The State of West Virginia offers scenic settings, mountains and valleys, bustling cities, and small towns. The universities and colleges range from larger research institutions to small faith-based colleges with long traditions, small classes, and low student to faculty ratios. The cost of college education in West Virginia is lower than the national average for public and private education. West Virginia students can pursue a wide range of major courses of study including advanced technical fields.
How Much Can You Make by Earning a Degree in West Virginia?
Federal and state government data, as well as private surveys, show a clear relationship between education and median salary. As the level of education increase, the median salaries increase. One study showed that a typical college graduate would earn about $1 million more over a lifetime of earnings than a high school graduate.
The rise in salaries in step with educational attainment goes beyond the bachelor’s degree level. Earnings at master’s degree level, doctorates, and professional degrees also show rising income with higher levels of education. The advantage of education helps employees get high salaries in a current occupation; college and graduate degrees also open opportunities for new occupations.
Education Level & National Average Median Compensation
| NO FORMAL EDUCATION | HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA | ASSOCIATE DEGREE | BACHELOR’S DEGREE | MASTER’S DEGREE | DOCTORAL DEGREE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $36,816* | $46,748* | $55,016* | $77,636* | $90,324* | $109,668* |
Top 10 Best Associate Degree Programs in West Virginia
West Virginia University at Parkersburg
Score: 80.95
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,420
- Out-of-State:$9,124
- Net Price: $3,029
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 30%
- Total Enrollment: 2,288
- Undergrad Students: 2,288
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $62,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Potomac State College of West Virginia University
Score: 70.23
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,040
- Out-of-State:$12,624
- Net Price: $7,822
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 57%
- Graduation Rate: 26%
- Total Enrollment: 1,145
- Undergrad Students: 1,145
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $62,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College
Score: 63.17
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,344
- Out-of-State:$7,848
- Net Price: $4,219
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 35%
- Total Enrollment: 4,247
- Undergrad Students: 4,247
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $38,600
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College
Score: 62.39
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,288
- Out-of-State:$8,680
- Net Price: $6,734
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 37%
- Total Enrollment: 376
- Undergrad Students: 376
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $35,600
- Student-to-faculty: 6:1
BridgeValley Community & Technical College
Score: 60.21
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,282
- Out-of-State:$11,748
- Net Price: $9,159
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 54%
- Graduation Rate: 23%
- Total Enrollment: 1,634
- Undergrad Students: 1,634
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $47,500
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Pierpont Community and Technical College
Score: 59.51
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,594
- Out-of-State:$13,262
- Net Price: $5,803
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 58%
- Graduation Rate: 38%
- Total Enrollment: 1,460
- Undergrad Students: 1,460
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $34,900
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
West Virginia Northern Community College
Score: 58.41
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,544
- Out-of-State:$12,728
- Net Price: $3,193
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 55%
- Graduation Rate: 31%
- Total Enrollment: 1,222
- Undergrad Students: 1,222
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $31,400
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
New River Community and Technical College
Score: 57.42
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,158
- Out-of-State:$8,140
- Net Price: $2,694
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 53%
- Graduation Rate: 36%
- Total Enrollment: 1,007
- Undergrad Students: 1,007
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $27,500
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
West Virginia Junior College-Morgantown
Score: 54.78
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,313
- Out-of-State:$14,313
- Net Price: $17,893
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 77%
- Total Enrollment: 525
- Undergrad Students: 525
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $27,300
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College
Score: 50.17
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,944
- Out-of-State:$7,560
- Net Price: $6,215
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 54%
- Graduation Rate: 26%
- Total Enrollment: 1,365
- Undergrad Students: 1,365
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $28,900
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Top 20 Best Bachelor's Programs in West Virginia
Wheeling University
Score: 80.27
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $29,475
- Out-of-State:$29,475
- Net Price: $19,998
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Total Enrollment: 749
- Undergrad Students: 594
- Graduate Students: 155
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
West Virginia University
Score: 77.86
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,648
- Out-of-State:$27,360
- Net Price: $12,202
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 24,741
- Undergrad Students: 19,059
- Graduate Students: 5,682
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
West Virginia University Institute of Technology
Score: 76.94
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,064
- Out-of-State:$20,120
- Net Price: $9,529
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Retention Rate: 56%
- Graduation Rate: 34%
- Total Enrollment: 1,481
- Undergrad Students: 1,481
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $86,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
American Public University System
Score: 76.36
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,400
- Out-of-State:$8,400
- Net Price: $11,172
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 48,668
- Undergrad Students: 39,206
- Graduate Students: 9,462
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 24:1
West Liberty University
Score: 76.33
