In the eastern region of West Virginia, WVU Keyser, home to Potomac State College, serves as a vital educational and economic anchor for both the Potomac Highlands and the broader Appalachian region.
In FY24, the campus generated a total economic impact of $62.9 million, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for growth, workforce development, and community advancement in rural West Virginia.
Of this total, $7.1 million stemmed from direct institutional spending on payroll, operations, and campus investments, which in turn multiplied throughout the regional economy to produce an additional $55.8 million in indirect and induced impacts. This re-spending supports local businesses, suppliers, and service providers in areas such as housing, retail, healthcare, and construction.
WVU Keyser supports 566 jobs statewide, including 145 direct employees and 421 additional positions sustained through the ripple effects of university-related spending by faculty, staff, and students. The campus also contributes $4.1 million in state and local tax revenues, underscoring its importance as a fiscal and economic driver in one of West Virginia’s most rural regions.
As a hub for accessible higher education, Potomac State College provides affordable, high-quality programs that prepare students for transfer to four-year degrees or direct entry into high-demand fields such as agriculture, nursing, business, and information technology. Its strategic location—within the 10-million-person Washington–Baltimore–Arlington metropolitan region—positions Keyser as a unique bridge between rural and metropolitan economies.
By combining the personal scale of a small college with the resources of a major research university, WVU Keyser not only expands educational opportunity but also strengthens the economic and social fabric of eastern West Virginia, helping the region retain talent, attract investment, and sustain thriving communities.