Most Affordable Colleges in West Virginia 2025
Here are the most affordable colleges and universities in West Virginia. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you, at a price you can afford.
Key Takeaways
- Many affordable colleges in West Virginia have strong programs in fields like healthcare, energy, and technology, offering students practical training and certifications that align with local industries, ensuring strong job placement opportunities upon graduation.
- Many affordable colleges in West Virginia offer clear transfer agreements with other state institutions, allowing students to start their education at community colleges with lower tuition and then seamlessly transfer to complete a bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution.
- Colleges like West Virginia University and Marshall University offer competitive in-state tuition rates and provide generous financial aid packages, including scholarships, grants, and work-study programs, making higher education accessible to students with varying financial backgrounds.
10 Most Affordable Colleges in West Virginia in 2025
- West Virginia University
- Marshall University
- West Virginia State University
- Fairmont State University +2
- American Public University System –1
- West Liberty University –1
- Potomac State College of West Virginia University +2
- Shepherd University –1
- Concord University +1
- West Virginia University at Parkersburg +2
2025 Ranking Update
Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.
In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the most affordable colleges in West Virginia saw some movement for various reasons. Fairmont State University, for example, rose two ranking positions as the school expanded the STEM Innovation Center, which includes new labs and facilities for hands-on research in fields like robotics, computer science, and engineering. The university has also upgraded its health sciences programs, providing state-of-the-art simulation labs for nursing and allied health students.
Additionally, Fairmont State has enhanced its student support services, with expanded mental health resources, career counseling, and tutoring programs aimed at fostering academic success and overall well-being. These updates reflect the university’s commitment to cutting-edge education and comprehensive student support.
There are 14 colleges and universities in West Virginia with stated tuitions and fees under $20,000/year. The following list of the most affordable colleges and universities in West Virginia is composed entirely of schools offering bachelor’s degree programs, have stated tuition and fees near or under the national average of $16,000/year, and are fully accredited colleges.
Most Affordable Colleges in West Virginia
These schools are ranked by academic excellence, and all under $20,000/year.
- #1 Best Grad Schools in West Virginia 2025 #1 Best Research Universities in West Virginia 2024 #1 Best Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in West Virginia 2024
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
62%
Student body
28K
Median SAT/ACT
1110/23
Career Outlook for degree at West Virginia University
Cost of Degree: $9,648Expenses: $17,996Starting Salary: $52,700Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is West Virginia University known for?
West Virginia University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Grad Schools in West Virginia 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in West Virginia 2024 #2 Best Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in West Virginia 2024
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
97%
Graduation
50%
Student body
13K
Career Outlook for degree at Marshall University
Cost of Degree: $8,942Expenses: $16,352Starting Salary: $41,700Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Marshall University known for?
Marshall University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Nursing
- Earth Sciences
- Medical
- History
- Education
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
Marshall University’s Online Degrees
BA in General Business
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in English
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Geography
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Geography
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Professional Writing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing
Degree Concentrations
- Rn To Bsn
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #11 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #1 Best Small Colleges in West Virginia 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #3 Best Colleges in West Virginia 2024
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
35%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
952/19
Career Outlook for degree at West Virginia State University
Cost of Degree: $9,499Expenses: $16,568Starting Salary: $33,800Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is West Virginia State University known for?
West Virginia State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
West Virginia State University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Accounting
- Required Credits: 35
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in English
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
RBA in Regents Bachelor Of Arts
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #5 Best Small Colleges in West Virginia 2025 #7 Best Colleges in West Virginia 2024
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
98%
Graduation
46%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
935/20
Career Outlook for degree at Fairmont State University
Cost of Degree: $8,454Expenses: $14,486Starting Salary: $38,400Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Fairmont State University known for?
Fairmont State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Nursing
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Political Science
- Engineering
- Education
- History
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in West Virginia 2025
Tuition + fees
$7K
Graduation
55%
Student body
94K
Career Outlook for degree at American Public University System
Cost of Degree: $8,400Starting Salary: $67,000What is American Public University System known for?
American Public University System’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
American Public University System’s Online Degrees
BS in Accounting
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Business
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBA in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business Analytics
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Entrepreneurship
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Hospitality Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Human Resource Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Retail Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Reverse Logistics Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Sports Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Supply Chain Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BAS in Technical Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Transportation And Logistics Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Computer Technology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Data Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Information Technology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Information Technology Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Cybersecurity
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Emergency And Disaster Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Fire Science Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Government Contracting And Acquisition
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Homeland Security
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Intelligence Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Legal Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Security Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in English
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in General Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in History
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Human Development And Family Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in International Relations And Global Security
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Middle Eastern Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Military History
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Philosophy
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Political Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Religion
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Sociology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Health Information Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BAS in Health Sciences
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Healthcare Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing
Degree Concentrations
- Rn To Bsn
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Public Health
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Sports And Health Sciences
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Environmental Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Mathematics
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Natural Sciences
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Space Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #6 Best Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in West Virginia 2025
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
61%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1009/7
Career Outlook for degree at West Liberty University
Cost of Degree: $8,732Expenses: $15,818Starting Salary: $39,500Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is West Liberty University known for?
