10 Most Affordable Online Colleges in West Virginia 2025

Earning a college degree in West Virginia doesn't mean spending a lot of money or going on-campus. These schools offer affordable degrees in fully online learning environments.

Traditional higher education programs often have barriers that prevent some students from earning their degrees, including increasing tuition rates, fees, and rigid schedules. Accredited online colleges in West Virginia provide affordable learning opportunities for students looking to take online courses without sacrificing in-state tuition rates.

In addition to offering accredited degrees, these online schools are some of the cheapest colleges in West Virginia. Affordable online colleges offer numerous degrees, which range from associate degrees to doctoral programs. Students can find various academic programs that can align with any career goals.

List of the Cheapest & Most Affordable Online Colleges in West Virginia

Online degree programs can be completed from some of the top-ranking inexpensive colleges across West Virginia. These programs provide distance learners with accredited part-time and full-time degree programs.

1. Shepherd University

Online learners at Shepherd University can choose from three graduate degree programs and a fully online RN to BSN bridge program. Sheperd's online master's degree offerings include:

Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Arts (MA) in curriculum and instruction
Master of Science (MS) in data analytics and information systems

West Virginia residents with full-time enrollment pay a flat rate of $4,348.00 per semester for undergraduate programs and $4,500.00 for master's programs. Part-time students pay $355 and $500 per credit hour respectively.

2. West Liberty University

Numerous affordable distance education programs are available at West Liberty University. In-state undergraduate students pay $4,445.00 for full-time enrollment, or $370.42 per credit hour for part-time enrollment. Graduate-level, West Virginia resident students pay an average of $6,118 per semester, but some individual programs have higher rates than others.

Some of the fully online degree programs at WLU include a MA in art therapy and counseling, an MS in dental hygiene, and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in general business, which can be completed through accelerated coursework in around two years.

3. American Public University System

The American Public University System is an affordable online college that offers degrees for working adults and military-connected students, especially veterans. APUS offers 54 undergraduate majors and bachelor's degrees in fields of study such as criminal justice, marketing, and information technology.

Online civilian undergraduate students pay $350 per credit hour while graduate degrees cost $455. The preferred military rate for both levels is $250 per credit hour.

4.West Virginia State University

West Virginia State University is an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). The school accepts FAFSA and provides several institutional scholarships to help provide an affordable education. Undergraduate students pay an average of $9,049 per academic year, while graduate-level students pay $9,443 for in-state tuition.

Online undergraduate degrees include Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degrees in accounting or management, as well as bachelor's degrees in criminal justice and health science. The online graduate programs at WVSU include a Master of Education in instructional leadership and an MS in criminal justice administration.

5. Fairmont State University

Fairmont State University has 14 master's degrees available through its online education offerings. Students can enroll in programs such as a Master of Education, an MBA, and more, each with different specializations and concentration options.

Both in-state and out-of-state students pay $351 per credit hour for online graduate programs at FSU. Students can find a variety of scholarships offered by the school based on their educational department.

6. University of Charleston

Learners at the University of Charleston can complete various degrees ranging from the associate to the doctoral level. Degree subjects include cybersecurity, healthcare administration and management, and nursing.

Online undergraduate students pay $380 per credit hour while graduate students pay anywhere from $446 per credit hour to $13,725 per semester, depending on the field of study. All students at UC must fill out their FAFSA to be eligible for the school's proprietary scholarships, such as the Presidential Scholarship, 1888 Scholarship, and the Legacy Scholarship.

7. West Virginia University

West Virginia University offers some of the best online college programs in the state with degrees and certificates offered for undergraduates and graduates. Learners can earn degrees such as a Bachelor of Social Work, nursing RN-to-BSN bridge programs, and data analytics.

Undergraduate learners pay a rate of $437 for online degrees, while graduate learners pay $657. WVU has scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities to help reduce and cover various tuition costs and fees.

