Potomac State College of West Virginia University

Keyser, West Virginia, United States · Est. 1901 · Public University

A public regional college offering flexible 2- and 4-year pathways in the Potomac Highlands of West Virginia.

  • Founded 1901 as Keyser Preparatory Branch of West Virginia University
  • Public college, part of WVU system, located in Keyser, WV (~90 miles east of Morgantown)
  • Enrollment: 1,193 students (fall 2020); average class size 17
  • Offers 62 degrees: associate, bachelor of applied science, and regents bachelor's degrees
  • 10 varsity NJCAA teams; baseball won 1995 JUCO World Series; esports program since 2019
  • Three farms totaling 800+ acres supporting regional agricultural program

Academics

Potomac State College offers 62 degrees across associate of arts, associate of applied science, and bachelor of applied science programs, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission as part of WVU. The college began offering WVU's Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2018, with the first cohort graduating in spring 2021. Notable programs include Criminal Justice, Business Management, Computer Information Systems, Sustainable Agriculture Entrepreneurship (SAGE), and Regents Bachelor of Arts. All classes are taught by faculty with an average class size of 17.

Campus & Student Life

The 915-acre campus in Keyser includes two residence halls (Friend Hall and Memorial Hall), a conference center, performing arts center (Church-McKee Arts Center), recreation center, gymnasium, and athletic fields. The college operates three farms (Gustafson, Malone, and Dermer) totaling over 800 acres for agricultural education and livestock operations. Students enjoy outdoor recreation opportunities including hiking, kayaking, whitewater rafting, fishing, and skiing in the Potomac Highlands. The Office of Student Experience provides clubs, events, and educational activities outside the classroom.

Athletics

Potomac State competes in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) with 10 varsity teams: baseball, softball, men's and women's basketball, esports, men's and women's soccer, women's volleyball, and men's and women's cross country. The baseball team competes at NJCAA Division I level and won the national championship at the 1995 JUCO World Series. Men's basketball reached No. 1 national ranking in 2018–2019. The mascot is the Catamount, named for mountain lions that once roamed the region.

Admissions & Affordability

The college is known for flexible, affordable pathways to degrees, with tuition costs ranking among the lowest in the country for a four-year institution. The college serves residential and commuter students and offers online programs. Academic support services include tutoring, note-taking strategies, testing assistance, and time management counseling through the Academic Success Center.

Founded
1901
Type
Public University
Courses
11
Total intake
Not yet verified
AffiliationWest Virginia University system
Websitehttp://www.potomacstatecollege.edu
HousingNot available
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
11
Avg career outcomes
$55.9K
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
No
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources