Affordable Online Colleges In West Virginia

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Updated September 21, 2023

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Get started with your search for top-ranked schools in West Virginia. Discover which colleges offer programs that fit your needs.

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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 85% of West Virginia's residents age 25 or older completed at least a high school education. However, less than 20% of West Virginia residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. By 2020, 55% of jobs in West Virginia are projected to require a postsecondary education. For that reason, West Virginia residents should pursue higher education degrees to meet the state's future employment needs.

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 create affordable options for continued learning, which is ideal for both in-state and out-of-state students.

The most affordable online colleges in West Virginia offer convenient, quality courses and degrees to learners in undergraduate and graduate programs. Minimum inclusion requirements for four-year institutions mandate annual tuition under $25,000; for two-year schools, tuition must fall below $5,000 annually. Schools must offer learners at least three associate programs and three master's or bachelor's degrees online, as well. High-ranking institutions on our list offer strong faculty-to-student ratios, high graduation rates, solid career services, and an array of financial aid options.


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Featured Online Programs

Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.

West Virginia's Top Affordable Online Colleges

#1 Affordable Online Colleges In West Virginia

University of Charleston

  • Charleston, WV
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

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.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$22,189
Out-of-state
$22,189
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$16,584
Out-of-state
$16,584
Retention Rate
65%
Acceptance Rate
50%
Students Enrolled
2,718
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
75% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#2 Affordable Online Colleges In West Virginia

West Virginia University

  • Morgantown, WV
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

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%

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,976
Out-of-state
$25,320
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,134
Out-of-state
$26,154
Retention Rate
79%
Acceptance Rate
84%
Students Enrolled
26,839
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
34% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#3 Affordable Online Colleges In West Virginia

Marshall University

  • Huntington, WV
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

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. Prospective students can expect an average total aid package of $10,313 per enrollee. The school admits 87% of applicants.

Marshall University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,190
Out-of-state
$18,044
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,506
Out-of-state
$19,840
Retention Rate
73%
Acceptance Rate
87%
Students Enrolled
12,852
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
37% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 Affordable Online Colleges In West Virginia

Concord University

  • Athens, WV
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

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

Tuition Rates for Undergrad: $8,050 in-state; $17,702 out-of-state

Rate of Admission: 82%

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,050
Out-of-state
$17,702
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,658
Out-of-state
$8,658
Retention Rate
59%
Acceptance Rate
82%
Students Enrolled
1,886
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
69% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 Affordable Online Colleges In West Virginia

Fairmont State University

  • Fairmont, WV
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

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.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,888
Out-of-state
$14,752
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,072
Out-of-state
$17,038
Retention Rate
62%
Acceptance Rate
85%
Students Enrolled
3,803
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
56% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

Why Choose West Virginia for Online Higher Education?

Colleges and universities in West Virginia offer almost 50 academic programs completely online. This 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.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

Cost of Attending an Online College in West Virginia

In-state students in West Virginia pay lower tuition than their out-of-state counterparts. To qualify for in-state status, learners must have at least one parent living in West Virginia for at least one year before entering an academic program. Independent students must reside in West Virginia for one year before they can begin their studies. Online students pay in-state or out-of-state tuition based on their state of residency, but some learners residing in neighboring states may qualify for reduced tuition through reciprocity agreements. Students can also appeal to change their residency status if their primary purpose for living in West Virginia is not to attend college or university.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

Tuition 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, the requirements for which often vary between states. 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 hold accreditation through 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 what rates 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.

Do Online Credits Cost More or Less in West Virginia?

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.

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 $380 per credit hour tuition for all of its online undergraduate programs. UC's graduate programs charge a flat-rate tuition of $425, and its master's and doctoral programs charge a flat-rate $700 tuition. In contrast, an on-campus master's of business administration from UC costs students $25,000, which works out to over $780 per credit hour.

Which West Virginia Schools Accept the Most Transfer Credits?

Colleges and universities in West Virginia maintain several transfer and articulation agreements. Four-year schools like West Virginia University and West Virginia University Institute of Technology hold agreements with two-year schools, which apply to students who want to transfer to a bachelor's program after completing the initial credit hour requirements. This allows associate graduates to transfer 60 credit hours toward a bachelor's degree in their discipline. As more schools enter into transfer and articulation agreements, students may benefit from easier access to bachelor's degree options.

