Affordable Online Colleges In West Virginia
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 89% of West Virginia’s residents age 25 or older completed at least a high school education. However, less than 25% of West Virginia residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Employment projections by , Georgetown University show that from 2021-2031, 38% of jobs in West Virginia will require a postsecondary education.
Online colleges in West Virginia offer students and working professionals convenient, flexible courses and programs. These colleges provide learners with opportunities for personal and career advancement, and allow students with prior college coursework to transfer those credits. Online colleges in West Virginia offer affordable options for continued learning, ideal for both in-state and out-of-state students.
West Virginia’s Top Affordable Online Colleges
Concord University
- Athens, WV
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Distance learners get the same education as on-campus students at Concord University. The public school offers five online programs. The institution's online degrees rank among the nation’s best. Nontraditional learners can pursue one of many bachelor’s and graduate degrees at the school. Working students often choose online degrees for their convenience.
The benefits of online learning at the school include conveniently recorded lectures and financial aid opportunities. Online learners can transfer credits to finish degrees faster. The application process at many schools no longer requires test scores. Applicants can expect an 82% admission rate. The school holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, an independent accrediting body.
Concord University at a Glance:
- Institution Status: Public
- Number of Distance Learners: 1,298
- Number of Online Degrees: 5
- Rate of Admission: 82%
75%
$ 9,464
65%
$20,800
- Acceptance Rate
- 93%
- Students Enrolled
- 1,943
- Institution Type
- Public
Fairmont State University
- Fairmont, WV
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Fairmont State University counts itself as one of the top online colleges in the United States. The online school offers three online master's programs. A total of 2,126 remote learners attend classes through the institution.
The school enrolls about 1,540 degree-seekers from its public West Virginia campus. Remote learners across the country attend classes virtually. Several student services are available for the institution's online enrollees. The university offers academic advising, financial aid counseling, and career services for its students.
The online college's programs are available in many popular majors to appeal to different degree-seekers. The school's accredited degrees meet the requirements for diverse career paths. The institution also prioritizes affordability.
68%
$ 6,468
64%
$16,174
- Acceptance Rate
- 99%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,307
- Institution Type
- Public
Marshall University
- Huntington, WV
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Students can enroll in liberal arts and professional studies programs offered at the nonprofit school Marshall University. Online learning allows nontraditional students to conveniently earn accredited degrees.
A four-year bachelor’s degree typically requires 120 credits. A master’s program traditionally takes about two years to complete. Students complete their program using live and recorded classes. Online learners earn degrees through a mix of classroom lectures and practical experiences such as internships or practicums. Nontraditional students complete assignments within a set time frame.
Online learners can begin their education at the school with certificates or associate degrees. Distance students enjoy online support services such as tutoring and career advising. Marshall University charges affordable online tuition rates. The school admits 87% of applicants.
Marshall University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
51%
$ 7,568
72%
$18,748
- Acceptance Rate
- 96%
- Students Enrolled
- 11,958
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Charleston
- Charleston, WV
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Online learners can enroll in liberal arts and professional studies programs offered at the University of Charleston, a nonprofit school. Online learning allows working professionals to conveniently earn accredited degrees while juggling obligations.
Online students traditionally complete a 120-credit bachelor’s degree in four years. Learners can finish master’s programs in about two years. Students fulfill degree requirements using live and recorded classes. Online learners earn degrees through a mix of classroom lectures and practical experience such as internships or practicums. Enrollees complete assignments within a set time frame.
Online learners can begin their education at the school with certificates or associate degrees. The university's students benefit from online support services such as tutoring and career advising. Students pay affordable tuition for online degrees. The school admits 50% of applicants.
The school has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
81%
$21,110
69%
$21,110
- Acceptance Rate
- 65%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,758
- Institution Type
- Private
West Virginia University
- Morgantown, WV
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Ranking among the top online schools, West Virginia University features high-quality online programs. Online learners at the public institution enroll in business, healthcare, STEM, and social science programs. Students can earn a college degree 100% remotely through many programs. Remote enrollees complete course requirements from the comfort of home, rather than traveling to the Morgantown campus.
For online degrees, remote learners use a virtual classroom space to interact with each other and their teachers. Participants leave the program prepared to transition to the workforce because of the many experiential learning opportunities offered by the institution. Distance learners at the school benefit from the support of academic advising, financial aid counseling, and career counseling.
The accredited online institution's undergraduate and graduate program offerings meet the different needs of diverse students. The flexible format allows degree-seekers to complete their graduation requirements more easily.
West Virginia University Statistics:
- Total Online Students Enrolled: 9,196
- Online Bachelor's Programs: 4
- Number of Online Master's Programs: 18
- Percentage of Learners Awarded Aid: 94%
- Students Awarded Loans: 49%
54%
$ 9,648
81%
$27,360
- Acceptance Rate
- 86%
- Students Enrolled
- 24,200
- Institution Type
- Public
Why Choose West Virginia for Online Higher Education?
