10 Cheapest Online Master's Degrees in West Virginia

Many schools today offer online degree program options in various fields. The cost varies by school and program, but there are affordable online master's degree programs in just about every discipline of study.

Students in West Virginia have access to high-quality, flexible online graduate programs that can be completed without going to campus. Continue reading to learn more about 10 cheap online master's programs offered by the top institutions in West Virginia.

10 Most Affordable Online Master's Programs in West Virginia

West Virginia is home to some of the most affordable online colleges, with flexible options in fields such as business, education, nursing, and information technology. The 10 cheapest online master's degree programs are ranked below, many of which allow students to study part-time or full-time as needed. Each of the ranked schools has met specific standards regarding accreditation, flexibility, accessibility and quality.

1. Bluefield State University

Bluefield State University offers the most affordable online master's program, with a tuition rate of only $426 per credit hour. The 30-credit Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program can be completed within 12 months through 8-week courses. Also called B-state, the school is one of only two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in West Virginia. It maintains a desirable 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and offers several types of financial aid to students.

• Average cost per credit hour: $426
• Financial aid: FAFSA and outside aid are accepted, and B-State also has more than 50 in-house financial aid opportunities.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. University of Charleston

The University of Charleston has several cheap online master's degree programs that provide flexibility without sacrificing quality. The online Master of Arts in mental health counseling costs $468 per credit hour, while the Master of Science in cybersecurity and the Master of Science in strategic leadership cost $446 per credit hour. Both cybersecurity and leadership are among the highest-paying master's degrees, and the school's financial aid options can make them even more affordable.

• Average cost per credit hour: $446 to $468
• Financial aid: In addition to external aid, the University of Charleston offers several internal financial aid awards.
• Accreditation: HLC

3. Marshall University

Marshall University offers dozens of online master's degree programs, including an online MBA with a tuition rate of only $450 per credit hour. MU also has online master's degree programs in computer science, education, cybersecurity, mathematics, and social work for just $535 per credit hour. MU prioritizes providing accessible and flexible online learning programs for busy adults and provides online coaches to support and motivate students throughout their programs.

• Average cost per credit hour: $450 to $535
• Financial aid: Marshall University offers several different types of scholarships, including field-specific awards and awards based on need.
• Accreditation: HLC

4. American Public University System

American Public University System (APUS) offers flexible online programs for busy adults across a wide variety of fields. The school offers affordable online master's degree programs in dozens of disciplines, including:

• business administration
• education
• nursing
• public policy
• information technology

With core values that include integrity, quality, and accessibility, APUS allows students to customize their coursework within many of the online master's degree programs.

• Average cost per credit hour: $455
• Financial aid: Students can submit the FAFSA and apply for different types of aid through the APUS financial aid office.
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Wheeling University

Wheeling University offers three of West Virginia's most affordable online master's degree programs ?each of which integrate WU's focus on service, leadership, and excellence in education. Students can pursue an online Master of Science in Accountancy or a Master of Science in Nursing for $500 per credit; they can also pursue the online MBA for $460 per credit hour. Each year, WU awards around $20 million in financial aid awards to students, making its program even more accessible.

• Average cost per credit hour: $460 to $500
• Financial aid: WU offers many institutional awards, including several institutional scholarships.
• Accreditation: HLC

6. Bethany College

Founded in 1840, Bethany College is West Virginia's oldest degree-granting institution. BC's long history of providing high-quality educational experiences continues into its online graduate programs.

In addition to graduate certificates in artificial intelligence (AI), BC offers an online Master of Education, as well as an online MBA. Both programs have a tuition rate of $475 per credit hour, combining low costs with a flexible, supportive and comprehensive experience.

• Average cost per credit hour: $475
• Financial aid: Students who submit the FAFSA are eligible for a financial aid package, which varies by student.
• Accreditation: HLC

7. West Liberty University

West Liberty University offers affordable online master's degree programs through flexible seven-week class terms. Online learners can pursue an MBA for $510 per credit and choose a concentration in healthcare management or management.

WLU also offers an online Master of Arts in art therapy and counseling ($555 per credit) or a Master of Science in dental hygiene ($595 per credit hour). The shortened course structures enable students to take more courses within a year and complete the programs sooner.