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,732
- Out-of-State:$17,116
- Net Price: $13,788
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 61%
- Total Enrollment: 2,315
- Undergrad Students: 1,919
- Graduate Students: 396
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Shepherd University
Score: 72.62
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,642
- Out-of-State:$19,082
- Net Price: $9,827
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
- Total Enrollment: 3,235
- Undergrad Students: 2,718
- Graduate Students: 517
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Marshall University
Score: 71.52
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,942
- Out-of-State:$20,294
- Net Price: $8,756
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 10,691
- Undergrad Students: 7,952
- Graduate Students: 2,739
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Bethany College
Score: 70.88
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $34,816
- Out-of-State:$34,816
- Net Price: $17,605
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 623
- Undergrad Students: 599
- Graduate Students: 24
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Davis & Elkins College
Score: 70.84
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $31,270
- Out-of-State:$31,270
- Net Price: $20,126
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
- Total Enrollment: 650
- Undergrad Students: 650
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Concord University
Score: 69.73
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,700
- Out-of-State:$20,600
- Net Price: $8,464
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 56%
- Graduation Rate: 40%
- Total Enrollment: 1,748
- Undergrad Students: 1,399
- Graduate Students: 349
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
West Virginia University at Parkersburg
Score: 68.61
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,420
- Out-of-State:$9,124
- Net Price: $3,029
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 30%
- Total Enrollment: 2,288
- Undergrad Students: 2,288
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $62,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
West Virginia Wesleyan College
Score: 68.32
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $33,494
- Out-of-State:$33,494
- Net Price: $20,470
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 951
- Undergrad Students: 889
- Graduate Students: 62
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Fairmont State University
Score: 67.65
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,454
- Out-of-State:$18,372
- Net Price: $10,794
- Acceptance Rate: 98%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 3,498
- Undergrad Students: 3,197
- Graduate Students: 301
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
University of Charleston
Score: 67.32
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $32,842
- Out-of-State:$32,842
- Net Price: $21,308
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 3,059
- Undergrad Students: 2,365
- Graduate Students: 694
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
West Virginia State University
Score: 62.14
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,049
- Out-of-State:$14,623
- Net Price: $11,684
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Retention Rate: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 35%
- Total Enrollment: 3,785
- Undergrad Students: 3,634
- Graduate Students: 151
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Potomac State College of West Virginia University
Score: 58.8
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,040
- Out-of-State:$12,624
- Net Price: $7,822
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 57%
- Graduation Rate: 26%
- Total Enrollment: 1,145
- Undergrad Students: 1,145
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $62,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Glenville State University
Score: 56.76
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,412
- Out-of-State:$11,140
- Net Price: $17,722
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 33%
- Total Enrollment: 1,630
- Undergrad Students: 1,608
- Graduate Students: 22
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Bluefield State University
Score: 30.78
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,240
- Out-of-State:$17,560
- Net Price: $11,759
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
- Retention Rate: 58%
- Graduation Rate: 35%
- Total Enrollment: 1,306
- Undergrad Students: 1,286
- Graduate Students: 20
- Grads Salary: N/A
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Salem University
Score: 26.99
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,750
- Out-of-State:$13,750
- Net Price: $13,132
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 57%
- Graduation Rate: 29%
- Total Enrollment: 984
- Undergrad Students: 762
- Graduate Students: 222
- Grads Salary: N/A
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Strayer University-West Virginia
Score: 3.3
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,920
- Out-of-State:$13,920
- Net Price: N/A
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 33%
- Graduation Rate: N/A
- Total Enrollment: 300
- Undergrad Students: 288
- Graduate Students: 12
- Grads Salary: N/A
- Student-to-faculty: 41:1
Top 15 Best Master's Programs in West Virginia
West Virginia University
Score: 83.6
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,648
- Out-of-State:$27,360
- Net Price: $12,202
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 24,741
- Undergrad Students: 19,059
- Graduate Students: 5,682
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Wheeling University
Score: 83.39
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $29,475
- Out-of-State:$29,475
- Net Price: $19,998
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Total Enrollment: 749
- Undergrad Students: 594
- Graduate Students: 155
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
American Public University System
Score: 82.67
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,400
- Out-of-State:$8,400
- Net Price: $11,172
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 48,668
- Undergrad Students: 39,206
- Graduate Students: 9,462
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 24:1
West Liberty University
Score: 81.34
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,732
- Out-of-State:$17,116
- Net Price: $13,788
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 61%
- Total Enrollment: 2,315
- Undergrad Students: 1,919
- Graduate Students: 396
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Shepherd University
Score: 79.06
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,642
- Out-of-State:$19,082
- Net Price: $9,827
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
