The University of Charleston has a history dating back to 1888, when it was founded as a seminary for the Methodist church. The school has been renamed and moved several times over the years, but in 1978 was given the name of the University of Charleston and advancements were made on the quality of academic opportunities and the size of the campus. According to the university website, enrollment in fall 2009 was about 1,400 students from 37 states and 22 countries.
West Virginia Junior College was founded in 1892 under the name Capitol City Commercial College, according to the college's website. This community college is an accredited, for-profit school that offers associate degrees after about two years of study and provides career training courses for fields such as medical or dental assisting.
West Virginia University, founded in 1867, is the largest school in the state, according to the school website, with enrollment of more than 29,000 students in the fall of 2010. The main campus is in Morgantown, West Virginia, but there are numerous satellite campuses, including one in Charleston. The Charleston division of the school is known for its Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, with programs to educate future doctors, nurses and pharmacists.
One of West Virginia's top colleges in both academics and athletics, Marshall University is the second largest college in the state. The main campus is in Huntington, in the western part of the state. According to the Marshall University website, the South Charleston campus boats more than 35 faculty members and is home to the university's Graduate School of Education and Professional Development, and the Graduate School of Management.