West Virginia is home to approximately 20 different colleges and universities. It has numerous distance education initiatives, resulting in high enrollment rates in online classes. With approximately 40% of learners enrolled in exclusively distance learning education programs, West Virginia is one of the few states with more learners in online courses than in on-campus classes.
Many online colleges in West Virginia are members of the West Virginia Remote Online Collaborative Knowledge System. Developed four years ago, this initiative helps learners earn a Regents Bachelor of Arts, granting 5,000 credit hours to online learners. It currently offers more than 40 courses with compacted time frames, work experience course credits, and evening or weekend classes.
West Virginia’s Virtual Learning Network connects all distance learning colleges and universities in West Virginia. The education department’s Virtual Schools Programs advocate online learning throughout the state’s public schools. As a result of these programs, several online schools in West Virginia provide robust online learning programs.
Distance learning is suitable for students who are juggling studies with family, job, and other personal obligations. The asynchronous learning format that several online classes utilize allows students to remain employed while obtaining a degree. West Virginia colleges and universities also provide some of the most affordable tuition rates in the U.S.
All of West Virginia’s public four-year academic institutions offer a Regents Bachelor of Arts (RBA). It is specially designed for adults who had put off their post-secondary education for four or more years. Similar to a traditional baccalaureate degree, an RBA requires 120-credit hours to complete. Students don’t need to major in anything. They will be given credit for prior learning, and must take at least 24-credit hours as a resident at a state college. They must also complete 12 on-campus credit hours in a degree-granting college. Other classes are offered online.
West Virginia’s community and technical colleges also offer the Board of Governors Associate in Applied Science. Adults are eligible for a BOG AAS two years after finishing high school.
METHODOLOGY
What factors need to be considered when choosing the best online colleges and universities in West Virginia? We help prospective students in the state make the best decision toward earning their degree. We listed the 5 Top Online Schools in West Virginia that present these features:
- Rigorous coursework that students can accomplish without having to attend on-campus courses,
- Industry experts as teachers to ensure top-quality college instruction,
- A virtual learning platform that offers students easy access to their coursework and discussions,
- Accreditation from academic organizations and industry watchers that uphold educational excellence.
Our Methodology Page provides in-depth information about our ranking process.
West Virginia University
West Virginia University is a public, land-grant research university established in 1867. Currently, the university enrolls more than 28,000 students and offers more than 190 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The university offers 30 degrees, 13 certificates, 23 minor programs, and over 600 courses online. Distance learners enrolled in the Regents Bachelor of Arts degree program receive credits for professional or life experience, military work, and College Equivalent Credits for academic credentials obtained at other schools. Online students have access to several student services, including academic advisors, library resources, specialized faculty mentoring, enrollment counseling, online library, and career services.
Requirements and program length vary per degree program. The majority of WVU’s bachelor’s degree programs require 120-credit hours for completion. One of the unique programs offered is the Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Studies with a curriculum that adheres to the standards set by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Distance learners learn best practices and expertise for early childhood and emphasized advocacy and leadership in the arena of early childhood education. Students must complete 120 credits to graduate. Their courses include mandatory core courses including Special Education in Contemporary Society; Literacy and the Young Child; Differentiated Instruction for Young Children; Early Childhood Education; and Technology for Young Children with/without Special Needs among many other featured courses.
Graduate students can choose from WVU’s wide variety of offerings in different areas of study, including music, nursing, law, sports, management, communications, and social science, among others. The Master of Science in Safety Management offered by the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering is suitable for those pursuing careers in occupational health and safety. The program receives accreditation from the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology. Core courses include Economic Aspects of Safety, Safety Management Integration, Instrumentation for Safety Managers, Safety Legislation and Compliance, and Controlling Environmental and Personnel Hazards, to name a few. Students must complete 36 credits.
Location: Morgantown, West Virginia
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application
- Official Transcript of Records from colleges or universities previously attended
- Official High School Transcripts
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
Marshall University
Marshall University is a public, co-educational research academic institution established in 1837. Named after the United State’s influential fourth supreme court justice, John Marshall, it is known for its excellent reputation in academics and athletics. The university enrolls approximately 13,700 students and offers several undergraduate and graduate degree programs as well as a wide range of online certificates, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in several areas of study. Online students can access student support services, including tech support, academic advising, library resources, career services, and other learning resources.
Similar to other academic institutions in West Virginia, Marshall offers a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Geography that helps students earn a well-rounded education that enhances understanding the physical environment, international cultures, latest geospatial technology as well as improving written and non-written communication skills. The Bachelor of Arts degree emphasizes human geography, including economic geography, foreign language, and culture, while the Bachelor of Science degree focused on physical geographies such as Geographic Information Systems, environment, and climate. Students enroll in courses in Global Environment Issues, Geographic Information Systems, Human Geography, World Regions, and Meteorology, among many other courses.
