West Virginia Colleges & Universities: Career Education

West Virginia is the whitewater capital of the Eastern U.S., with 37 state parks and two national forests that host a variety of outdoor-oriented activities. Avid outdoors enthusiasts appreciate the mountain biking, backpacking, hiking and fishing that West Virginia offers.

Today, the state ranks second in total coal production in the U.S., providing about 15% of the national output. West Virginia is also a leader in steel, glass, aluminum, and chemical manufacturers. In addition, the state's economy relies on agricultural commodities such as poultry, eggs, dairy products, and apples.

West Virginia's largest cities are Charleston and Huntington. Both cities are home to fewer than 55,000 citizens, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's latest figures for 2000. Companies headquartered in Charleston include Appalachian Power, West Virginia-American Water Company, and United National Banks, Inc. According to the 2000 census, the median income for a household in the city was $34,009, and the median income for a family was $47,975.

Despite its lack of sprawling metropolises, West Virginia can provide the perfect location to pursue your academic goals. According to the state's labor statistics agency, the most recent monthly employment gains included 1,700 jobs in leisure and hospitality, 1,100 positions in professional and business services, 700 jobs in trade, transportation, and utilities, 200 jobs in other services, 200 financial jobs, and 100 in information management.

Sources:

• U.S. Census Bureau
• State of West Virginia
• WorkForce West Virginia
• City of Charleston
• US Bureau of Labor Statistics