Most Affordable Online Associate Degrees in West Virginia 2025

There are many options for earning a cheap online associate degree in West Virginia. Many cheap online associate degree programs are available, but state residents may be able to complete their degree for free.

The West Virginia Invests grant will cover the cost of your tuition at any state community or technical college. You must pursue a degree or certificate in an in-demand job and plan to work in West Virginia for at least two years after graduation.

Earning an associate degree not only opens up many more career paths, but it also allows you to pursue a bachelor's degree, leading to more earning potential. Keep reading to see how you can complete an affordable associate degree online.

How Much Does an Associate Degree Cost in West Virginia?

Online learning is a great way to lower the cost of your education, and the flexibility of completing an affordable associate degree online makes it a great option for everyone � from high school students to working adults. There are many affordable online colleges in West Virginia, but on average, an associate degree will cost $256.20 per credit hour.

The total will depend on many factors: whether you attend a community college or university, public or private, and the type of degree you are seeking. Often, a degree in nursing or a related medical field will come with additional costs.

You can lower the cost of tuition by taking online classes, bringing in transfer credits to lighten your course load, filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and looking into any scholarships or grants. Invest in your future by completing a cheap online associate degree in West Virginia.

Cheapest Online Associate Degree Programs

Maybe you want a degree in business or education to jumpstart your career; or maybe you're interested in completing some general requirements before transferring to a four-year college or university. Either way, all of these schools offer accredited, affordable online programs.

1. West Virginia Northern Community College

The cheapest online associate degree programs are available at West Virginia Northern Community College. Online learners can complete a 100% online associate degree in:

• criminal justice
• cybersecurity
• cyber support
• software engineering
• substance abuse intervention specialist

Three certificate programs are also available. Students can take courses asynchronously, with course materials available anytime, or synchronously with set course times. Hybrid classes are also available for those who would like more face-to-face time with faculty and peers, or for some required exams or labs.

Average in-state tuition: $163 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $496 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, in-state tuition for Ohio residents, merit- and need-based scholarships

Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Eastern West Virginia Community College and Technical College

Students here can pursue three fully online associate degrees: accounting, administrative support technology, and business management. These accredited programs will prepare students for a successful career in business.

Students interested in transferring to a four-year college to pursue a bachelor's degree in art or science can complete an online Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree. Associate in Arts students will prepare for a bachelor's in art, education, English, history, pre-law, psychology, and others. The Associate in Science degree prepares students to study biology, engineering, math, or physical science.

Average in-state tuition: $188 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $188 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, institutional and state scholarships and grants

Accreditation: HLC

3. West Virginia University Parkersburg

West Virginia University (WVU) Parkersburg offers just one online associate degree in child development. This program prepares students to work in a childcare or Head Start center, or to seek licensure as a teacher or support specialist. Courses focus on child development, early education curriculum, and how to assess children from birth through age five.

In 2025, OnlineU rated this as one of the most affordable online degrees. This is a 2+2 degree, which means if you already have an associate in child development from an accredited school, then you can begin working on a Bachelor of Applied Science in child development at Parkersburg.

Average in-state tuition: $188 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $188 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, students can fill out one application to be considered for most scholarships. The WVAFCS $500 Higher Education Undergraduate Scholarship for the Child Development program has a separate application.

Accreditation: HLC

4. Blue Ridge Community and Technical College

Blue Ridge Community and Technical College offers several online associate programs. Students can pursue a degree in everything from agriculture to healthcare. The following programs are available online:

• accounting
• business administration
• criminal justice
• liberal arts
• agribusiness
• cybersecurity
• nursing

These programs prepare you to be career-ready, no matter your field. Blue Ridge offers additional career assistance, including mock interviews, resume reviews, networking, and more. The school reports that these services have helped 34% of their graduates land jobs.

Average in-state tuition: $198 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $367 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, Blue Ridge CTC Foundation scholarships, work-study opportunities, institutional and state grants

Accreditation: HLC

5. Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College

Students at Southern West Virginia can take online classes to earn a certificate or grow a particular skill set, but seven associate degrees are also available. Get your college degree in:

• business accounting
• business administration
• criminal justice
• early childhood development
• information technology

Additionally, students who intend to transfer to an in-person or online bachelor's program can complete an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree completely online at Southern West Virginia. Full-time students can complete these education programs in about two years.

Average in-state tuition: $218 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $332 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, West Virginia Higher Education Grant (WVHEG), Southern West Virginia Community College Foundation Scholarships, federal work-study programs

Accreditation: HLC

6. West Virginia University Potomac State College

Complete your online degree at WVU's Potomac State College in one of the following:

• business administration
• general studies
• pre-social work

Full-time students can complete these degrees in about two years. Potomac State also offers two online bachelor's programs, one in business management and one in criminal justice. There is a rolling admissions process, so after submitting all admissions requirements, you should hear back about enrollment in just a few weeks.