Students pursuing graduate studies at Marshall can choose from several areas of study that fit their needs and aspirations. One of the popular programs includes a Master of Business Administration that helps prepare students for career achievement and advancement. In addition, it develops the student’s management, problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking capabilities. The rigorous MBA program requires 36 credits to complete. Students who do not have a business-related undergraduate degree may be required to take additional foundation courses. This 36-credit hour business degree program has core courses needed including Financial Management, Principles of Marketing, Accounting Principles, Advanced Marketing Management, and Quantitative Methods for Business, among others.
Location: Huntington, West Virginia
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application
- Official Transcript of Records from colleges or universities attended
- Official High School Transcripts
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
University of Charleston
The University of Charleston is one of the best online schools in West Virginia, popular for its large-small class size, averaging a class ratio of 14:1. It is a nationally recognized private, not-for-profit university established in 1888 as Barboursville Seminary of the Southern Methodist Church. The university provides more than 30 undergraduate and graduate programs through different major departments. Online learning programs are delivered either entirely online or through a hybrid format and include two associate, six bachelor’s, three master’s and one doctorate programs. All UC classes are delivered entirely online. Students complete online assignments and relevant content through eLearn, the online learning management system utilized by UC. Distance learners have access to the university’s academic advisors who assist students in navigating the program, selecting classes and achieving success in the digital learning program.
One of the popular programs is the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) that is recognized by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and the West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses. The BSN Program does not only deliver exceptional education but also provides opportunities and support for skill development. The program features extensive clinical rotation experiences at women and children’s hospitals, trauma centers, and other healthcare facilities. This 121-credit hour nursing program has core courses including Medical-Surgical Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Obstetric Nursing, and NCLEX-RN. Also, a nursing practicum requirement must be completed before graduating.
For students who want to pursue doctorate studies with UC, they can choose the only offering by the university, the Doctor of Executive Leadership, which is a suitable program for students seeking to advance their careers by maximizing their executive presence to communities, institutions, and organizations. Students must have 58 credits for program completion. They enroll in leadership core courses including Collaborative Leadership, Leadership Theories and Perspectives, Executive Decision-Making, Leadership in Context, and Conceptual Frameworks in Leadership, among other featured courses.
Location: Charleston, West Virginia
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application
- Official Transcript of Records from colleges or universities attended
- Official High School Transcripts
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
Wheeling Jesuit University
Wheeling Jesuit University is a private, co-educational Roman Catholic academic institution established in 1954. Also, it is a part of the 450-year Jesuit tradition of service, academic triumph and excellence. The university is a member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, enrolling about 1,500 students. Famous for providing cutting-edge and top-quality research opportunities, students come from different parts of the United States to participate in WJU’s rigorous academic programs. WJU delivers several fully online and hybrid online degree programs as well as some online courses. Online students can enjoy a wide range of student support services such as an online library, career advising, technical support, counseling, and campus ministry.
Similar to other West Virginia universities, WJU has its completely online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN/MSN) program which is specially designed for adult learners and working registered nurses. The nursing program has two tracks – the RN-BSN Track which is ideal for students who are already Registered Nurses (RN) and want to earn their BSN, while the RN-MSN Track requires students to take four MSN courses enabling them to earn their BSN degree and take that step toward acquiring an MSN degree. Students enroll in core required courses such as Chemistry for Nursing, Epidemiology for Nursing, Clinical Nutrition, Physiology for Nursing, and Psychopathology, among others.
Students pursuing a master’s with WJU can enroll in the Master of Arts in Education Leadership that enables students to earn this degree in as quick as one year, entirely online. This 33-credit hour program is offered in two tracks namely Instructional Leadership and School and System Leadership. The Instructional Track is ideal for educators who pursue master’s degrees and want to enhance their leadership capabilities. Students on this track enroll in courses in Communication & Negotiation, Differentiating Instruction, Global Teaching & Learning, Psychology of Student Engagement, and Data-Driven Decision Making, to name a few. On the other hand, the School and System Leadership track enables learners to obtain their principal, supervisor, and superintendent of an instruction certificate program. They enroll in core mandatory required classes such as School Resource Management, Transformational Leadership, Systems Thinking for Education Leaders, Professional Development Design, and Field-Based Action Research, among others.
Location: Wheeling, West Virginia
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application
- Official Transcript of Records from colleges or universities attended
- Official High School Transcripts
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
Concord University
Concord University is a four-year public academic institution offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs with an emphasis on liberal arts. In 2007, Erma Byrd Higher Education Center (EBHEC) was founded under the collaboration of Bluefield State College, Concord University, and Marshall University. The center is a starting point that enables students to enroll in different classes from different institutions in one place. Also, distance learners can use the library, learning center and computers at the center. The EBHEC is recognized as one of the leading distance education colleges in West Virginia. The university utilizes Blackboard CE 8 Learning System as its primary platform for hosting online courses. Blackboard is a learning management tool used to create asynchronous course materials for online delivery.