- Total Enrollment: 3,235
- Undergrad Students: 2,718
- Graduate Students: 517
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Marshall University
Score: 78.24
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,942
- Out-of-State:$20,294
- Net Price: $8,756
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 10,691
- Undergrad Students: 7,952
- Graduate Students: 2,739
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Concord University
Score: 76.47
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,700
- Out-of-State:$20,600
- Net Price: $8,464
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 56%
- Graduation Rate: 40%
- Total Enrollment: 1,748
- Undergrad Students: 1,399
- Graduate Students: 349
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Bethany College
Score: 74.75
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $34,816
- Out-of-State:$34,816
- Net Price: $17,605
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 623
- Undergrad Students: 599
- Graduate Students: 24
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Fairmont State University
Score: 73.54
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,454
- Out-of-State:$18,372
- Net Price: $10,794
- Acceptance Rate: 98%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 3,498
- Undergrad Students: 3,197
- Graduate Students: 301
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
West Virginia Wesleyan College
Score: 71.15
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $33,494
- Out-of-State:$33,494
- Net Price: $20,470
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 951
- Undergrad Students: 889
- Graduate Students: 62
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
University of Charleston
Score: 69.9
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $32,842
- Out-of-State:$32,842
- Net Price: $21,308
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 3,059
- Undergrad Students: 2,365
- Graduate Students: 694
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
West Virginia State University
Score: 67.68
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,049
- Out-of-State:$14,623
- Net Price: $11,684
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Retention Rate: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 35%
- Total Enrollment: 3,785
- Undergrad Students: 3,634
- Graduate Students: 151
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Salem University
Score: 30.46
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,750
- Out-of-State:$13,750
- Net Price: $13,132
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 57%
- Graduation Rate: 29%
- Total Enrollment: 984
- Undergrad Students: 762
- Graduate Students: 222
- Grads Salary: N/A
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Strayer University-West Virginia
Score: 3.67
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,920
- Out-of-State:$13,920
- Net Price: N/A
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 33%
- Graduation Rate: N/A
- Total Enrollment: 300
- Undergrad Students: 288
- Graduate Students: 12
- Grads Salary: N/A
- Student-to-faculty: 41:1
Scholarships for West Virginia College Students
The costs of higher education are the most difficult barrier for most applicants. Few families can easily pay the average of nearly $50,000 per year in the average tuition and expenses for a college education. Scholarships and grants can fill unmet needs for financial resources to pay for tuition and fees. Unlike loans, grants and scholarships do not require repayment. An additional category for student consideration are loans that students can repay through service and employment. In areas of shortage such as teaching and nursing, some scholarships take the form of student loans with forgiveness upon service as a teacher or nurse. While there are not scholarships in the traditional sense, they can work as well for students with a personal and professional commitment to public service.
WVHEGP
West Virginia Higher Education Grant Program
https://secure.cfwv.com/Financial_Aid_Planning/Scholarships/Scholarships_and_Grants/West_Virginia_Higher_Education_Grant.aspx
Amounts: $2,700
Deadline: April 15
The West Virginia Higher Education Grant Program is a need-based financial assistance program. The grant helps qualified undergraduate students who demonstrate needs for financial assistance. Applicants must attend or plan to attend an approved educational institution located in West Virginia or Pennsylvania. The grants are renewable; students may renew their grants each year up to an additional three years beyond the initial award. Eligible applicants must be US citizens, reside in West Virginia, and have demonstrated financial need. Applicants must have a minimum 2.0 GPA and be studying or plan to enroll as a full-time undergraduate student at an approved educational institution in West Virginia or Pennsylvania.
PS
Promise Scholarship
https://secure.cfwv.com/Financial_Aid_Planning/Scholarships/Scholarships_and_Grants/West_Virginia_PROMISE.aspx
Amounts: Full tuition scholarship to a WV Public school or an equal amount to a WV private college.
Deadline: March 1
Promise (Providing Real Opportunities for Maximizing In-State Student Excellence) is a merit-based scholarship program. The program provides West Virginia students with a full tuition scholarship to a state school, college, or university. If selecting a private school, then the fund will pay an equivalent amount to the private institution. The PROMISE scholarship does not rely on need or parental contributions. PROMISE scholarships are awarded on the basis of outstanding academic achievement.
TRFS
The Roothbert Fund Scholarships
https://www.roothbertfund.org/scholarships
Amounts: $2,000-$3,000 (20 Awards, Renewable)
Deadline: February 1
The scholarship fund supports high achieving students with demonstrated need. The fund awards to students without regard to race, gender, or national origin. Eligible applicants must reside in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia, West Virginia, or North Carolina. Students may attend accredited colleges or universities anywhere in the US. While every major course of study is eligible for awards, the criteria favor education majors and careers.
AMS&AWMA
Allegheny Mountain Section Air & Waste Management Assn. Scholarships
http://www.ams-awma.org/amsscholarship
Amounts: Varies
Deadline: Varies
This scholarship program supports students that seek to pursue an education and career in environmental science. The eligible colleges and schools in West Virginia include Bethany College, Salem University, Bluefield State University, Fairmont State College, Shepard College, West Virginia State College, West Virginia University, West Virginia Institute of Technology, West Virginia Wesleyan College, Davis & Elkins College, and the State College System of WV.
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