Average in-state tuition: $244 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $550 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, automatic merit scholarships, institutional and state grants and scholarships, free tuition for eligible students over age 65

Accreditation: HLC

7. Pierpont Community and Technical College

Pierpont is one of many nonprofit community and technical colleges in West Virginia that offers accredited online classes. Students can complete their associate degree in American Sign Language (ASL), accounting, health information technology, nutrition and dietetic technology, or paralegal studies.

The nutrition program is further accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and is available both online and in person. Additionally, the health information technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

Average in-state tuition: $239 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $569 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, PROMISE scholarship, tuition waivers for eligible students, tuition assistance for members of the military and veterans

Accreditation: HLC

8. University of Charleston

The University of Charleston only offers one fully online associate degree in cybersecurity. However, at only $380 per credit hour, you can still complete your degree from a recognized, accredited university without spending too much.

The cybersecurity program involves 60 credit hours of coursework and can be completed in about two years full-time. Part-time options are also available for students who need a more flexible schedule. The program is designed to be accessible to students who do not have much or any prior experience in cybersecurity.

Average in-state tuition: $380 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $380 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, UC scholarships, state grants, discounts and scholarships for military members and their families

Accreditation: HLC

9. West Virginia Junior College

West Virginia Junior College (WVJC) is located in Morgantown and offers the biggest variety of online associate programs. Students can earn a degree in:

• human resources
• healthcare administration
• nursing or practical nursing
• cybersecurity
• medical coding

Many others are also available, including an RN to BSN program, a 12-month online program that allows nursing students to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing. You can access coursework from anywhere and at any time that works best with your busy schedule.

Average in-state tuition: $14,635 per year

Average out-of-state tuition: $14,635 per year

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, institutional scholarships, nursing and high school scholarships

Accreditation: The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools

Other Affordable Online Associate Degrees in the U.S.

West Virginia's neighbors also offer many online degree programs. Online schools across the nation provide a flexible, affordable way for you to further your education.

Laurel Ridge Community College

Laurel Ridge is located just southeast of West Virginia, with campuses in Middletown, Warrenton, and Luray in Virginia. Online students can complete a degree in business administration, computer science, education, fine arts, general studies, or many others.

Students who complete their associate degree and graduate with a high enough GPA have guaranteed admission to more than 30 colleges and universities in the state of Virginia.

Average in-state tuition: $255.05

Average out-of-state tuition: $383.65

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, merit-based grants, support for military and veterans, state and federal scholarships and grants

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

How We Rank Schools

Whether you are a recent high school grad or a working parent, deciding to go back to school to further your education is a big decision. That's why we focused on some important criteria when putting together our list of schools.

• Accreditation: All of our online schools are fully accredited, which means their educational programs are held to the highest standards. You can be confident in receiving a quality education from any of the above schools.
• Affordability: We know paying for college can be daunting, but all of our schools offer low tuition rates, significant financial aid, or both. And as a West Virginia resident, you can apply for the West Virginia Invests grant to help lower costs even more.
• Program reputation and quality: These schools are accredited and recognized across the state. Courses are taught by qualified faculty, and online students can expect the same rigorous coursework as on-campus students.
• Online format: Every school offers at least one online program, allowing you the flexibility to complete classwork on your time. However, if you need more options and are able to travel to campus, many schools offer more hybrid degree options.

FAQs About the Cheapest Associate Degrees in West Virginia

If you've taken a look at online academic programs but still have questions, we are here to help. Take a look at our FAQs below to learn more about costs and requirements for free tuition.

What Is the Easiest Associate Degree To Get Online in West Virginia?

The easiest degree will depend on your skills, interests, and any transfer credits you are able to bring with you. The schools we listed above offer programs in everything from fine art to healthcare, so chances are there is a program that appeals to you and fits with your career goals.

If you want to finish school fast and get right to work, then you may want to look into some of the fastest online associate degrees. In some states, you can complete your degree in as little as six months.

How Much Does a 2-Year Degree Cost?

A two-year degree generally requires 60 credit hours of coursework. The average tuition for our nine state schools was $256.20 per credit hour, which means that, on average, a two-year degree will cost $15,372. Remember that West Virginia residents can take advantage of the West Virginia Invests grant to cover the total cost of their tuition.

In addition to this grant, there are many online colleges that accept financial aid in West Virginia. Don't forget to review any scholarships and grants that you may be eligible for.

What Is the Least Expensive Degree To Get?

An online degree from a public community college in the state where you live will have the cheapest tuition rate. But check to see if your chosen program has any additional costs; a medical degree often includes additional costs and clinical coursework.

Are There Any Free Online Degrees?

There are no free online degree programs in West Virginia; however, with the West Virginia Invests grant, you can complete your degree with zero tuition. The student must be a resident of West Virginia attending a state community or technical college. He or she should be pursuing a degree in a high-paying, in-demand field and will complete at least two hours of community service each semester.

After graduation, the student must stay and work in West Virginia for at least two years. There are other requirements for this program, but you can request info from your school to see if you are eligible.

Explore Online Degrees

Today, about 75% of jobs require some level of higher education or certification � which makes investing in your education more important than ever. When you are ready to get started, reach out to one of the schools featured on Learn.org to discuss your plans.