Concord’s Master of Social Work prepares students on how to engage and evaluate communities, families, and individuals in a rural setting through the principles of social policies, fostering change, and support options. Students must have 60 credits to earn this program successfully. They enroll in mandatory core courses in Foundations of Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Advanced Policy in Rural Practice, Foundations of Generalist Practice, Special Topics, and Foundations of Policy, to name a few. Applicants to the online MSW program who do not have an accredited bachelor’s degree in social work must enroll in a standard foundation set of coursework.
Location: Athens, West Virginia
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application
- Official Transcript of Records from colleges or universities attended
- Official High School Transcripts
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
Cheap online colleges in West Virginia provide convenient and top-quality degree programs to undergraduate and graduate students. The minimum inclusion requirements for four-year academic institutions must have annual tuition under $25,000; on the other hand, two-year colleges/universities must be under $5,000 per year. Academic institutions must offer students at least three associate programs and three bachelor’s/master’s degree programs online.
The U.S. Census Bureau says that over 85% of West Virginia’s residents are 25 years old or older and are high school graduates. Less than 20% of them are holders of at least a bachelor’s degree. In 2020, 55% of jobs in West Virginia are expected to require post-secondary education, compelling residents to acquire higher education to meet these future employment requirements.
Online colleges in West Virginia provide students and adult professionals convenient, flexible classes and degree programs. These colleges and universities offer students opportunities for personal and professional advancement, as well as permitting students with prior college coursework to transfer credits. Distance education in West Virginia presents affordable options for continued learning, making it suitable for both in-state and out-of-state students.
West Virginia is a member of the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB)’s Academic Common Market, allowing students in the Southeast to avail in-state tuition in West Virginia. A total of 16 states are members of the program. Moreover, West Virginia is also a member of the Electronic Campus system, combining programs across colleges and universities to offer 37,000 online classes and 3,400 degree programs for students to select from.
West Virginia consistently ranks as one of the most affordable states in which to obtain a public higher education. In-state students in West Virginia have lower tuition rates than out-of-state students. To be eligible for in-state status, students must have at least one parent residing in West Virginia for at least one year before enrolling in an academic program. Independent students must live in West Virginia for a year before they can start their education. Distance learners pay in-state or out-of-state tuition based on their status of residency, but students in other states are eligible for reduced tuition through reciprocity agreements. Learners can also appeal to modify their status of residency if their primary purpose for living in West Virginia is not to enroll in college or university.
METHODOLOGY
Because affordability is a crucial factor for choosing a distance learning school and program, we rounded up the 5 Best Value Online Schools in West Virginia. Our list aims to help prospective online students find cheap online colleges and universities in the state that, at the same time, provide superior quality of education. These online schools also present eligible enrollees with financial aid opportunities.
University of Charleston
The University of Charleston started its operation in 1888 and has since been catering to the educational needs of a variety of students from different parts of West Virginia, the United States and the international community. The university emphasizes integrating values such as ethical practice and inquiry, citizenship, stewardship as well as communication in all aspects of the school’s online and on-campus academics. UC is nationally accredited to grant undergraduate and graduate degrees in several areas of study.
The university provides the same quality academic experiences virtually as are delivered in the traditional on-campus format. With that, distance learners can obtain an associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degree program entirely online or through a hybrid learning format. With the utmost commitment to provide affordable and top-quality education, UC offers numerous financial aid opportunities for all eligible students.
Tuition and Fees at the University of Charleston vary based on residency status and type of degree program. All online undergraduate courses are priced at $380 per credit hour, while the Military, Law Enforcement, and First Responder Learners pay $250 per credit hour for Accounting, Psychology, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Cyber Security, Frontline Leadership, and Crisis and Emergency Leadership programs. Online graduate programs are at $595 per credit hour for MBA; $425 per credit hour for MS in Strategic Leadership, and MS in Cyber Security. Military, First Responder, and Law Enforcement Students pay $250 per credit hour for online graduate programs regardless of degree program major. The Doctor of Executive Leadership is at $700 per credit hour.
Location: Charleston, West Virginia
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application
- Official Transcript of Records from colleges or universities attended
- Official High School Transcripts
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
West Virginia University
West Virginia University was formally established in 1967 as a land-grant academic institution. It provided top-quality education with a mission to advocate diversity and as a reputable institution in West Virginia. Today, the university aims to achieve national research prominence by 2020 and provides rigorous on-campus and online academics, offering the same top-quality education with the utmost flexibility of student-led course completion. Moreover, distance learners enjoy a wealth of student support services such as online library resources, advising/counseling, technical support, and other learning-related essentials.
