Best Colleges in West Virginia

Most Popular Degrees and Careers in West Virginia

Best Associate Degrees in West Virginia

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The state of West Virginia has a wide variety of options available for those interested in earning a two-year degree. You can choose from top colleges and universities offering programs in most career fields. While curriculums vary, most associate degrees provide students with a broad introduction to a specific industry, as well as a foundation in general education topics. Graduates will be prepared to apply for most entry-level positions in their chosen field but may also consider transferring credits to another higher education institution.

Martinsburg College

College Type 2-year, Private for-Profit Campus Housing No Student Population 1,435 Graduation Rate 100% Net Price $325

Carver Career Center

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing No Student Population 177 Graduation Rate 89% Net Price $4,198

Mountain State College

College Type 2-year, Private for-Profit Campus Housing No Student Population 21 Graduation Rate 85% Net Price NA

Valley College-Martinsburg

College Type 4-year, Primarily associate's, Private for-Profit Campus Housing No Student Population 547 Graduation Rate 71% Net Price $22,364

West Virginia Junior College-Bridgeport

College Type 2-year, Private for-Profit Campus Housing No Student Population 121 Graduation Rate 71% Net Price $14,774

West Virginia Junior College-Charleston

College Type 2-year, Private for-Profit Campus Housing No Student Population 179 Graduation Rate 67% Net Price $11,591

West Virginia Junior College-Morgantown

College Type 2-year, Private for-Profit Campus Housing No Student Population 567 Graduation Rate 58% Net Price $16,073

Blue Ridge Community and Technical College

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing No Student Population 6,532 Graduation Rate 38% Net Price $5,369

BridgeValley Community & Technical College

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing No Student Population 1,776 Graduation Rate 32% Net Price $6,794

Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing No Student Population 530 Graduation Rate 29% Net Price $3,852

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Pierpont Community and Technical College

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing No Student Population 1,912 Graduation Rate 27% Net Price $6,709

Huntington Junior College

College Type 2-year, Private for-Profit Campus Housing No Student Population 277 Graduation Rate 23% Net Price $10,086

Mountwest Community and Technical College

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing No Student Population 1,768 Graduation Rate 22% Net Price $7,717

Potomac State College of West Virginia University

College Type 4-year, Primarily associate's, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,300 Graduation Rate 22% Net Price $8,059

Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing No Student Population 1,449 Graduation Rate 22% Net Price $5,823

West Virginia University at Parkersburg

College Type 4-year, Primarily associate's, Public Campus Housing No Student Population 2,818 Graduation Rate 21% Net Price $7,123

West Virginia Northern Community College

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing No Student Population 1,353 Graduation Rate 19% Net Price $4,180

New River Community and Technical College

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing No Student Population 1,212 Graduation Rate 18% Net Price $4,020

Best Bachelor's Degrees in West Virginia

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A four-year degree from a college in West Virginia can provide you with the high-quality education, knowledge, and experience you need to build a successful career in almost any field. Whether you have a specific major in mind or are undecided, earning a bachelor’s degree can prepare you for success in a huge variety of specialized positions. Graduates can also use their degree to qualify for further education in related fields. Additionally, many professional certifications and credentials require candidates to have an undergraduate degree.

Valley College-Martinsburg

College Type 4-year, Primarily associate's, Private for-Profit Campus Housing No Student Population 547 Graduation Rate 71% Net Price $22,364

Appalachian Bible College

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-Profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 227 Graduation Rate 65% Net Price $15,391

West Virginia University

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 26,839 Graduation Rate 61% Net Price $12,743

West Virginia Wesleyan College

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-Profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,226 Graduation Rate 54% Net Price $19,366

Wheeling University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-Profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 798 Graduation Rate 53% Net Price $19,424

Marshall University

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 12,852 Graduation Rate 49% Net Price $8,508

Shepherd University

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 3,554 Graduation Rate 49% Net Price $10,390

Bethany College

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-Profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 535 Graduation Rate 46% Net Price $20,389

West Liberty University

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 2,496 Graduation Rate 45% Net Price $13,980

Davis & Elkins College

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-Profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 776 Graduation Rate 41% Net Price $18,591

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Fairmont State University

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 3,803 Graduation Rate 41% Net Price $9,733

American Public University System

College Type 4-year, Private for-Profit Campus Housing No Student Population 45,249 Graduation Rate 40% Net Price $10,995

Concord University

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,886 Graduation Rate 40% Net Price $9,201

Alderson Broaddus University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-Profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 913 Graduation Rate 39% Net Price $20,087

Glenville State College

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,575 Graduation Rate 39% Net Price $12,999

University of Charleston

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-Profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 2,718 Graduation Rate 38% Net Price $21,941

Ohio Valley University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-Profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 318 Graduation Rate 37% Net Price $18,961

Bluefield State College

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing No Student Population 1,241 Graduation Rate 31% Net Price $8,445

West Virginia State University

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 4,120 Graduation Rate 31% Net Price $9,657

Potomac State College of West Virginia University

College Type 4-year, Primarily associate's, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,300 Graduation Rate 22% Net Price $8,059

Salem University

College Type 4-year, Private for-Profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 960 Graduation Rate 22% Net Price $12,628

West Virginia University at Parkersburg

College Type 4-year, Primarily associate's, Public Campus Housing No Student Population 2,818 Graduation Rate 21% Net Price $7,123