West Liberty University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
West Liberty University’s Online Degrees
BSN in Nursing
Degree Concentrations
- Rn To Bsn
- Required Credits: 125
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #7 Best Small Colleges in West Virginia 2025 #8 Best Public Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in West Virginia 2025
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
26%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Potomac State College of West Virginia University
Cost of Degree: $5,040Expenses: $16,020Starting Salary: $52,700Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Potomac State College of West Virginia University known for?
Potomac State College of West Virginia University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Potomac State College of West Virginia University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- General Business
- Marketing
- Hospitality And Tourism Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Integrated Marketing Communications
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BAS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BMDS in Multidisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
RBA in Regents Bachelor Of Arts
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #6 Best Public Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in West Virginia 2025 #10 Best Colleges in West Virginia 2024
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
48%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1050/21
Career Outlook for degree at Shepherd University
Cost of Degree: $8,642Expenses: $14,874Starting Salary: $43,000Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Shepherd University known for?
Shepherd University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- History
- Computer Science
- Nursing
- Political Science
- Communications
- Engineering
- Education
- Chemistry
- Criminal Justice
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #9 Best Public Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #9 Best Small Colleges in West Virginia 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in West Virginia 2024
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
40%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1012/21
Career Outlook for degree at Concord University
Cost of Degree: $9,700Expenses: $16,282Starting Salary: $35,700Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Concord University known for?
Concord University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Mathematics
- Earth Sciences
- Psychology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- History
- Political Science
- Education
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
Concord University’s Online Degrees
BS in Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
30%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at West Virginia University at Parkersburg
Cost of Degree: $5,248Starting Salary: $33,200What is West Virginia University at Parkersburg known for?
West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
65%
Graduation
34%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1015/21
Career Outlook for degree at West Virginia University Institute of Technology
Cost of Degree: $8,064Expenses: $17,140Starting Salary: $52,700Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is West Virginia University Institute of Technology known for?
West Virginia University Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Medical
- Biology
- Criminal Justice
- Chemistry
- Nursing
- Sociology
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Best Public Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in West Virginia 2025 #8 Best Online Bachelor’s of Electrical and Computer Engineering Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
97%
Graduation
35%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
975/19
Career Outlook for degree at Bluefield State University
Cost of Degree: $10,240Expenses: $16,827Starting Salary: $31,900Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Bluefield State University known for?
Bluefield State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Bluefield State University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Management
- Marketing
- Entrepreneurship
- Accounting
- Sport Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Accountancy
- Required Credits: 150
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Computer Science
- Required Credits: 121-122
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Forensic Investigation
- Corrections
- Law Enforcement
- Required Credits: 125
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Social Science
Degree Concentrations
- Political Science
- Required Credits: 120-121
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Elementary Education
Degree Concentrations
- Middle Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Humanities
- Required Credits: 81
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Regents Bachelor Of Arts
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Social Sciences
Degree Concentrations
- History
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Required Credits: 120-121
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Health Services Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Registered Nurse (2+2)
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Applied Science
Degree Concentrations
- Pre-Medicine
- Interdisciplinary
- Required Credits: 120-122
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Civil Engineering Technology
- Required Credits: 89-91
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Engineering Management
- Required Credits: 64
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Imaging Science
Degree Concentrations
- 2+2 Program
- Computed Tomography
- Nuclear Medicine
- Sonography
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Electrical Engineering Technology
- Required Credits: 60-64
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #4 Best Grad Schools in West Virginia 2025 #6 Best Private Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #9 Best Online Master's Programs in West Virginia 2024
Tuition + fees
$13K
Graduation
29%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Salem University
Cost of Degree: $10,750Expenses: $11,200Starting Salary: $34,100Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Salem University known for?
Salem University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Salem University’s Online Degrees
BS in Accounting
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Applied Management
- Esports Management
- Finance
- Healthcare Management
- Human Resource Management
- International Business
- Management
- Retail Management
- Sports & Recreation Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSBA in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Engineering Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Computer Science
Degree Concentrations
- Data Science
- Software Development
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Information Technology
Degree Concentrations
- Cybersecurity
- Enterprise Network Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Criminal Justice
Degree Concentrations
- Crime Scene Investigation
- Homeland Security
- Law Enforcement
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #6 Best Online Associate Degrees in West Virginia 2025 #6 Best Online Colleges in West Virginia 2024
Tuition + fees
$9K
Graduation
33%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Glenville State University
Cost of Degree: $9,412Expenses: $16,072Starting Salary: $38,400Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Glenville State University known for?
Glenville State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Glenville State University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
West Virginia’s Most Affordable Colleges in Your Area of Interest
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