8. Strayer University West Virginia

Strayer University is a system of on-campus and online learning facilities spread across 17 states, including a West Virginia location. Individual undergraduate courses at Strayer cost $1,525 or roughly $508 per credit hour in a traditional three-credit hour course model. The graduate programs at Strayer cost $1,680 to $2,490 per course.

Students can choose from numerous subjects, including business administration, information technology, and human resources management. Many of these subjects are available at the undergraduate to graduate levels, allowing students to advance their careers and further their studies.

9. Glenville State University

Glenville State University offers multiple associate and bachelor's degree options designed to help adults either become first-time students or return to complete an unfinished degree. The main fields of study include criminal justice, business administration, and general studies.

There are also tuition discount opportunities, in addition to the scholarships and grants the school offers. Tuition costs $4,248 per semester for in-state students. Law enforcement officers, first responders, and veterans can qualify for a 10% tuition discount.

10. Marshall University Online

Marshall University offers 42 online degrees across the undergraduate and graduate degree levels. Learners can pursue Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in medical laboratory science, public administration and policy, and many more. Students can then continue their studies to graduate degrees in their subjects or others, including criminal justice, education, and leadership studies.

Undergraduate degrees at Marshall University Online cost around $367 per credit hour, while graduate programs will have varying rates based on the subject being studied. Marshall offers merit-based scholarships, as well as other benefits based on the field of study or military status.

Our Selection Criteria

We used strict criteria in selecting these programs to ensure that we not only recommend cheap online colleges in West Virginia, but also high-quality degree programs.

Accreditation: All of these programs have national accreditation from an organization like The Higher Learning Commission or regional accreditation from a Department of Education recognized body like the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Affordability: We highlighted programs with undergraduate tuition rates under $500 per credit hour or with financial aid programs that reduce their tuition rates below this threshold.
Diverse offerings: We selected colleges that offer multiple degrees online that allow students to find the best programs for their needs.

How Much Does a Cheap College in West Virginia Cost?

The affordable online colleges in West Virginia cost around $5,000 to $9,000 per academic year. Most of these schools also accept FAFSA, federal financial aid programs, and offer their own programs that can reduce these costs even further.

How Can I Make an Online Degree Affordable in West Virginia?

Explore various financial aid options, including federal grants, loans, and scholarships, to make your online degree more affordable. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a crucial starting point for determining eligibility for these financial assistance programs.

Additionally, consider selecting an institution that offers affordable online programs. Community colleges, for instance, often provide cost-effective options for general education requirements before transferring to a four-year institution.

If you're employed, check with your employer for tuition assistance opportunities. Part-time enrollment and seeking multiple scholarships can further ease the financial burden while pursuing your online degree.

Learn more below on how to make an online degree cheaper:

FAQs About Higher Education at the Cheapest Colleges in West Virginia

Learners in West Virginia often have questions about online schools and their tuition costs. These questions focus on the costs, admission requirements, and if you have to be a resident of West Virginia.

What Is the Cheapest Online College in West Virginia?

West Virginia University is one of many cheap colleges in West Virginia as it offers some of the lowest tuition costs for its online and on-campus programs. WVU also has multiple financial aid opportunities for learners to reduce their tuition.

Are There Any Free Online College Degree Programs in West Virginia?

There are some free online courses based on residency programs, but there aren't any accredited full degrees. Students might be able to use financial aid programs to cover the costs of already affordable degrees, but there aren't full tuition-free programs based in West Virginia.

What Is the Easiest Online College To Get Into in West Virginia?

West Virginia State University has a 97.6% acceptance rate, which makes it the easiest college with online programs to get admitted to. The school's goal is to promote education with access and opportunities to as many students as possible.

Do You Have To Live In West Virginia To Attend Online College in the State?

You don't have to live in the state to attend an online program through a West Virginia college. However, you'll often have higher tuition rates and won't have access to all of the same financial aid programs as in-state students do.

Find Accredited Online Bachelor's Degree Programs

Our school profiles make it easier to learn about the online degrees available in West Virginia and beyond. Read more information about the programs available through distance learning, then use our resources to reach out to these schools and begin your application process today.