The 5 Best College/Universities/Vocational Schools Around Wheeling

The Ohio Valley is home to a strong educational community, offering diverse paths from comprehensive four-year universities to career-focused community and technical colleges. The Best of the Ohio Valley Readers' Choice 2025 recognizes these five institutions for their commitment to academic quality, workforce development, and community impact.

West Liberty University

West Liberty University (WLU) is a public university with a rich history, providing a comprehensive education from undergraduate to graduate degrees (including a Doctor of Education). WLU blends a small-town environment with a full college experience, focusing on experiential learning and personalized support. Key academic areas include a highly recognized Dental Hygiene program, the Health Sciences (Nursing, Physician Assistant Studies, and Speech Pathology), Business, and Liberal and Creative Arts, preparing graduates to be leaders in their communities.

Belmont College

Belmont College is a key institution for career and technical education in the region. They offer a wide variety of Associate Degrees and Certificates designed to equip students with practical skills for in-demand jobs or to prepare for transfer to a four-year university. Standout pathways include Industrial Trades (HVAC, Welding, Heavy Equipment Technician), Engineering Technology (Civil, Industrial Electronics), and various Healthcare programs (Nursing, Radiologic Technology), making it vital for workforce development.

West Virginia Northern Community College Wheeling Campus

West Virginia Northern Community College (WVNCC) is dedicated to providing affordable, accessible education, offering degrees designed for both immediate workforce entry and seamless transfer to four-year institutions. The Wheeling Campus provides programs leading to the Associate in Arts (A.A.) and Associate in Science (A.S.) for transfer, as well as the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) for career readiness. Career pathways include Business & IT, Healthcare, Public Safety, and Culinary & Hospitality.

Ohio University Eastern

As a regional campus of Ohio University, the Eastern campus offers the quality of a major university degree with the accessibility and affordability of a regional institution. OHIO Eastern focuses on providing an accessible education with open admissions, a regional tuition rate, and need-based scholarships. Students can begin their bachelor's degree close to home in high-demand fields such as Nursing, Teaching, Business, or Social Work, supported by a dedicated Student Services Office and extensive community engagement.

Wheeling University

Wheeling University is a private institution rooted in the Catholic traditions of educational excellence and service to others. The university integrates classical knowledge and Christian revelation to educate the whole person, preparing graduates as principled professionals and social leaders. It offers a mix of undergraduate and graduate programs (including a Master of Athletic Training and an MBA). Key majors include Nursing, Criminal Justice, Exercise Science, and Engineering Science, all with a focus on service learning.

Thanks, Gemini.