Online degree programs allows single parents, working professionals, and students with restricted schedules to earn their degrees at a pace that works for them. Full-time workers who want to advance their current positions can study while maintaining their professional commitments. Online options in West Virginia cater to the needs of undergraduate, graduate, and international students alike, providing them with access to programs at various educational levels.
Cost of Attending an Online College in West Virginia
The average cost of tuition and fees in West Virginia are close to the national average. However, tuition varies significantly based on academic program and school. Many schools charge the same tuition for in-state and out-of-state students, and some offer flat-rate tuition. Generally, online degree programs cost less than on-campus degree programs.
In-state tuition
$8,715 – public, four-year institution; $4,600 – public, two-year institutionOut-of-state tuition
$23,521 – public, four-year institution; $10,776 – public, two-year institutionTuition at many colleges and universities in West Virginia costs more than the national average, but exact numbers vary between public and private institutions.
Tuition for online learners in West Virginia varies significantly based on academic program and school. Many schools charge the same tuition for in-state and out-of-state students, and some offer flat-rate tuition.
West Virginia University, a public, four-year institution, offers online degrees with tuition ranging from $396-$1,095 per credit hour. Davis & Elkins offers one online program, an RN-to-BSN degree, with a flat per-credit-hour tuition rate of $400.
Considering a West Virginia School as an Out-of-State Student
Nonresident students in West Virginia may receive reduced tuition through reciprocity agreements or metro-rate reductions. Online students at West Virginia colleges and universities enjoy accredited programs recognized by institutions around the country. Online degrees in subjects such as nursing prepare students to obtain licensure, which often has requirements that vary by state. This factor can influence where a learner completes his or her degree.
Tuition Discounts
Four regional interstate compacts for higher education in the United States provide learners with opportunities for collaboration and college affordability. As part of the Southern Regional Education (SRE) Board, many West Virginia colleges and universities participate in the Academic Common Market (ACM). The ACM offers in-state tuition reciprocity for certain programs at West Virginia schools. To qualify, learners must reside in one of the 15 SRE states and enroll in an approved program. West Virginia University also maintains a reciprocity agreement with the state of Ohio for students who meet specific criteria.
State Authorizations for Online Learning
Colleges and universities in West Virginia that participate in the ACM hold accreditation through the Higher Education Policy Commission. Reciprocity agreements within the ACM fall under the regulations by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). According to NC-SARA, participating institutions must be accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. States and individual institutions choose to join NC-SARA, and participating schools do not have to accept transfer credits from other participating institutions.
Check with an admissions or financial officer. Tuition rates are ultimately program and institution-based. Ask someone from a prospective program about the rates that would apply to you specifically.
Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia’s Online Schools
When researching online colleges and universities in West Virginia, learners should take several factors into consideration, including cost, tuition, admissions requirements, and start dates. Read on for answers to common questions from prospective students.
Online tuition at colleges and universities in West Virginia compares to that at other schools around the country, but online credit costs vary by school and program. Many schools offer online programs with tuition rates comparable to on-campus and out-of-state programs. Keep in mind that private institutions typically cost more than public schools.
Online credits may cost less in West Virginia at institutions that charge flat-rate tuition. Davis & Elkins, for example, offers an online RN-to-BSN degree with a flat $400 per credit-hour tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students. The University of Charleston (UC) charges a $395 per credit hour tuition for all of its online undergraduate programs.
West Virginia Scholarships and Grants
Students in West Virginia benefit from federal, state, and institutional financial aid options. Federal loans and grants, such as the Pell Grant, provide excellent options for students seeking financial aid. Many states offer financial programs to assist first-generation students, adult learners, or underrepresented groups. Students pursuing a degree in West Virginia can apply for several grants that provide support to both residents and nonresidents.
| Scholarship | Amount | Who Can Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Higher Education Adult Part-Time Student Grant Program | Varies | The HEAPS Grant Program supports students in West Virginia as they pursue certificate, associate, and bachelor’s degrees on a part-time basis. Students must demonstrate financial need and enroll in an approved institution. |
| West Virginia Higher Education Grant | Varies | The West Virginia Higher Education Grant provides need-based assistance to West Virginia students. Students pursuing postsecondary degrees must demonstrate academic promise, maintain West Virginia residency, and not hold a previous bachelor’s degree. Students can apply funds to an approved program at an institution in West Virginia or Pennsylvania. |
| Cavalier-Nichols Grant | Varies | Open to students attending any institution in West Virginia, the Cavalier-Nichols prefers to award funds to students enrolled at West Virginia University Institute of Technology. Students with an ACT score of 25 or higher and a minimum GPA of 3.5 can apply for this renewable grant. |
| R. Ray Singleton Scholarship | Varies | West Virginia students from Kanawha, Boone, Clay, Putnam, Lincoln, or Fayette Counties can apply for the R. Ray Singleton Scholarship, which is offered through The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation. Students must demonstrate academic excellence and financial need. Applicants can enroll in undergraduate or graduate programs. |
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