West Virginia higher education metrics rebound to pre-pandemic levels

West Virginia is reporting continued improvement across several higher education measures, with college completion, financial aid participation, and enrollment in high-demand workforce programs returning to or exceeding pre-pandemic levels. More than 61 percent of the state’s 2026 high school graduates completed the FAFSA, a 78 percentage-point increase from the prior year, while the state’s two-and-four-year public institutions collectively awarded more than 1,100 additional degrees and credentials. The state is also seeing increased participation in West Virginia Invests, its last-dollar financial aid program for eligible certificate and associate degree programs.