BUCKHANNON, West Virginia — West Virginia Wesleyan College contributes an estimated $75.5 million to West Virginia’s economy annually, supporting approximately 605 jobs statewide, according to the 2025 Economic Impact Report from West Virginia Independent Colleges & Universities (WVICU).

The report examines the economic contributions of six private, nonprofit colleges and universities across West Virginia, including WVWC. Using institutional financial and operational data and an economic modeling framework developed by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the study estimates how higher education institutions contribute to economic activity through campus operations, student spending, visitors and events, and capital improvements.

“West Virginia Wesleyan College believes that being part of a community means contributing to its success. For more than 130 years, our impact has extended beyond the classroom and campus, from creating and supporting jobs to driving economic activity and preparing graduates to strengthen our workforce,” President James Moore said. “Here in Buckhannon, in Upshur County, and throughout our region, we take great pride in being an economic catalyst and a community partner.”

West Virginia Wesleyan College’s estimated $75.5 million in total statewide economic output includes approximately $47.3 million in direct economic activity, with additional activity generated as institutional spending circulates through businesses, suppliers and households across the state.  WVWC’s impact ranks second amongst WVICU member institutions. 

Collectively, the six WVICU member institutions generate an estimated $391.9 million in annual statewide economic output and support approximately 3,013 jobs. Those member institutions also include Appalachian Bible College, Bethany College, Davis & Elkins College, University of Charleston and Wheeling University.

“When you consider the collective economic impact of West Virginia’s independent colleges and universities, it’s clear that WVWC and our fellow WVICU member institutions play a vital role in creating jobs and opportunities, strengthening communities, and advancing the economic future of our state,” Moore added. 

The report identifies institutional operations as the largest contributor to the economic footprint of West Virginia’s independent colleges and universities. Payroll, purchasing, student living expenses, campus events and investments in facilities all contribute to economic activity that reaches beyond college campuses.

For WVWC, that impact is closely connected to its presence in Upshur County.  Students and campus visitors support local businesses while the College’s operations and facility investments contribute to demand for goods, services and skilled workers.

The economic contributions of independent higher education also extend into the workforce. By preparing graduates for careers across a range of fields, WVWC helps develop talent for West Virginia’s businesses, schools, health care providers, nonprofit organizations and public institutions. The report recognizes this workforce contribution as an important part of the sector’s long-term value, separate from its annual economic output estimates.

WVWC recently announced that 100% of its Class of 2026 nursing graduates had found employment in the Mountain State. 

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for 136 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2027 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2027 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan 4th in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and counseling; 22 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.