SAT Scores for West Virginia Colleges, School by School (2026-27)

For 2026-27 applicants, WVU's own Common Data Set states SAT/ACT scores are not required for admission (considered only if submitted), while Marshall's Common Data Set for Fall 2027 applicants marks SAT or ACT as required to be considered for admission. Published score ranges describe a cohort; they are not admission cutoffs.

The table covers 8 colleges West Virginia families apply to most, from the most selective to the large public universities. Read each cohort note before comparing numbers. The bottom rows show the score-based money West Virginia families can earn: West Virginia PROMISE Scholarship and WVU Climb Higher Scholarship (Level 1).

West Virginia college score profiles and cohort notes

Cohort notes: WVU: WVU's own Common Data Set marks SAT/ACT as not required for admission but considered if submitted, while still setting an August 1 deadline for merit-scholarship consideration. Marshall: Marshall's Common Data Set for Fall 2027 applicants lists SAT or ACT as required to be considered for admission, the opposite of WVU's test-optional policy. WVSU: WVSU's Fact Book reports average first-time-freshman ACT and SAT scores sourced from WVHEPC submission files, and both averages fell every year from 2020 (ACT 20 / SAT 979) to 2024 (ACT 17.2 / SAT 928). Fairmont State: Fairmont State's official Fast Facts page reports only an average ACT composite (20) for the Fall 2025 first-time class; no SAT figure is published there. D&E: D&E's own scholarships page treats ACT/SAT as supplementary for its out-of-state merit award rather than publishing an admitted-class score range; no Common Data Set was found on the college's site at the URLs checked. Shepherd: Shepherd's official Quick Facts page did not include an SAT/ACT figure among the data points checked, and no current Common Data Set was located on the college's site. Bluefield State: Bluefield State's most recently located Common Data Set (2017-18) left its SAT/ACT composite-score fields blank, but it did report 441 of 490 first-time freshman applicants admitted that fall. These are not interchangeable measures.

School by school

West Virginia University: 1010 to 1210

WVU reports a 1010 to 1210 middle 50% SAT (enrolled, fall 2024 (CDS 2024-25)). It admitted 77.3% of 20,150 applicants (fall 2024). The matching ACT range is 20-26. Testing for fall 2027: Optional for Fall 2026 applicants, not required for admission, considered if submitted (CDS 2024-25, item C8A). WVU's own Common Data Set marks SAT/ACT as not required for admission but considered if submitted, while still setting an August 1 deadline for merit-scholarship consideration.

Marshall University: 940 to 1140

Marshall reports a 940 to 1140 middle 50% SAT (enrolled, fall 2025 (CDS 2025-26)). It admitted 96.6% of 6,827 applicants (fall 2025). The matching ACT range is 19-25. Testing for fall 2027: Required to be considered for admission, Fall 2027 applicants (CDS 2025-26, item C8A). Marshall's Common Data Set for Fall 2027 applicants lists SAT or ACT as required to be considered for admission, the opposite of WVU's test-optional policy.

West Virginia State University: 928 (average, not a 25th/75th-percentile range)

WVSU does not publish a composite SAT range for its latest class. It admitted not published of not published applicants (latest cycle). The matching ACT range is 17.2 (average, fall 2024). WVSU's Fact Book reports average first-time-freshman ACT and SAT scores sourced from WVHEPC submission files, and both averages fell every year from 2020 (ACT 20 / SAT 979) to 2024 (ACT 17.2 / SAT 928).

Fairmont State University: not published

Fairmont State does not publish a composite SAT range for its latest class. It admitted not published of not published applicants (latest cycle). The matching ACT range is 20 (average, fall 2025). Fairmont State's official Fast Facts page reports only an average ACT composite (20) for the Fall 2025 first-time class; no SAT figure is published there.

Davis & Elkins College: not published

D&E does not publish a composite SAT range for its latest class. It admitted not published of not published applicants (latest cycle). D&E's own scholarships page treats ACT/SAT as supplementary for its out-of-state merit award rather than publishing an admitted-class score range; no Common Data Set was found on the college's site at the URLs checked.

Shepherd University: not published

Shepherd does not publish a composite SAT range for its latest class. It admitted not published of not published applicants (latest cycle). Shepherd's official Quick Facts page did not include an SAT/ACT figure among the data points checked, and no current Common Data Set was located on the college's site.

Concord University: 890 to 1070

Concord reports a 890 to 1070 middle 50% SAT (enrolled, fall 2024 (CDS 2024-25)). It admitted not published of not published applicants (latest cycle). The matching ACT range is 17-24.

Bluefield State University: not published (blank in the CDS filing located)

Bluefield State does not publish a composite SAT range for its latest class. It admitted 90.0% of 490 applicants (fall 2017 (most recent Common Data Set found; may be outdated)). Bluefield State's most recently located Common Data Set (2017-18) left its SAT/ACT composite-score fields blank, but it did report 441 of 490 first-time freshman applicants admitted that fall.

Where West Virginia's scholarship scores sit

Yes, the state-funded PROMISE Scholarship pays full-time West Virginia residents up to $5,500 a year toward tuition at an ACT composite of 21 (or SAT total of 1080) and a 3.0 GPA; WVU layers its own non-competitive Climb Higher merit grid on top for stronger scores.

West Virginia PROMISE Scholarship: 1080 SAT. Up to $5,500/year toward tuition and fees, renewable if standards are maintained; requires ACT 21 composite (min. 19 in English/math/science/reading) OR SAT 1080 combined (min. 510 math, 510 evidence-based reading & writing), plus 3.0 GPA overall and in core classes.

WVU Climb Higher Scholarship (Level 1): 1360 SAT. $6,000/year in-state or $18,000/year out-of-state, automatic and non-competitive, when GPA is 3.8+ AND ACT ≥30 or SAT ≥1360; lower GPA-only tiers pay $2,500-$4,500/year in-state ($10,000-$16,000 out-of-state) with no test-score requirement.

Row 2 (Climb Higher) is WVU's own automatic merit grid, separate from PROMISE; WVU uses the weighted GPA on the transcript, rounded to the second decimal point. PROMISE applications are due March 1; WVU's merit scholarship deadline is August 1, and updated GPA or test scores can be submitted up to that date.

The misconception: test optional means the SAT does not matter in West Virginia

WVU is test optional for fall 2027, so many families assume the score is irrelevant. The ranges above come from the students who chose to send one, and they sit well above the overall class. Marshall still require a score. And West Virginia PROMISE Scholarship and WVU Climb Higher Scholarship (Level 1) are awarded on the SAT or ACT whatever the admissions policy.

Quick answers

What ACT or SAT score do you need for the West Virginia PROMISE Scholarship?

For the current (2026-27) cycle, PROMISE requires an ACT composite of 21 with no section below 19 in English, math, science, and reading, or a combined SAT of 1080 with at least 510 each in math and evidence-based reading and writing, plus a 3.0 GPA overall and in core classes. The award is currently up to $5,500 a year. Scores must be posted by the June 2026 SAT or July 2026 ACT, with applications due March 1.

Does West Virginia University require the SAT or ACT for admission?

No. WVU's own Common Data Set states SAT/ACT scores are 'not required for admission, but considered if submitted' for Fall 2026 applicants. Scores are still used for merit-scholarship qualification and course placement, with an August 1 deadline for merit consideration.

Does West Virginia give a free SAT or ACT during the school day?

Yes, in some form. The WV Department of Education's statewide assessment program page lists 'SAT School Day in high school,' meaning the state currently provides the SAT at no cost during the school day. West Virginia required statewide ACT testing for years before this; the exact grade level now tested is not stated on the page reviewed, so confirm with your child's school.

What SAT range got students into West Virginia University or Marshall University recently?

WVU's enrolled fall 2024 class had a middle-50% SAT of 1010-1210 (ACT 20-26). Marshall's enrolled fall 2025 class had a middle-50% SAT of 940-1140 (ACT 19-25).

Does the PROMISE Scholarship renew every year, and does it convert ACT scores to SAT or vice versa?

PROMISE sets independent ACT and SAT thresholds (21 composite or 1080 combined) rather than converting one score to the other, and no official ACT-to-SAT concordance table for PROMISE was found in the sources reviewed.

Are these ranges cutoffs?

No. A middle 50% describes the central half of the reported group, not an admission cutoff. Some rows describe enrolled students or score submitters only, as labeled. A position within a range does not guarantee admission or merit aid.

More for West Virginia families

• SAT prep in West Virginia
• West Virginia SAT test dates for 2026-27
• West Virginia scholarship score requirements
• Find your teen's target score

Sources

University and state sources: WVU, Marshall, WVSU, Fairmont State, D&E, Shepherd, Concord, Bluefield State, West Virginia PROMISE Scholarship, WVU Climb Higher Scholarship (Level 1). Reviewed October 9, 2026. Cohorts and entry terms differ; confirm current requirements with each admissions office.