VEX U is a variant of the VEX V5 Robotics Competition for college students. VEX U uses the same gameplay and scoring rules as V5RC. However, instead of building a single robot and working together with another team, VEX U teams build two or more complimentary robots, which allows VEX U robots to work together and complement each other's capabilities more closely. In addition, VEX U robots can be built using a much wider array of materials and construction techniques than in V5RC, which allows university teams to embrace advanced manufacturing and design robots with more functionality packed into a smaller volume. VEX U also puts a greater emphasis on robot sensing and autonomous operation, with the autonomous period lengthened from 15 seconds to 45 seconds, and the driver-controlled period shortened accordingly to 75 seconds.

VEX U teams use the same gameplay and scoring rules as the VEX V5 Robotics Competition. The scoring objects in VRC High Stakes are 7 inch toroidal rings. Teams earn points by scoring rings on stakes. Some stakes are stationary, while others are attached to mobile goals. At the end of the match, teams earn additional points by hanging from the ladder in the center of the field.

The WV Robotics Alliance supports VEX U teams at universities across West Virginia with training and mentorship. In addition, the WV Robotics Alliance hosts the West Virginia VEX U Qualifier, which is held in early March at the Fairmont State University Falcon Center. The WV VEX U Qualifier draws teams from across the eastern US and is consistently one of the world's largest VEX U events.