It Comes to Education
West Virginia is more than a mountain state. While there's beauty everywhere in the state, there's also tremendous educational opportunities. The schools on this list offer a glimpse at the exceptional educational opportunities in West Virginia. Although they are the most expensive, you now better understand the cost associated with prestigious education. Overall, these schools show the most expensive schools in West Virginia and how they stand out.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Jerry Pennington/Shutterstock.com.