Best Online Colleges in West Virginia 2026

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By Dr. James Barham
Updated:

Find the best online colleges in West Virginia ranked by the academic success of faculty and alumni associated with the colleges and universities and their online degree programs.

Top 10 Online Colleges in West Virginia in 2026

  1. Marshall University
  2. West Virginia State University
  3. University of Charleston
    +5
  4. West Liberty University
    +1
  5. Potomac State College of West Virginia University
    –1
  6. Concord University
    –3
  7. Alderson Broaddus University
    +2
  8. Glenville State University
    –2
  9. Davis & Elkins College
    –2
  10. Catholic Distance University

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Colleges and Universities in West Virginia

West Virginia has 20 public higher education institutions, all at a sticker price of $9,000 or less, making it one of the more affordable states to earn a degree. With over 25,000 students in attendance, West Virginia University is the largest and charges $9,000 in tuition. Aside from the community and state colleges, six other public universities have populations ranging from about 2,100 to just over 10,000, and all schools have a tuition rate of about $8,000.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

The state is also home to 12 private schools, eight of which are religiously affiliated. The University of Charleston is the largest private university, but its student population is still small. About 2,000 students take classes in fields such as chemistry, political science, and history, and the tuition totals $21,000. At $32,000 in tuition and fees, West Virginia Wesleyan College is the most expensive, but its student population is only slightly above 1,300.

As the only state contained entirely within the Appalachian range, West Virginia is rightfully nicknamed The Mountain State. Those who love the outdoors will feel at home hiking through the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve or skiing at Canaan Valley Ski Resort. History buffs can visit Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, where they can take a walk through life in the 1800s. In addition, the state offers over 30 private and public colleges and universities to those looking to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree.

Check out the state’s top programs and see why West Virginia could be a good fit for your educational goals and budget.


What are West Virginia’s Colleges & Universities?

West Virginia’s Best Overall

Best Online Colleges in West Virginia
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Best Online Colleges in West Virginia 2023

  1. #1

    Marshall University

    Huntington , WV
    #2 Best Grad Schools in West Virginia 2026 #2 Best Research Universities in West Virginia 2026 #2 Best Public Colleges in West Virginia 2026 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in West Virginia 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1030/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Marshall University

    Cost of Degree: $8,942
    Expenses: $16,352
    Starting Salary: $49,444
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in English
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in General Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BA/BS in Geography
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Medical Laboratory Science
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Professional Writing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing (RN-to-BSN)
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Regents Bachelor of Arts

    Emphasis Areas

    • Digital Forensics
    • Information Assurance
    • Web Application Development
    • Game Development
    • Instructional Technology and Library Science
    • Creative Writing in English
    • Religious Studies
    • Literature in English
    • Anthropology
    • Communication Studies
    • Criminal Justice
    • Geography
    • GIScience Geography
    • Human Geography
    • Physical Geography
    • Military Science
    • Political Science
    • Psychology
    • Sociology
    • Women’s Studies
    • Preschool Development
    • Program type: Degree completion
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
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  2. #2

    West Virginia State University

    Institute , WV
    #11 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #1 Best Small Colleges in West Virginia 2026 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in West Virginia 2026 #3 Best Public Colleges in West Virginia 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    900/17

    Career Outlook for degree at West Virginia State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,499
    Expenses: $16,568
    Starting Salary: $43,742
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Management
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in English
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    Regents Bachelor of Arts
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
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  3. #3

    University of Charleston

    Charleston , WV
    #1 Best Private Colleges in West Virginia 2026 #2 Best Small Colleges in West Virginia 2026 #3 Best Research Universities in West Virginia 2026 #4 Best Colleges in West Virginia 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    62%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Charleston

    Cost of Degree: $21,610
    Expenses: $15,892
    Starting Salary: $56,207
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 125
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing (RN-to-BSN)
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 1.5-4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BA/BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
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  4. #4

    West Liberty University

    West Liberty , WV
    #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in West Virginia 2026 #3 Best Small Colleges in West Virginia 2026 #4 Best Public Colleges in West Virginia 2026 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in West Virginia 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1006/21

    Career Outlook for degree at West Liberty University

    Cost of Degree: $8,732
    Expenses: $15,818
    Starting Salary: $49,503
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 125
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
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  6. #5

    Potomac State College of West Virginia University

    Keyser , WV
    #6 Best Public Colleges in West Virginia 2026 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in West Virginia 2026 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in West Virginia 2026 #7 Best Small Colleges in West Virginia 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    36%

    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: $62,910
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BAS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 18 months
    • Format: Online
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  7. #6

    Concord University

    Athens , WV
    #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026 #8 Best Public Colleges in West Virginia 2026 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in West Virginia 2026 #9 Best Small Colleges in West Virginia 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    960/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Concord University

    Cost of Degree: $9,700
    Expenses: $16,282
    Starting Salary: $45,054
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
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  8. #7

    Alderson Broaddus University

    Philippi , WV
    #3 Best Christian Colleges in West Virginia 2026 #5 Best Private Colleges in West Virginia 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    61%

    Graduation

    34%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    980/18

    Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing (RN-to-BSN)
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 18 months
    • Format: Online
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  9. #8

    Glenville State University

    Glenville , WV
    #5 Best Online Associate Degrees in West Virginia 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Graduation

    29%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Glenville State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,412
    Expenses: $16,072
    Starting Salary: $44,924
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
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  10. #9

    Davis & Elkins College

    Elkins , WV
    #5 Best Christian Colleges in West Virginia 2026 #8 Best Private Colleges in West Virginia 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1002/7

    Career Outlook for degree at Davis & Elkins College

    Cost of Degree: $31,270
    Expenses: $15,191
    Starting Salary: $45,563
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 1 year
    • Format: Online
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  12. #10

    Catholic Distance University

    Charles Town , WV
    #7 Best Online Associate Degrees in West Virginia 2026 #24 Best Online Master's in Theology 2026 #25 Best Online Associate in Liberal Arts 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Student body

    <1K

    Online Degrees

    BA in Theology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 6 years
    • Format: Online
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