All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Wesleyan ranks in top tier of U.S. colleges in overall and best value categories

BUCKHANNON, W.Va. – U.S. News & World Report announced its ‘2021 Best Colleges’ recently, ranking West Virginia Wesleyan College as one of its top regional universities in the South.

According to global publication’s rankings, the college was ranked Top 20 Best Value – Regional Universities (South) and in the overall Top 75 Regional Universities (South). The Best Value ranking was the highest ranking given to any institution of higher education in the state of West Virginia.

“Today’s ranking by U.S. News and World Report confirms West Virginia Wesleyan’s tradition of excellence,” said Joel Thierstein, President of the college. “We continue to pursue innovative ways to ensure affordability and accessibility for every student who wants to continue their education at the highest level.”

“These rankings also reflect the positive impact our alumni and friends continue to make through their generous giving to the college,” Thierstein added.

In determining ‘Best Value Schools,’ U.S. News & World Report considered academic quality and cost after accounting for total expenses and financial aid. More than 75 percent of WVWC students receive financial aid in the form of scholarships, with an average discount of 56 percent of the total cost of attendance. WVWC awards academic scholarships up to $17,000, which can be combined with co-curricular scholarships (athletics, creative arts, community service), the West Virginia PROMISE Scholarship, and all outside scholarships obtained by incoming students.

The U.S. News & World Report rankings follow the college’s listing in the ‘Best in the Southeast’ section of The Princeton Review’s “2021 Best Colleges: Region by Region” publication in August.

For more information on WVWC academic programs, services and financial aid, please visit wvwc.edu.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

A look inside Leadership Upshur: Industry and workforce session

My Buckhannon freelance writer Lily Hicks writes about her experience at the January session of Leadership Upshur, which included tours of WV Splitrail, Weyerhaeuser and Corhart.

Upshur County Commission Agenda: January 15, 2026

The Upshur County Commission will meet January 15, 2026; this notice outlines the meeting agenda and items to be considered.

Buckhannon City Council Agenda: January 15, 2026

The Buckhannon City Council will hold a meeting on January 15, 2026, with an agenda outlining items for discussion and action.

Now Hiring: Upshur County Sheriff’s Office accepting applications for deputy sheriff

Competitive salary, strong benefits: The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for Deputy Sheriff positions through Friday, January 30, 2026.

Lady Bucs drop home contest to Hurricane, 45-36

“We came out flat and tired, and I think some frustration occurred during the game,” stated Buckhannon-Upshur head coach Alicia Lentz. “Sometimes we have these amazing spurts, but we have to put together 32 minutes.”

Basketball Bucs (7-2) ranked ninth in this week’s WVSACA poll

Buckhannon-Upshur moved up to ninth in the WVSACA Week 5 poll after a 2-1 week, improving to 7-2 as senior Jerin Westfall led the team with big scoring and rebounding performances.

A story of compassion, community and care: St. Joseph’s Hospital Infusion Center patient finds family, support and hope

Roger Leary’s journey from hardship to healing illustrates how compassion and community can transform healthcare into something far greater than medicine alone.

City of Buckhannon calendar for the week of January 12, 2026

Buckhannon’s city calendar for the week of Jan. 13 includes Thursday’s Sanitary Board meeting and City Council meeting, with virtual options.

Upshur County receives $150,000 in grants to develop business-ready sites

The Upshur County Development Authority received two $75,000 grants for the Brushy Fork and Martin Weatherford sites as part of a $2.1 million statewide investment.