Most Affordable Colleges in West Virginia 2025

Badge for MOST AFFORDABLE COLLEGES IN WEST-VIRGINIA
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski
Published:
Updated:

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

  1. West Virginia University
  2. Marshall University
  3. West Virginia State University
  4. Fairmont State University
    +2
  5. American Public University System
    –1
  6. West Liberty University
    –1
  7. Potomac State College of West Virginia University
    +2
  8. Shepherd University
    –1
  9. Concord University
    +1
  10. 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.

  2. #2

    Marshall University

    Huntington , WV
    #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
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    13K

    Career Outlook for degree at Marshall University

    Cost of Degree: $8,942
    Expenses: $16,352
    Starting Salary: $41,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Marshall University known for?

    Marshall University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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
    Compare school
  3. #3

    West Virginia State University

    Institute , WV
    #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
    Other Rankings

    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: $9,499
    Expenses: $16,568
    Starting Salary: $33,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
    Compare school
  4. #4

    Fairmont State University

    Fairmont , WV
    #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
    Other Rankings

    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: $8,454
    Expenses: $14,486
    Starting Salary: $38,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Fairmont State University known for?

    Fairmont State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  6. #5

    American Public University System

    Charles Town , WV
    #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
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    94K

    Career Outlook for degree at American Public University System

    Cost of Degree: $8,400
    Starting Salary: $67,000
    What 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
    Compare school
  7. #6

    West Liberty University

    West Liberty , WV
    #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
    Other Rankings

    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: $8,732
    Expenses: $15,818
    Starting Salary: $39,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
    Compare school
  8. #7

    Potomac State College of West Virginia University

    Keyser , WV
    #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
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    26%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Potomac State College of West Virginia University

    Cost of Degree: $5,040
    Expenses: $16,020
    Starting Salary: $52,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
    Compare school
  9. #8

    Shepherd University

    Shepherdstown , WV
    #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
    Other Rankings

    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: $8,642
    Expenses: $14,874
    Starting Salary: $43,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Shepherd University known for?

    Shepherd University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Concord University

    Athens , WV
    #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
    Other Rankings

    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: $9,700
    Expenses: $16,282
    Starting Salary: $35,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Concord University known for?

    Concord University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Concord University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  12. #10

    West Virginia University at Parkersburg

    Parkersburg , WV
    #10 Best Small Colleges in West Virginia 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    30%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at West Virginia University at Parkersburg

    Cost of Degree: $5,248
    Starting Salary: $33,200
    What is West Virginia University at Parkersburg known for?

    West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  13. #11

    West Virginia University Institute of Technology

    Beckley , WV
    #10 Best Public Colleges in West Virginia 2024

    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: $8,064
    Expenses: $17,140
    Starting Salary: $52,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is West Virginia University Institute of Technology known for?

    West Virginia University Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  14. #12

    Bluefield State University

    Bluefield , WV
    #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
    Other Rankings

    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: $10,240
    Expenses: $16,827
    Starting Salary: $31,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
    Compare school
  15. #13

    Salem University

    Salem , WV
    #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: $10,750
    Expenses: $11,200
    Starting Salary: $34,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
    Compare school
  16. #14

    Glenville State University

    Glenville , WV
    #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: $9,412
    Expenses: $16,072
    Starting Salary: $38,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
    Compare school
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West Virginia’s Most Affordable Colleges in Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology
2021 Ranking Archive
  1. Glenville State University
  2. Bluefield State University
  3. West Virginia University Institute of Technology
  4. Fairmont State University
  5. Shepherd University
  6. West Liberty University
  7. Marshall University
  8. Concord University
  9. West Virginia State University
  10. West Virginia University
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