In southern West Virginia, the WVU Beckley campus, home to the WVU Institute of Technology (WVU Tech), plays a vital role in advancing education, innovation, and economic vitality across the region.
In FY24, WVU Beckley generated a total annual economic impact of $94.4 million, serving as a key anchor for workforce development and community growth in the southern part of the state.
Of this total, $16.6 million came from direct institutional spending on operations, payroll, and capital investments, while an additional $77.8 million was produced through indirect and induced impacts as university-related spending circulated through local businesses, suppliers, and households. This activity supports 849 jobs statewide, including 307 on-campus positions and 542 additional jobs in surrounding industries such as retail, housing, healthcare, and professional services.
The campus also generated $6.1 million in state and local tax revenues, reflecting a strong return on public investment through its economic and social contributions. Beyond the numbers, WVU Beckley serves as a regional hub for applied learning and workforce readiness, offering degree programs that align with employer demand in engineering, nursing, business, and technology.
WVU Tech’s presence in Beckley has strengthened the region’s ability to retain young talent, attract new residents, and diversify the local economy. By promoting partnerships with area employers, schools, and civic leaders, the campus continues to drive innovation and opportunity, helping southern West Virginia build a more sustainable and resilient economic future.