WVU reports 10-year high in applications as graduation, retention rates climb

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University is seeing its most substantial application numbers in a decade, alongside steady gains in student retention and graduation rates, signaling momentum as the flagship institution prepares for commencement and the next incoming class of Mountaineers.

WVU President Michael T. Benson shared the update Friday, Dec. 19, during a meeting of the university’s Board of Governors, one day before thousands of graduates were set to participate in commencement ceremonies at the WVU Coliseum in Morgantown.

“We’ve reached a 10-year high in applications for the next class of Mountaineers,” Benson told board members. “But it’s not enough to simply get students here. We must make the necessary investments to support our students on their pathways to graduation. All of us play a role in this.”

University officials reported that WVU’s four-year graduation rate has increased by 7.8% over the past five years, reflecting sustained progress in student success initiatives.

Retention has also continued to improve. Earlier this fall, WVU announced a record first-to-second-year retention rate of 85.1% on the Morgantown campus. Among first-generation college students, retention now stands at 78.6%, up 2% from last year and nearly 9% over the past five years.

“These numbers reflect a long-term commitment to helping students persist and complete their degrees,” Benson said, noting that improved advising, academic support, and targeted outreach have contributed to the gains.

To spotlight the incoming class, Benson recently made a surprise visit to the Nicholas County home of Evan Prendergast, a newly admitted accounting major in the WVU John Chambers College of Business and Economics. The visit, featured in a university video, was intended to highlight the personal impact of the institution’s recruitment and enrollment efforts.

“As we prepare to welcome 2026, I am thankful for your partnership as we work together to ensure WVU is positioned to educate our students and serve this state—now and far into the future,” Benson told the board.

Fabrizio D’Aloisio, vice president for Enrollment Management, reported that application growth reflects expanded recruitment strategies, including increased campus tours, on-campus events, and more targeted marketing to prospective students and families.

In addition to enrollment gains, the Board of Governors approved several academic and operational measures designed to strengthen the university’s offerings.

Among the most notable was the creation of a new Bachelor of Music in Commercial Music and Technology within the WVU College of Creative Arts and Media. The degree program, which will begin in the fall 2026 semester, is designed to prepare students for careers in the rapidly evolving commercial music industry.

University officials said the program will emphasize hands-on learning and high-impact research, including exploration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and their role in music production, performance, and distribution.

Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Paul Kreider said the new degree reflects WVU’s broader effort to align academic programs with changing workforce needs.

“We have so much to be proud of when it comes to the people of WVU and the work we do to improve the lives of others,” Kreider said. “The future for all of WVU is bright — and we continue to find ways to improve upon and support our campuses and academic units.”

The board also approved WVU’s comprehensive Personal Rapid Transit Agency Safety Plan, a required measure governing the operation of the university’s PRT system, which serves as a primary transportation link across the Morgantown campus.

University leaders said the combination of rising applications, improved student outcomes, and new academic offerings positions WVU for continued growth as it works to serve students and the state of West Virginia in the years ahead.

About West Virginia University

West Virginia University is a public, land-grant research university located in Morgantown, West Virginia. Founded in 1867, the institution is the state’s flagship university and operates a multi-campus system comprising the Morgantown, Beckley, and Keyser campuses.

It's classified as an R1 institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, reflecting very high research activity. It plays a central role in education, research, and public service across the Mountain State.

The university offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through numerous colleges and schools, including medicine, law, engineering, business, education, agriculture, creative arts, and the sciences.

WVU is home to the state’s largest medical school and health sciences center and conducts research in areas such as energy, health care, neuroscience, biometrics, agriculture, and advanced materials. Its faculty and students contribute to applied research that supports economic development, workforce training, and innovation in West Virginia and beyond.

WVU is also known for its strong traditions, NCAA Division I athletics, and statewide outreach. The university’s alumni network includes graduates working in government, industry, education, and the arts throughout the United States and internationally.

Through extension services, clinical programs, cultural initiatives, and community partnerships, West Virginia University continues to fulfill its mission to improve the quality of life and expand opportunities across the state while maintaining a national and global academic presence.