• Average cost per credit hour: $510 to $595
• Financial aid: Upon submitting the FAFSA, students can review which awards are available through the school's financial aid office.
• Accreditation: HLC

8. Catholic Distance University

Catholic Distance University operates as a non-profit university that seeks to provide quality educational programs with a commitment to serving students and faith. It offers four affordable online master's degree programs which all have a $520 per-credit tuition rate.

Online students can pursue a Master of Arts in ecclesial administration and management, a Master of Arts in liberal arts education, a Master of Science in prudential design of emerging technologies, or a Master of Arts in theology.

• Average cost per credit hour: $520
• Financial aid: In addition to external sources of financial aid, students may qualify for some of CDU's grants, scholarships, or work-study options.
• Accreditation: HLC

9. Fairmont State University

Fairmont State University offers online graduate certificates in the field of education and affordable master's degrees in multiple disciplines at $531 per credit hour. Online students can pursue degrees in:

• criminal justice
• cybersecurity
• education
• engineering
• healthcare management
• national security
• teaching

FSU has provided students with accessible and applicable programs since 1865 and continues to be committed to growth, achievement, and opportunity.

• Average cost per credit hour: $531
• Financial aid: Fairmont State University offers several dozen scholarships to students, including some that are specific to the field of study (such as education).
• Accreditation: HLC

10. Concord University

Concord University (CU) promotes intellectual inquisition and community engagement while preparing leaders throughout its programs. CU offers five fully online master's degree programs with a tuition rate of $565 per credit hour: Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), Master of Arts in health promotion, an MBA, a Master of Education and a Master of Social Work (MSW). In addition to a scholarship directory, CU has a program that may cover remaining unpaid costs for students so that they have no out-of-pocket costs.

• Average cost per credit hour: $565
• Financial aid: CU provides a scholarship directory as well as the 'CU Free' program to cover remaining out-of-pocket costs.
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

Several key characteristics are considered in compiling a list of the most affordable online master's degree programs in West Virginia, all of which are focused on students receiving the best educational options. Three of the main criteria for determining the top schools are listed below.

• Accreditation: Schools that have been ranked are all regionally accredited, which applies to each institution as a whole, and they also have various specialized accreditations that apply to individual programs.
• Affordability: Our team reviewed institutions in West Virginia, and these are the 10 cheapest online master's degree programs.
• Program reputation: These online master's degree programs are structured to be flexible while maintaining high-quality learning experiences.

FAQs About Cheap Online Master's Programs in West Virginia

There are several key questions that you may have about the cheapest online master's degree programs in West Virginia, whether they focus on cost, quality or what degrees you should pursue. While certain specifics will vary, based on your program and desired courseload, some of the most frequently asked questions are answered below.

How Much Does an Online Master's Degree Cost in West Virginia?

The cost of an online master's degree program is a combination of tuition and other fees, and these vary by school. A 36-hour master's degree program from one of the schools ranked above would cost between around $15,000 and $21,000 in tuition, plus applicable school or program fees.

How Can I Get My Master's Degree If I Can't Afford It?

Online master's degree programs can be paid for using multiple types of financial aid. Students can submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online, and talk to their school's financial aid office to find out about scholarships, grants, and other aid that they are eligible for. If a specific school has not already been chosen, review our list of the cheapest online colleges that accept FAFSA

What Is the Easiest Master's Degree To Get Online?

The easiest online master's degrees are those that allow flexibility as well as those that accept transfer credit for prior coursework, either graduate or from a bachelor's degree. Students who are able to transfer in prior coursework can decrease the amount of courses needed to complete their program. Flexible online programs that allow students to complete courses around their busy lives, or to customize their required course list, are also easier to complete than those that do not.

Does WVU Offer Online Degrees?

West Virginia University, or WVU, offers several dozen different online master's degree program options, as well as a variety of online doctoral programs. Online programs offered include degrees in economics, business administration, game design, communication and nursing. WVU's online master's degree programs have a tuition rate of $602 to $1,146 per credit hour.

Earn Your Graduate Degree Online

You can discover more online programs on Learn.org and find out which schools have the best and most affordable programs so you can pursue higher education. Contact a school to learn more about the specifics of a program and how you can get started.