Region
Western PA and Western NY
PA counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Fayette, Forest, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Somerset, Venango, Warren, Washington, Westmoreland
NY counties: Albany, Allegany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Chenango, Clinton, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Dutchess, Erie, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Genesee, Greene, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Kings, Lewis, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Montgomery, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Orange, Orleans, Oswego, Otsego, Rensselaer, Richmond, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Schuyler, Seneca, St. Lawrence, Steuben, Suffolk, Sullivan, Tioga, Tompkins, Ulster, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wyoming, Yates
Why should a student in your area consider WVU over other local options?
For students in Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia University offers the scale and energy of a flagship university just over the state line. Students get access to Big 12 athletics, a wide range of majors, and a campus culture that is far more immersive than many nearby options while still being close enough to stay connected to home. It is a chance to step into something bigger without going far.
What makes WVU such a great value?
West Virginia University delivers value through the depth of opportunity students can actually take advantage including hands-on learning, research access, internships, and a highly engaged campus community. With hundreds of student organizations, strong alumni connections, and real-world experiences built into many programs, students leave with more than a degree‚ they leave prepared, connected, and confident in what comes next.
What are some things you would share with a student that they probably wouldn’t know about WVU?
Many high schools in the area require students to do community service, volunteer hours, etc. to graduate. We allow them to continue this while advancing their own goals while making a difference in the community. Through volunteer programs, service-learning projects, and student-led initiatives with local schools and organizations, you gain real-world experience and connections while giving back. It is a place where personal growth and community impact go hand in hand.
What advice do you give to students who are preparing for college?
Take full advantage of the people and resources that are already around you, especially the regional reps who are right in your backyard. You are not just applying to a university, you are gaining access to a network of people whose job is to help you navigate everything from choosing a major to understanding financial aid to preparing for campus life.
What else would you like for us to know?
I grew up and live in Western PA. This area has a strong sense of community and pride. Most are from close knit neighborhoods, local traditions (Go Steelers!), and value hard work and connections. Going to WVU does not take them away from this but adds to their experience with a campus that values those same things. It’s an environment big enough for them to explore and grow but close enough to home to stay connected to their roots.