Most colleges and universities cap transfer credit hours at 60. Schools in West Virginia have agreed to transfer general education coursework, though each individual school must assess courses and syllabi. If your school declines your request to transfer prior credits, you can appeal the decision to the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, if necessary.

Transfer students can assess their eligibility for transfer equivalencies using tools like WVU's transfer equivalency self-service. Fairmont State offers an extensive list of courses and course titles that may transfer between schools in the state.

Will Any Online Colleges in West Virginia Accept a GED?

Colleges and universities in West Virginia, including West Liberty University and West Virginia State, accept GEDs with the appropriate documentation. Applicants with their GED must still complete an ACT or SAT.

Students who earn their GED in the state of West Virginia can take the Test Assessing Secondary Completion, or TASC, to demonstrate high school-level educational competencies. The TASC credential is accepted by 97% of colleges and universities in the country. Students who take the TASC should submit scores to their potential institutions. Many schools impose TASC score requirements — WVU, for example, requires students to score at least 2250 (450) for admission. Students who score below such requirements may still obtain conditional or provisional admission.

Two-year schools in West Virginia also accept GED and TASC credentials. Students should request to send official scores to potential schools.

How Many Academic Terms per Year Do Online Colleges in West Virginia Offer

Online programs at WVU and many other public institutions in West Virginia offer online programs that coincide with on-campus semesters and academic years. With classes that correspond to on-campus schedules, full-time students complete their degrees along traditional two- and four-year timelines. WVU also offers three-week online classes over a winter intersession, providing learners with accelerated coursework for quicker degree completion. Students can only take three credit hours during a winter intersession.

Schools like American Public University offer certain courses multiple times during each academic year, with classes lasting either eight or 16 weeks. This increased number of course offerings creates a higher level flexibility for students.

West Virginia also offers online classes through WVROCKS, an online service that provides eight-week, asynchronous coursework to learners. Classes through WVROCKS count toward programs at participating institutions, particularly Board of Governors and Regents of Arts degrees.

Which Online Colleges Will Accept FAFSA in West Virginia?

All online colleges and universities in West Virginia accept the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and encourage applicants to submit the form when they submit their college applications. Some U.S. schools, called “no loan” schools, choose not to use the FAFSA, but the vast majority of students in West Virginia benefit from the grant, loan, and scholarship opportunities afforded by the FAFSA.

FAFSA aid may apply differently to online programs in West Virginia, depending on accreditation status. If your school or program does not hold the proper accreditation, your financial aid may not apply. Make sure to check your prospective school's accreditation status.

In addition to the FAFSA, students may apply for the College Scholarship Service (CSS). The CSS collects information from over 400 institutions about scholarships and nonfinancial aid. Learners can check the CSS website for eligible schools and programs in anticipation of applying for fee waivers and scholarships.

Are There Any Free Online Classes I Can Take From West Virginia Colleges?

West Virginia University offers free online classes through Class Central. Class Central includes access to Coursera classes including data science, account management, and sales force management. Courses last 4-5 weeks, but do not count toward a degree.

Additional free online classes through the West Virginia Department of Education allow high school students to complete coursework through the Virtual School. The Virtual School gives high school learners opportunities to complete coursework not offered at their high schools.

How Can I Find the Online Program Options at West Virginia's Colleges?

West Virginia offers online classes through WVROCKS, a program that facilitates the completion of Board of Governors and Regent of Arts degrees. WVROCKS provides asynchronous coursework in a collaboration with West Virginia universities and colleges and the Higher Education Policy Commission. As part of the West Virginia Network, or WVNET, WVROCKS opens educational opportunities to distance learners. Students can complete one course at a time, or take multiple classes, most of which are available entirely online. Limited face-to-face or interactive activities may be required.

When looking for other online degree options, you can visit individual schools' websites to see what they offer for distance learners. Each individual programs may offer some online coursework, or fully online degrees.

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.

West Virginia Scholarships and Grants
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

$1,000 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.

Advanced Technical Solutions Grant

$2,500 The Advanced Technical Solutions Grant, provided through The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation, offers financial assistance to students pursuing information technology degrees. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above. Students studying computer science, information systems, networking, or programming may receive preference.

R. Ray Singleton Scholarship

$2,000 for 3 recipients 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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