West Virginia University Institute of Technology

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,794 Graduation Rate 21% Net Price $10,502

Catholic Distance University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-Profit Campus Housing No Student Population 175 Graduation Rate NA Net Price NA

Strayer University-West Virginia

College Type 4-year, Private for-Profit Campus Housing No Student Population 269 Graduation Rate NA Net Price NA

Best Master's Degrees in West Virginia

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Not all fields require an advanced degree, but many employers often give preference to candidates who have either master’s or doctorate degrees. These programs demonstrate a clear dedication to and understanding of major content, as well as an inclination toward meaningful research. Students gain highly developed skills in analysis and critical thinking, which make them incredibly marketable in most fields. Graduates are not only likely to be more competitive professionally, but they often earn higher salaries, promote faster, and enjoy more job security.

West Virginia University Hospital Departments of Rad Tech and Nutrition

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-Profit Campus Housing No Student Population 7 Graduation Rate 93% Net Price NA

Appalachian Bible College

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-Profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 2 Graduation Rate 65% Net Price $15,391

West Virginia University

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 5,753 Graduation Rate 61% Net Price $12,743

West Virginia Wesleyan College

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-Profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 95 Graduation Rate 54% Net Price $19,366

Wheeling University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-Profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 266 Graduation Rate 53% Net Price $19,424

Marshall University

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 3,437 Graduation Rate 49% Net Price $8,508

Shepherd University

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 354 Graduation Rate 49% Net Price $10,390

Bethany College

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-Profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 19 Graduation Rate 46% Net Price $20,389

West Liberty University

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 313 Graduation Rate 45% Net Price $13,980

Fairmont State University

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 240 Graduation Rate 41% Net Price $9,733

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American Public University System

College Type 4-year, Private for-Profit Campus Housing No Student Population 7,914 Graduation Rate 40% Net Price $10,995

Concord University

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 316 Graduation Rate 40% Net Price $9,201

Alderson Broaddus University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-Profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 77 Graduation Rate 39% Net Price $20,087

University of Charleston

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-Profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 811 Graduation Rate 38% Net Price $21,941

Ohio Valley University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-Profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 14 Graduation Rate 37% Net Price $18,961

West Virginia State University

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 111 Graduation Rate 31% Net Price $9,657

Salem University

College Type 4-year, Private for-Profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 187 Graduation Rate 22% Net Price $12,628

Catholic Distance University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing No Student Population 97 Graduation Rate NA Net Price NA

Future Generations University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-Profit Campus Housing No Student Population 53 Graduation Rate NA Net Price NA

Strayer University-West Virginia

College Type 4-year, Private for-Profit Campus Housing No Student Population 18 Graduation Rate NA Net Price NA

West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing No Student Population 809 Graduation Rate NA Net Price NA

Best Online Degree Colleges in West Virginia (Distance Learning Only)

Whether you are interested in earning an associate, bachelor’s, graduate, or doctoral degree, consider choosing an online degree offered by some of the best colleges and universities in West Virginia. Distance learning programs make it easier than ever to gain the knowledge and skills you need to be professionally and academically successful. Flexible scheduling options mean you can achieve your goals in your own time and, in most cases, graduates can begin applying for entry-level positions immediately. Alternatively, credits earned can be transferred to a four-year institution for further learning.

Martinsburg College

College Type 2-year, Private for-Profit Student Population 1,435 Graduation Rate 100% Net Price $325

American Public University System

College Type 4-year, Private for-Profit Student Population 45,249 Graduation Rate 40% Net Price $10,995

Catholic Distance University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-Profit Student Population 175 Graduation Rate NA Net Price NA

Colorado Technical University

College Type 4-year, Private for-Profit Student Population 27,232 Graduation Rate 26% Net Price $16,260

Purdue

College Type 4-year, Public Student Population 38,138 Graduation Rate 27% Net Price NA

Southern New Hampshire University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-Profit Student Population 113,514 Graduation Rate 44% Net Price $39,743

Western Governors University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-Profit Student Population 136,139 Graduation Rate 21% Net Price $7,785

Capella University

College Type 4-year, Private for-Profit Student Population 37,859 Graduation Rate NA Net Price $17,368

Walden University

College Type 4-year, Private for-Profit Student Population 48,420 Graduation Rate 33% Net Price NA

Cost of West Virginia College Education & Salaries

The State of West Virginia supports a higher education system of public colleges and universities. The Flagship is the University of West Virginia, and it includes West Virginia State University, and West Virginia State University Institute of Technology. Because of public support from tax payers, public schools, colleges, and universities offer a two-tier tuition system that favors West Virginia residents. The out-of-state tuition rates are much higher than in-state, and this difference reflects the support provided by West Virginia residents to higher education in the state.

When West Virginia students seek a major that may not be available at a West Virginia public college or university, they may be able to use the Education Common Market. The state of West Virginia cooperates with some neighboring states to extend in-state tuition rates. West Virginia students as residents of West Virginia can attend select colleges and universities in nearby states. Through the Academic Common Market, the options include Virginia, Kentucky, Maryland, and Tennessee. West Virginia families can pay in-state tuition at public schools in the education common market. Students can get in-state discounts if they enroll in an approved degree program.

Best Scholarships for West Virginia

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 College, 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.