Similar to other universities in West Virginia, WVU offers a Regents Bachelor of Arts that enables students to earn college credit for life, professional, and military experience. This degree is an innovative, unique, and foundational bachelor’s degree program designed to suit the needs of the non-traditional, adult student. Furthermore, the program recognizes students’ life and professional/work experience that can be compatible with some of the course offerings by WVU and other schools in West Virginia. Students must have 120 credits for graduation.
Tuition Rates at WVU are mostly on flat-rate tuition costs. Undergraduate tuition costs approximately $369-$514 per credit hour, while undergraduate certificate programs cost $426 per credit hour for residents in West Virginia and $1,118 for non-residents. On the other hand, graduation tuition costs around $607-$1,603 per credit hour, while graduate certificate programs cost $631-$820 per credit hour with no out-of-state tuition rates except for certificate programs delivered by the College of Education. WVU has several financial aid programs, scholarships, grants, and perks for qualified students.
Location: Morgantown, West Virginia
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application
- Official Transcript of Records from colleges or universities attended
- Official High School Transcripts
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
Marshall University
Marshall University is a coeducational public research academic institution named after the fourth Chief Justice of the country, John Marshall. The university boasts a small campus location with extensive classes that integrates state-of-the-art facilities and technology for distance learning as well as academics that integrate a global perspective to education. Online students have access to academic advising, career services, technical support, online library resources, and other learning-related fundamentals. As an advocate for affordable education in the state, the university bases tuition for distance learners according to their level up to the appropriate hours-cap, 12 hours for undergraduate and nine hours for graduate school.
Distance Learners can choose from the undergraduate offerings by the university such as Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Geography, Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science, Regents Bachelor of Arts, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN Only). Graduate students who are interested in pursuing advanced studies with Marshall can choose from a wide range of degree programs and certificates in several areas of study such as education, management, business administration, accountancy, criminal justice, nursing, and adult education, to mention a few.
Tuition and Fees differ per program type. Undergraduate programs are at $303.25 per credit hour, graduate programs are at $218.50 per credit hour, MBA Online is at $468.50 per credit hour, and the Online Dietetics Internship Certificate Program is at $420 per credit hour. Distance learners can apply for financial aid programs to help them cover the costs of education. Marshall University offers several scholarship programs, grants, and tuition discounts for eligible students.
Location: Huntington, West Virginia
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application
- Official Transcript of Records from colleges or universities attended
- Official High School Transcripts
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
West Virginia State University
West Virginia State University was established in 1891 and recognized as a Historically Black College. Currently, the university caters to a richly diverse student population with several students coming from a variety of geographical locations, ethnicities, cultures, and statuses in life including adult learners. The university takes pride in its educational offerings to students from different parts of the nation by integrating academic success with specialized attention to inclusion and diversity.
One of the popular degree programs at WVSU includes a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice that provides online students with comprehensive knowledge and expertise in the modern criminal justice system and its relationship with contemporary society. Students can earn this program in two to four years, depending on their timeframe and pace of learning. Also, they must have 120 credits for graduation. Core required courses include Punishment and Corrections, Statistics for Professional Studies, Criminal Procedure, Court Systems in the U.S., and Introduction to Criminal Justice, among many featured criminal justice-related courses.
West Virginia State University has one of the most reasonable tuition rates in the country. WVSU Tuition for online undergraduate programs is $316 per credit hour with an online course fee of $160 per course. WVSU Graduate tuition is at $422 per credit hour with an online course fee of $234 per course. All distance learners must comply and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to qualify for financial aid. The Office of Student Financial Assistance at WVSU utilizes FAFSA to develop financial awards for new and returning students.
Location: Institute, West Virginia
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application
- Official Transcript of Records from colleges or universities attended
- Official High School Transcripts
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
Fairmont State University
Fairmont State University was founded in 1865 and has a reputable history as a pioneer in higher education in West Virginia. As part of the state’s innovative and top-quality distance learning advocacies, Fairmont State is nationally accredited to grant bachelor’s and master’s degree programs with affordability as a critical element, enabling the majority of the students to be awarded some form of financial assistance. The majority of distance education classes are delivered online through the course management system Blackboard, while some courses might require on-campus attendance per semester.
The goal of Fairmont State University and Pierpont Community and Technical College is to deliver improved access to online education. As a result, they offer online courses in different non-traditional ways that are suitable to the needs of students who are not able to attend regular day and evening classes.
Tuition Fees are on a per semester and per credit hour basis, up to 11 credit hours for undergraduate majors. Undergraduate students registered for at least 12 hours are considered full-time students. There are course fees, e-Learning fees, enhancement fees, special fees, and program-specific fees that are added to specific courses or categories of distance learners. Online undergraduate tuition is $295 per credit hour.
Location: Fairmont, West Virginia
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application for Admission
- Official Transcript of Records from previous college or universities attended
- Official High School Transcripts
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission